Design of Fuzzy Controller

Design of fuzzy controller for two tank interacting system Mohamed sabith KT Second year M. tech Dept of Electrical Engineering NIT Calicut Calicut, India [email  protected] com Dr. Abraham T Mathew Professor, Dept of Electrical Engineering NIT Calicut Calicut, India [email  protected] ac. in Abstract—The control of liquid level in tanks and flow between tanks is a basic problem in the process Industries. Vital industries such as Petro-chemical industries, Paper making industries, Water treatment industries have the coupled tanks processes. The level of fluid in the tanks and interaction between tanks must be controlled.The aim of the project is to model the the coupled two tank liquid level system and to design a fuzzy controller. For coupled tank systems with non linear and complex characteristics classical PID is difficult to achieve the desired response. Fuzzy logic control is a classic method by which dynamic performance and strong robustness is guaranteed. The projec t compares the performance of the two tank system with classical PID and fuzzy logic control. Index Terms—PID, fuzzy logic, steady state Introduction through two separate pumps whose output is throttled using a control valve.Separate disturbance are made to both the tanks using hand valves. The two tanks are connected by means of hand valve, so the level of tank 1 will affect the tank 2 and vice versa. So this is a highly non linear system. Flow transmitters and pressure transmitters are there which give indication of flow and level respectively in a scale of 4-20 mA. The input from this sensors are taken to a computer which is process by a software in which controller is implemented which will give necessary control signal to throttle the control valve to get the necessary level.A Coupled tanks process is found in the many industries. Generally, The TITO processes have the problems to control their systems because of the existence of interactions between input and output var iables. Many control methods such as 2DOF PID [1], Auto tuning PID [2], CDM [3] and Decoupling [4] have been applied to coupled tanks processes for solving their problems. This paper presents control of two tank interacting system with the help of classical PID and Fuzzy control. The paper is organized as follows.The next section gives details about Coupled-tank process. Section 3 explains about modeling of two tank interacting system. Section 4 explains PID based control. Section 5 explains an implementation of Fuzzy Controller for coupled tank process. Section 6 shows experiment process and results. Finally, conclusions are given in section 7. COUPLED TANK SYSTEM MODELLING OF A TWO TANK INTERACTING SYSTEