Literature and South Africa - 6682 Words

DECLARATION NAME: Ndumiso Ncube STUDENT NUMBER: 46302522 MODULE NUMBER: THL 2601 ASSIGNMENT NUMBER: 02 I declare that this assignment is my own, original work. Where I have used source material, it is acknowledged in accordance with departmental requirements. I understand what plagiarism is and I am aware of the departmental policy on it. Signature: Ndumiso Ncube Date: 25 March 2013 CHECKLIST Please tick the appropriate (√) | | YES | NO | 1 | I acknowledged all source material (study guide, tutorial letter, internet, other sources) used in my assignment. | √ | | 2 | Irrespective of whether I participated in a study group or not, the wording of the assignment is my own. | √ | | 3 | I indicated all sources used†¦show more content†¦Though it shall be established in this write-up that a link always exists between all the three types of codes mentioned above for a text to be described as a system, it is paramount to view with a magnifying glass on the inherent elements and value of the poem as the Structuralist suggested. In Mending Wall, the intratextual code is recognisable in the aesthetic use of the word play (paronomasia) in â€Å"Where they have left no one stone on a stone† and â€Å"What I was walling in or walling out†. Principles of repetition are also used in â€Å"Something there is that doesn’t love a wall† and â€Å"Good fences make good neighbours†. One aspect of intratextual code is its advocation for recognition of visible concrete features of a text. The use of the lyrical voice â€Å"I† and â€Å"neighbour† to draw closer to and alienate the other from the reader strikes one as a code that demands recoding and overcoding. Paradigmatic links in wall, hill, line and fences; loaves, balls, boulders and stone; hunters –elves; rabbits and yelping dogs call upon the reader to recode and overcode these signs to come with the real meanings of the poem. However, the reader also has to be acquainted with the literally code employed by the speaker to appreciate the inherent value of the poem, for example, the choice of diction, semantic variations and form, and secondary modelling systemShow MoreRelatedLiterature and South Africa6676 Words   |  27 Pages References Jong, M.D. 2008. Theory of the Sign in Literature and Culture. Only Study Guide for THL201A. University of South Africa: Pretoria Lotman, J. 1977. The Structure of the Artistic Text. Translated from Russian by G. Lenhoff and G. Vroom. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. Oliphant, A.W. and Keuris, M. 2010. Structuralist and Semiotic Theories of Genre. Only study guide for THL2602. University of South Africa: Pretoria. SECTION 2: READING, RECEPTION AND INTERPRETATIONRead MoreSouth Africa And South African Literature Essay1487 Words   |  6 PagesAfter the end of World War II, new ideals began to encroach on South Africa. One of these new ideas was Apartheid, the idea that the races should be separate. This idea quickly became practiced in everyday life and became included in the laws governing South Africa. As one can imagine this ideal also invaded the literature written in South Africa and South African writers. 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Florida s Mental Health Crisis - 3828 Words

Florida’s Mental Health Crisis The impact of mental illness on public service and economics is profound in the state of Florida. Improving the quality and funding of mental healthcare requires public administrator development through practical management and intellectual organization and although such evolution consists of examining theoretical ideology, primary importance should be placed on putting theory into practice. Dutil (2014) affirms that practice and policy are results of routine; however, the state of Florida has routinely allocated decreasing amounts of financing for the mental illness crisis. More importantly, the state is failing to draw lessons from public service icons such as Gulick, Weber, and FDR who began†¦show more content†¦Laws carry overwhelming allegorical value and possess the potential to enhance public opinion; however, the clear imbalance of mental illness treatment further complicates public policy enhancement. Mental Health Assessment and Rates of Illness The basic premise of any doctor’s assessment is to address the patient’s concerns, perform lab work, diagnose the condition, perhaps administer medication, and monitor the patient for improvement or problems associated with medication. In general, patients are expected to follow the advice of a certified physician; however, mental illness challenges the rudimentary design of doctor and patient relationships. Psychiatry entails assessments that are elaborate and while often reducing patient symptoms, continue to pose challenges to the psychiatric field due to the level of maintenance and the evolution of recovery (Jacob, K., S. 2015.) Moreover, the approach to recovery in mental illness patients does not end with medication as management and continuous care dominate the mental illness landscape. Bernstein et al (2011) affirm that in the United States, â€Å"25% of adults have a diagnosable mental disorder† (as Cited in Ghodse, 2011, pg. 451,  ¶2) and â€Å"the high rate of mental illness

Single Parents free essay sample

For many years, children growing up in a single parent family have been viewed as different. With much speculation, this topic has become a very intriguing argument. What people must understand is that properly raising a child does not rely on the structure of a family but should be more focused on the process or values that are taught to these children as they learn to mature. Being raised by only one parent seems impossible to many yet over the decades it has become more prevalent. In today’s society many children have grown up to become emotionally stable and successful whether they had one or two parents to show them the rocky path that life bestows upon all human beings. Children of single parents can be just as progressive with emotional, social and behavioral skills as those with two parents. People claim that the only way for children to gain full emotional and behavioral skills is to be raised by both a mother and a father. We will write a custom essay sample on Single Parents or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The problem lies in the difference of children raised by single parents versus children raised by both a mother and a father. Does a child need both parents? Children who are raised with both a mother and a father have more attention from both parents therefore they get the emotional time they need to progress in life. It would not be beneficial at all to grow up in a two-parent family who did nothing but argue and put each other down. Naturally, a child who sees this from a very young age until they are ready to be out on their own would only follow in the footsteps of all that they have ever known. Not all families are lucky enough to have a healthy structure. In my opinion children’s needs respect and strong moral values so one day they can pass on to their family.

Pegging The Saudi Riyal To The Us Dollar

Abstract Scholars have argued about currency pegging policy, and whether it is suitable for an economy or not. Based on Saudi Arabia riyal and the US dollar pegging, this essay critically evaluates theories and policy implications behind the two decades pegging of the riyal against the dollar. It also presents the argument of SAMA as well as why the government of Saudi Arabia believes that currency pegging is appropriate for its economic stability.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Pegging The Saudi Riyal To The Us Dollar specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The study shows that pegging system is under pressure from the public as well as economists who want the government to revalue the riyal. They point at rising inflation and exchange rates of other currencies together with the depreciating value of the dollar as the main reasons to revalue the riyal. However, the government maintains that inflation in the country r esults from domestic processes and not changes in foreign currency exchange rate. In fact, SAMA believes that pegging the riyal against the US shall persist while the US dollar is the global currency of commodities. Meanwhile, experts believe that revaluation of riyal shall happen in the near future. Introduction Currency pegging refers to â€Å"the act of indexing or fixing the exchange rate of one currency against another currency† (Hakes and Gamber 89). Currency pegging is a macroeconomic practice that aims to abridge international trade and lessen the rate of inflation of the pegged currency. This practice usually involves a major currency (mostly the US dollar) and another currency. In order to sustain pegging of a local currency, the Central Bank has to trade its currency against the pegged currency. In addition, the Central Bank must maintain a large reserve of the foreign currency to enable it control the supply of its local currency. The pegged currency must have som e float. This implies that the buying rate remains fixed. Conversely, the selling price has marginal changes to enable other money traders buy and sell the dollar. Pegging currency has some implications for the foreign exchange traders. For instance, the Central Bank takes an active role in the market and fixes the rate of exchange. This practice is also responsible for high liquidity in the market. It prevents a single trader from influencing the market and limits the major currency (Mishkin 71).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Literature Review and theories Since 1986, the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia has pegged the Saudi riyal against the dollar. However, there are calls to revalue the Saudi riyal and end the practice just like in Kuwait. This is because of the weakening dollar. Experts claim that it is now fueling inflation and making commodities expensive (Mankiw 78). Prices of oils have increased, and the economy has grown considerably. These factors have placed pressure on the government so that it revalues the riyal. However, any changes in the exchange rate of the dollar and riyal shall have negative consequences for several stakeholders. First, the government shall bear negative consequences of revaluation. This is because earnings from oils are usually in dollars, which the country changes to riyal for the national budget. According to Bourland, revaluation of riyal shall â€Å"permanently weaken riyal value based on oil revenues, reduce the size of the national budget surplus, and create a budget deficit† (Bourland 1). The government also has its assets in dollar denomination. Therefore, revaluation would reduce the value of these assets. Second, the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia (SAMA) has categorically stated that the country shall not revalue the riyal against the dollar. This implies that such changes can hurt the credibility of SAMA, affect confidence of consumers in the riyal when oil prices drop or when the value of the dollar increases. SAMA would not allow sudden changes on the rate of exchange. However, gradual adjustments cannot hurt many stakeholders affected by the weakening dollar. Third, foreign investors shall also bear the consequences of revaluation. This is because of an expensive riyal and the introduction of exchange rate shall create uncertainties in the market. This act can discourage investments in the country.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Pegging The Saudi Riyal To The Us Dollar specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Finally, Saudi exporting companies shall also bear negative impacts of revaluation because their products shall become expensive. This shall make such products to lack competitiveness. On the other hand, imports shall become cheap and still render locally produced goods to lack competitiveness. Revaluatio n of the riyal against the dollar can make sense over a long-term basis as economy undergoes diversification and SAMA seeks for many avenues for independent rates. However, the time to revalue the riyal is not now. Any attempt to change the fixed rate in order to reflect weakening dollar shall hurt the Saudi economy. Thus, the only alternative to ease the rising rates of inflation among the public can come from subsidizing prices of commodities using oil revenues. Exchange Rate For over two decades, SAMA has pegged riyal against the dollar at 3.75. This was a move to stabilize both internal and external value of riyal. SAMA chose the dollar because of its international usages in the oil trade. SAMA relies on sufficient â€Å"foreign exchange convertible to gold† (principally short-term US dollar instruments) to cover the value of all printed riyals in circulation† (Bourland 1). Pegging the riyal against the dollar has served its purpose of â€Å"supporting the economic growth† (Bourland 1). It has controlled inflation in the country. Experts have observed that the rate of inflation in the country has averaged 0.5 percent between 1986 and 2006. The IMF also noted that the country’s real effective exchange rate was stable. The real effective exchange rate considers the country’s currency against those of its trading partners. Changes in the international prices of oil have placed pressure on the pegged riyal. For instance, in 1993, the international price of oil fell. There were also concerns relating to budget deficits. This generated speculations that the value of riyal shall fall. During 1998 and 1999, there were similar experiences due to â€Å"drops in oil prices and economic crisis of Asia† (Bourland 1).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, SAMA used its vast foreign assets in order to control devalue and maintain strength of the riyal. Presently, this pressure does not come from market activities. Instead, it originates from public opinion. The public wants upward revaluation or an end to pegging. Causes of pressure for revaluation The market expectations and perceptions are responsible for calls for revaluation of the riyal. The public argues that the currency strength is not consistent with the rising prices of oil and strong economy growth of the country. In addition, the weakening dollar makes the external value of â€Å"the riyal to reduce as inflation hurts its internal value† (Mankiw 78). Still, there are also regional forces (GCC members) and other global factors, which place pressure on the riyal. The fair value of a currency is difficult to ascertain as most economists show. For riyal, it is not free-floating. Thus, it fair value based on the market forces remain difficult to establish. Howev er, changes in the oil prices should provide ground for revaluation of the riyal. The country also has large account surplus, which demonstrates that pegging undervalues the riyal. Saudi Arabia has â€Å"exceeded 20% of GDP for the last three consecutive years† (Bourland 1). Finally, the Big Mac Index puts it that the riyal is 36 percent undervalued against the dollar (The Economist 1). The index relies on prices of similar products across different countries and attributes the price differences to discrepancies in exchange rates. Data from other trading partners have indicated that the value of riyal has fallen. For instance, the Euro, the British Pound, and other currencies depict these changes. Under these conditions, the free-floating exchange rates from forces of the market shall ensure that the riyal appreciates. Strength against riyal among Saudi’s trading partners Exchange rate movements Percent of Imports Currency Change vs Riyal* Euro zone 25 Euro 12. 1 US 15 Dollar 0.0 China 9 Yuan 5.9 Japan 8 Yen 3.0 UK 4 Pound 13.3 South Korea 4 Won 6.9 India 4 Rupee 9.2 *End 2005 to August 17, 2007: Data from SUSRIS, 2007 Source: the Economist, January 12, 2012 These indicators show that pegging has created undervalued riyal. However, this should not translate to revaluation of the currency after two decades of pegging. Undervalued currencies usually drive competition and growth through encouraging export of products. This implies that Saudi Arabia benefits from currency pegging. Still, SAMA must not revalue the currency because rates of foreign exchanges are not stable. The dollar might gain strength and create a weak riyal. In this regard, the argument for revaluation should follow â€Å"structural economic arguments rather than changes in the foreign exchange markets† (Bourland 1). The rising inflation and exchange rate In the recent past, Kuwait revalued its dinar. It argued that a weak currency was responsible f or inflation. Thus, we can apply the same rationale to Saudi Arabia. The decline in riyal has also come in a time of rising inflation. From 2003 to 2007, the rate of inflation in the country rose from 0.3 percent to 3.1 percent. The weak riyal led to high prices of imported products. In this sense, upward revaluation of the riyal shall â€Å"reduce prices of imported goods and consequently, reduce inflation† (Hakes and Gamber 91). However, imports are not the main contributor to rising prices based on the following observations. First, inflation in the Kingdom results from locally produced goods. This is because of economic growth in the country, which has forced prices of commodities to rise. Inflation mainly results from food prices. We have to note that increments in food prices are global phenomena and do not affect Saudi Arabia alone. In addition, food prices do not relate to changes in currency markets. Prices of other commodities have also increased. Commodities, such as jewelry, gold, and silver, have increased in international prices. However, such changes have not affected majority, and they are not severe like in the case of food prices. Rent prices have changed due to increase in the number of expatriates in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia: Inflation Breakdown 2003 2004 2005 2006 H1 2007 Foodstuffs beverages 0.6 4.9 3.0 5.3 6.7 Fabrics, clothing footwear -0.5 -2.4 -1.5 -0.6 -2.5 Renovation, rent, fuel water 0.0 0.3 -0.1 0.8 5.3 Home furniture -0.6 -1.7 0.4 0.3 1.0 Medical care 0.2 0.4 0.0 1.3 2.1 Transport telecoms -1.7 -0.6 -2.5 -3.2 -2.7 Education entertainment -0.6 -0.6 0.3 0.3 -0.2 Other expenses services 2.5 0.6 2.4 7.7 4.9 Overall 0.6 0.3 0.7 2.3 3.0 Source: SUSRI: 2007 and 2012 Analysts believe that exchange rates are not the main source of inflation in the Kingdom. The above tables capture various items and services from local and international markets to show that exchange rates are not the cause of problems. In fact, some locally produced goods and services have proved that inflation in the country does not arise from the currency pegging. Trade data from other countries have also indicated that the dollar was not the source of inflation in the country. For instance, products from China have kept the rate of inflation low. China has increased its export to the Kingdom. Share of imports (percent) 2002 2006 Euro zone 25 25 US 16 15 China 5 9 Japan 11 8 UK 6 4 South Korea 3 4 India 3 4 Data from SUSRI, 2007 Revaluation of the riyal can result into â€Å"low prices in some commodities† (Hakes and Gamber 92). However, this approach cannot handle inflation effectively. This is because revaluation of the currency can increase disposable income among Saudis. However, stronger spending power can also create high prices as demands increase. Saudi Arabia Inflation chart from Jadwa/SUSRIS, April 2012 Changes in the values of foreign incomes and assets The revaluation of the currency can lead to low earnings from oils and low values of other assets denominated in dollar. This implies that if the government increases the value of riyal, then its earnings from oil exports shall fall. The fall in earnings from oil exports can implicate the national budget of the Kingdom and create large deficits. Surplus in the national budget shall also decline as spending in public sectors increase. Similarly, all foreign assets of the government shall also lose value based on upward revaluation of the riyal. The upward revaluation of the currency shall affect other sectors such as financial institutions, which may have foreign assets. Companies that also have assets valued in dollars shall also experience decrease in value of their assets because statements shall reflect valuations in riyal. SAMA policy complications For more than two decades, the country has pegged the currency against the dollar. On several occasions, SAMA has stated consistent ly and categorically that it shall not review the current fixed rate of exchange. In addition, SAMA insists that it has mechanisms of fighting off any speculations arising from pegged the rate. SAMA has enough assets, which can afford to â€Å"buy all riyal in circulation if the pegged currency is under pressure from economic forces† (Bourland 1). This implies that the country has to prepare the market for many years for such changes. However, it has not happened. Therefore, the policy of currency pegging shall remain firmly in place in order to maintain the pegging system. Protecting the currency credibility Credibility is crucial in money market. Thus, policymakers must use it to protect the currency as well as the exchange rate. The lack of credibility in a currency market can make traders lose confidence in the currency. This is because of uncertainty regarding the value of currency. Eventually, the loss of credibility can affect investment and economic performance of the Kingdom. Thus, the country cannot afford any abrupt changes to the currently pegged exchange rate. However, the strength of the dollar and decrease in global prices of oil can also devalue the riyal. Protecting locally produced commodities Revaluation of the riyal can result into high prices of products, which do not use the dollar as a benchmark. Still, prices of import products valued in other currencies shall decline. On the other hand, prices of locally manufactured products shall rise. This shall undermine the competitiveness of local products. The country can diverse its economy and encourage the growth of other sectors rather than the oil export. Any revaluation of the riyal shall raise prices of exported goods. As the country records positive economic growth, imports shall increase, and the public shall have confidence in the market. Any revaluation of the riyal shall result into an increase in imports. Thus, imports shall be cheap as exports become expensive. This shall re duce the competitive ability of local products. Foreign Investment Revaluation of the riyal shall reduce foreign investments in the Kingdom. This is because foreign investors shall deal with unstable and expensive riyal. In addition, the readjustment of the pegged rate shall create uncertainty in the foreign exchange market. This situation can deter any form of foreign investment in the country. The country has promoted its foreign investment agenda under the pegged currency. This implies that the country’s agenda of attracting foreign investments cannot be successful if it reviews the riyal. For foreign investors, pegging the currency has created a long-term stability. This has eliminated risks associated with the capital value, which results from free-floating exchange rates. The dollar has also presented cases of volatility. However, this does not imply Saudi Arabia should revalue its currency. Increased Volatility Changes in international oil prices have created a volatil e situation in Saudi Arabia. This implies that the exchange rate has also experienced volatility in the Kingdom. The country has relied on large dollar reserves and the pegged exchange rate in order to control volatile situation, which arises from fluctuating oil prices. Any move to abandon the pegging system can expose the riyal to further volatility. This implies that many oil traders cannot rely on riyal as a currency of exchange. Therefore, country must gradually plan and implement any plan of abandoning the riyal pegging or revaluation of its currency. Other arguments for revaluation of the currency Initially, the GCC had planned to have a single currency by the year 2010. This initiative has faced many hurdles. According to some economists, this scenario may force the Kingdom to revalue its currency (Bourland 1). These economists claim that GCC member states can readjust their currencies in preparation for the launch of the GCC single currency. However, some believe that the G CC member states shall peg the GCC currency to the dollar whereby the riyal shall have a fixed rate. Later, the GCC member states may include a basket of currencies that show their trade relationships. Still, the Kingdom and other states like Qatar have claimed that as long as the dollar stays in the global financial system as the currency of price commodities, they shall continue to peg their currencies to reflect this. Some economists argue that pegging currencies create global imbalances in trade. However, global imbalance results from large gaps in trade between countries. In this case, one country saves excessively as another one spends excessively. This is the case of the US and China whereby the latter is responsible for large trade deficit between them. China has also pegged its currency against the dollar. Revaluation of currencies usually reduces the gap in trade imbalances among countries. This act normally encourages such countries to increase imports and reduce the gap. As a result, the existing trade imbalances decline. Negative impacts of pegged currency First, pegging currency has created conditions in which it is difficult to balance the trade between the two countries. Free exchange rates usually balance imports and exports between trading partners. For instance, in a situation whereby there is a trade deficit, there is an increasing demand for foreign currency as prices of foreign commodities increase. Thus, the foreign products shall not be attractive to domestic consumers. Consequently, it creates a trade balance. On the other hand, if we have a pegged currency, creating a trade balance is difficult. This is because a fixed rate of exchange does not provide an opportunity for the government to devalue currency. This implies that prices of domestic products shall remain high. Second, under the current prevailing economic conditions, it has become difficult to print additional money in order to stimulate the economy with a pegged currency. P rinting additional money may benefit the average household. However, it cannot tame the rising inflation and costs of basic commodities. This is because consumers will not be willing to spend money on expensive domestic products. This implies that the demand for foreign products shall increase. Still, a lack of trade imbalance because of pegging system shall force the domestic production to fall and cause recession. Third, defending the pegging system is usually a difficult task. Saudi Arabia may resort to agent measures in order to make trade possible if the dollar continues to weaken rapidly. Some of these measures may include artificial strategies to reduce the rate of inflation, increase taxes, and reduce supply of money in the market. The strategy provides the government with an opportunity to raise incomes from taxes and allow consumers to purchase local products. These strategies are not sustainable because they lead to high taxes, which make the cost of running a business an expensive activity. Unemployment may come because of high rates of taxes. In addition, foreign companies may move to other areas with low costs of running a business. Fourth, there are also political reasons, which influence currency pegging among countries. For instance, China’s action towards the dollar may result from the battle for supremacy as an alternative source of global currency. However, in some case, the pegging may be away of forging a strong alliance between countries through their trade. This is the case of Saudi Arabia and the US. This system has enabled the two countries to maintain strong relationships despite the Gulf turmoil. However, the situation cannot allow the Kingdom to fix its riyal against other major currencies like the Euro, the GBP and others. In addition, the current may also find it difficult to abandon pegging in its financial policy. Policy Implication From various points of view, it is appropriate for Saudi Arabia to continue with the pegg ing policy. However, as market conditions and pressure mount on the riyal, it will be necessary to implement changes to pegging policy gradually. The two main factors, which shall cause revaluation of the riyal, are diversification of the Kingdom’s economy and the need for independent systems to set the rate of interest as businesses acquire autonomy. However, revaluation of the currency shall take many years because economic diversification is a slow process. Still, the oil market shall operate under the dollar currency for many years to come. The country cannot adjust its interest rate due to its pegged currency. It has to rely on interest rates as the US Federal Reserve provides. This creates limited flexibility in controlling interest rates. If the country deviates from the US rates, then financial institutions can take advantage and make profits from a risk-free opportunity. The ability to set or control interest rate is â€Å"a way of managing inflation in many countri es† (Hakes and Gamber 92). However, this requires involvement of local individuals to enhance their spending habits in order to â€Å"create impacts in adjusted interest rates† (Hakes and Gamber 92). In the Kingdom, consumers’ debt uptake is still low. Probably, abandoning pegging system shall encourage the uptake of credit facilities because the government shall have the freedom to adjust the interest rates in a way suitable for the local economy. The government should also consider distributions of oil revenues by subsidizing costs of basic commodities like foodstuff to its citizens. The government should also consider pegging the riyal to â€Å"a trade-weighted basket of currencies† (Bourland 1). From this policy, the riyal shall match the rate of its trading partners and reduce cases of imported inflation. However, this approach is complex, and the public may not readily understand it. In addition, it can create a volatile situation for the economy of the Kingdom. Thus, it is not a favorable approach. The ultimate aim may be to achieve a free-floating currency in which market forces influence the rate of the currency. However, given the volatility in the international oil prices, any further fluctuation from foreign market exchanges shall create uncertainty in the market. Therefore, the only viable option for Saudi Arabia is to maintain its pegging policy. Summary and Conclusion Saudi Arabia is under pressure from economists and the public to revalue its riyal against the dollar or abandon the pegging policy altogether. This is due to weaken of the dollar in foreign exchange markets, increasing rates of inflation, and the rising value of currencies of trading partners. However, Saudi Arabia is not ready to break this policy after two decades. We can argue that changes in foreign exchange rates are not appropriate reasons to adjust the riyal against the dollar. However, some economic factors should make the country to consider the pegging policy. In its defense for pegging policy, Saudi Arabia argues that rising inflation does not relate to changes in the foreign currency market. Instead, it originates from domestic activities. In addition, inflation in the country mostly affects domestic products rather than imported products. The Kingdom has also stated that it has appropriate mechanisms to handle rising inflation or a weaker dollar. The Kingdom believes that pegging currency has many benefits than its revaluation. Thus, pegging the riyal against the dollar has achieved its purpose. Works Cited Bourland, Brad. The Riyal’s Peg to the Dollar. Jan. 2007. Web. Hakes, Davide and Edward Gamber. Study Guide for The Economics of Money, Banking, and Financial Markets. New York: Prentice Hall, 2009. Print. Mankiw, Gregory. Macroeconomics. 7th ed. New York: Worth Publishers, 2010. Print. Mishkin, Frederic. Economics of Money, Banking, and Financial Markets. 9th ed. New York: Prentice Hall, 2009. Print. The Eco nomist. The Big Mac Index. Jan. 2012. Web. https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2012/01/12/the-big-mac-index. This report on Pegging The Saudi Riyal To The Us Dollar was written and submitted by user Ibrahim V. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

APEC volunteer essays

APEC volunteer essays The APEC volunteer worked the news brief APEC final stage wish work finished. Believes all volunteers equally never forgets with me to this period of time life and work. Although volunteer's work is laborious, is trivial numerous and diverse, but is not bored. Perhaps everybody can think the work has one spot is that monotonous, but in the ordinary work also the pleasure is actually infinite! In this, the schoolmate which I represents our document distribution group to everybody introduces some we the amusing thing which bump into in the work. Before dawn two and half... The document distribution group's work, does not use the explanation, everybody metropolis understands, is with the reduction, the distribution document related some matters. Because works the characteristic, usually we all are the daytime are idle, night is busy. Each time the congress eve, has the document which innumerable second days must use needs us trims and the classification, thereupon in order to complete t ask we frequently works overtime until late at night. Remembers in October 16, also is the double ministers council day before evening, our group's schoolmate continuously does with Ministry of Foreign Affairs's staff from afternoon eight before dawn two o'clock only then piles up like the mountain document minute principle becomes several hundred. But second day we begin the time are morning seven and half, therefore it can be imagined everybody sleep time also on that four, five hours. This no wonder second days, our group " the panda bear " specially.. are many The very many people have not had a good sleep, all appeared the black eye socket. The reduction document process actually is very happy, ten several schoolmates platoons become one row, folds along the document serial number table on document one one geography is good. The greatly home use identical speed forward motion, neatly delimits one, in the mouth also sings the same song! The happy talk a...

Snowmobiles HIstory and the Influence of their Emissions

Snowmobiles HIstory and the Influence of their Emissions Free Online Research Papers Pictures of the Yellowstone Park Rangers wearing gas masks gained national attention to how much pollution snowmobiles were bringing into this world, national park areas and specifically Yellowstone National Park. In Yellowstone, where the cleanest air in the nation should be found, levels of pollution often exceed those of downtown Los Angelas (Measuring Concentrations of Selected Air Pollutants Inside California Vehicles Report). Studies were then quickly initiated and two stroke snowmobiles were banned from the park. Yet in many other places millions of riders still run these engines each winter to head into the snow covered play areas. There are no federal laws regulating snowmobile exhaust outside of Yellowstone. These machines are also not equipped with any devices that measure or control the pollution given off. Air pollution is well documented and can also be traced to many different health issues. This paper will review the snowmobiles history, the extent of snowmobil e pollution and the impact on human health. Snowmobiles first started gaining popularity in the 1960’s. At that time there were approximately a dozen different manufactures that sold their different versions of snowmobiles. Each snowmobile selling for a few hundred dollars a piece; each manufacturer selling 50-100 sleds each year. This is what started the sport, at that time nobody could imagine it would grow to what we have these days. This become more evident in the 1970’s with the â€Å"rapid technological advancements and more than 100 manufacturers that laid a major emphasis on racing and speed propelled snowmobiling as a sport† (American Snowmobiler: 30-31). During this time sales and promotional materials for snowmobiling showed happy eager riders bare handed and in stocking hats. Snowmobilers were having so much fun that the sales grew as fast as gas prices were raising. Most engines at that time cranked out approximately 20 to 35 horsepower. Snowmobile sales in 1971 rose to 495,000 world wide, with more than two million sold between 1970 and 1973. By 1977 the list of manufacturers shrunk to about seven due to the lean snow years, an oil embargo and tough economic times that set in. By the end of the 70’s decade the annual sales settled at about 250,000 sleds. Today’s snowmobiles have made drastic changes since the 60’s and 70’s era. There are now four different snowmobile manufacturers that build and sell snowmobiles. They are: Arctic Cat- headquarters in Thief River Falls, MN; Polaris- headquarters in Medina, MN; BRP (better known as Ski-Doo) headquarters in Valcourt, Quebec and Yamaha Corporation- headquarters in Cypress, CA. Between the four manufacturers in 2008 there were about 163,753 sold worldwide; 79,552 were sold in the United States and 50,556 were sold in Canada. Snowmobiles now are lightweight, being built out of aluminum materials and powered by motors that have up to 225 horsepower, this being four times the horsepower of what some Harleys have. These machines can easily reach 120 mph and get a person to where they want to go and fast. Among the many technological advances made by the manufacturer’s one of the biggest steps that has been and is being worked on is the cleaner four-stroke models. These new motors burn fuel the same way that a car engine does, which compared to a typical two-stroke motor it burns much cleaner and much more efficiently. But with efficiency and power also comes weight and clumsiness. These new sleds weight approximately 75-200 pounds more but also have 50% less emissions and create much less noise than the typical two-stroke snowmobile. Because of the weight differences and the inability for people to have the special add-ons, four-stroke snowmobiles have not made an enormous plunge quite yet in the world of snowmobiles. Therefore, the vast majority of snowmobilers still ride a two-stroke which are as polluting as their 1960’s era predecessors. Two-stroke snowmobile engines discharge up to one-third of their fuel unburned into the environment and is one of the largest unchecked sources of hydrocarbon pollution worldwide. The major concern with the discharge is threefold: the effect of toxic emissions on our country’s air quality, the discharge of raw fuel and the effect of both on water quality. In a two-stoke engine the oil is mixed with the fuel and 20% to 33% of the mixture is emitted unburned into the air and the snow pack (MDEQ 2004). Also, â€Å"the combustion process is relatively inefficient and results in high emissions of air pollutants† (NPS 2000). It is because of these two reasons the two stroke snowmobiles emit large amounts of carbon monoxide, smoke and unburned hydrocarbons. Other pollutants that are emitted include aldehydes, 3-butadiene, and benzene. â€Å"Tests have been done to prove that just one snowmobile creates the same amount of pollution that of 100 automobiles† (The New York Times, 2002). Every winter, snowmobiles dump more than 100,000 gallons of raw fuel and 2,500 gallons of raw two-cycle oil into just the National park ecosystems (J.T Turk). Pollutants from the snowmobile emissions are locked within the snow pack. The toxic effects of the built up pollutants in the snow pack are magnified during the first few days of spring, when they are released during snowmelt, causing elevated acidity levels that are in the waterways. This results in higher death rates of aquatic insects and amphibians (J.T Turk). The impact or the spring pollutants may have consequences for the surrounding watersheds. Acidity fluctuations can disable a watershed’s ability to regulate its own pH level, which could trigger system-wide problems and result in a long-term alteration of an entire ecosystem (Yellowstone National Park Visitor Study.). There has been a lot of research done on snowmobile pollution mainly in Yellowstone National Park, but as of today snowmobiles are permitted in 30 different park areas. Some of them include: Denali (AK), Grand Teton (WY), Voyageurs (MN), and Rocky Mountain (CO). Though many of the parks don’t allow snowmobiles to travel off the trail and also enforce speed limits, they still bring many people in for tourism and snowmobiling as a sport. As stated by John Little, â€Å"There are approximately 85,000 visitors each winter that generates over 30 million dollars throughout the surrounding states†. Those states include: Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. Along with the many visitors on snowmobiles, the money brought also come the pollution created by the sleds ridden throughout the parks. The scale of pollution documented in Yellowstone National Park is amazing. Snowmobiles were responsible for 68% to 90% of hydrocarbons emissions and 35% to 68% of the carbon monoxide emissions each year (NPS 2000). On a peak day in Yellowstone National Park snowmobiles released approximately 20 tons of hydrocarbons and 54 tons of carbon monoxide into the air (NPS 2000). This compared to the 2.5 tons of hydrocarbons and the 17.9 tons of carbon monoxide emitted from cars on the average day in July (NPS 2000). Being that the snowmobile season in Yellowstone National Park generally only lasts three months from mid December to mid March their emissions equaled the total annual emissions for carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons form cars, buses and snowcoaches. While four-stroke snowmobiles are the only snowmobiles allowed in Yellowstone National Park these days, it is said by Michael J. Yochim that â€Å"four-stroke snowmobiles may be quieter overall, but the noise-like that of many snowcoaches is a lower frequency that travels even farther than the high frequencies of two-stroke machines, particularly when the air is cold†(p.212). Politically the sport of snowmobiling has also been affected. There have been many attempts to ban the use of snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. â€Å"Since 1996 the government has completed three major official assessments of snowmobiles’ impact on the parks in the winter† (New York Times, 2005). These studies helped to back the first attempt and gathering support to ban all snowmobile use in the National Parks in November 1999 by Congressman Bruce Vento (D-MN) and Chris Shays (R-CT). Then in April 2000, the ban was enforced in both parks only allowing the use of four-stroke snowmobiles and snowcoaches. This ban also enforced a limit as to how many (four-stroke) snowmobiles would be allowed into the park on a daily basis. This limit would be set at 540 per day. Since then there have been many attempts and suggestions to overturn the ban or alter it in different ways. None of which have been put through. In November of 2007, v arious officials in Washington compelled the Park managers to increase the number of snowmobiles allowed into the park on a daily basis. The limit was increased from 540 to 740 per day throughout the entire park. The Government is now on the fourth three year study trying to get the facts that the public and Parks have been looking for. Being there are so many different view points on the subject and facts being slanted by peoples personal opinions. The facts are often hard to understand. While the most recent, â€Å"Winter Plan Use† has banned the use of two-stroke engines in Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Then replacing them with cleaner burning four-stroke machines and limiting the number allowed into the parks on a daily basis. The studies being done seem to be the best available science to measure the effects of snowmobiles around the world not just how they affect the park areas. With the negative impacts of snowmobiles there are several strategies for minimizing pollution that will be identified. These include using oxygenated fuels like ethanol-based fuel and direct injection two-stroke engines. However, only four-stroke engines have been found to significantly reduce emissions. Electric prototype snowmobiles that produce no emissions have been developed, but not yet available to the public. According to an article in Snowest magazine, â€Å"The University of Denver tested the benefits of using oxygenated fuels in snowmobiles in Yellowstone† (Fuel the Fire). Oxygenated fuels allow for more efficient combustion and reduced pollution. Although they found 3% to 11% reduction of carbon monoxide, there was no reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. Direct-injection two-stroke engines have been shown to decrease hydrocarbon emissions from snowmobiles by 70 to 75% when compared with conventional two-stroke engines, but still had similar emissions for other pollutants (NPS 2000). However, either oxygenated, bio fuels or direct-injection two-stroke engines were shown to significantly reduce emissions and also have their performance drawbacks. Biofuels, including oxygenated fuels are becoming a bigger part of everybody’s lives whether we like it or not. Some negative aspects of using biofuels in two-stroke engines tend to cause issues. The blend does not burn as hot or as high as the octane fuel which requires the motors to be set up differently than if a high octane fuel is being used. Engines are designed for maximum power output and biofuels tend to also dry out the rubber-based o-rings, seals, gaskets and diaphragms in the fuel pumps of older sleds. Biofuels have been known to go stale faster, which also can cause problems in the fuel delivery systems in the older two-stroke engine. Several studies have also recommended replacing two-stroke engines with four-stroke engines to significantly reduce emissions and noise (NPS 2000). Banning two-stroke engines in Yellowstone National Park has resulted in a 60% reduction in carbon monoxide and a 96% reduction in Hydrocarbon emissions (Bishop et al. 2006). Additional, Bishop et al (2006) found improved fuel efficiency, reduction in visible exhaust clouds, odor and noise. In conclusion, throughout the many years snowmobiling as a sport has evolved into a major activity for many people throughout the world. With the technology evolvement that has happened from the 60’s to the current years, the rules and regulations have also evolved at the same time. The facts of pollution have made it clear that emissions are an issue that needs to be dealt with and handled. While Yellowstone National Park has banned two-stroke engines and the vast majority of snowmobilers in the United States use the out-dated two-stroke technology. Two-stroke engines are very polluting and the risk to the environment has been well documented. If land managers are concerned about air pollution and its effect on our environment, snowmobile use needs to be improved upon. Bishop, G.A. 2006. Winter motor-vehicle Emissions in Yellowstone National Park. Environmental Science and Technology 40(8): 2505-2510 Janes, Steve. Fuel the Fire. Snowests Mod-Stock 2008: 68-71. Little John, M. Yellowstone National Park visitor Study. University of Idaho, Cooperative Park Studies Unit. Report 75 1996 Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). 2004. Solutions- Oxygenated Fuels. deq.state.mt.us/cleansnowmobile/solutions/fuels/Oxygenated National Park Service (NPS). 2000. Air Quality Concerns Related to Snowmobile Usage in National Parks. Washington, D.C.: Feb.2000. The New York Times Sept 17, 2002, P. A30(N) Savage, Mark. Those 70’s Sleds!. American Snowmobiler 2008: 30-31. Rodes, C., 1998. Measuring Concentrations of Selected Air Pollutants Inside California Vehicles, Final Report under Contract No 95-339. California Air Resources Board. Yochim, Micheal. Yellowstone and the Snowmobile: Locking Horns Over National Park Use. University Press of Kansas, 2009. . 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Literature review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Literature review - Essay Example mprove their health and means are devised for them to have less probability of converting into a diabetic patient, the metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities which are not that severe in nature are hard to identify in fasting plasma glucose FPG and therefore are not well understood. This will help analyze the procedure that needs to be required and the patients that need to take care in order to prevent from being a diabetic patient. It has been identified that obesity is one of the major reasons for people to have diabetes in their early or late stages of life. Obesity and overweight problems are one of the major reasons why people take up fatal diseases. This high rise in obesity is due to the consumption of diets that have extremely high amounts of calories which leads to nothing but obesity and health issues. It was examined that whether dietary energy density was connected with obesity and its related problems including insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. A study was conducted on diet and energy with n = 9,688. The dietary energy density was calculated on the basis of foods only, no other factor was included. There was used a series of multivariate linear regression models to decide the sovereign connection between dietary energy density, obesity measures (BMI [in kilograms per meters squared] and waist circumference [in centimeters]), glycemia, or insulinemia. There was used Poisson regression model to determine the independent involvement between dietary energy density and the metabolic syndrome as explained by the National Cholesterol and Education Program This study has basically helped in understanding the connection between obesity and the diabetes that people have in young age. It has highly helped in identifying the reasons and the connection between the two factors of fatality which are highly dangerous for life. The article of ‘Coping, Affect, and the Metabolic Syndrome in Older Men: How Does Coping Get Under the Skin?’ by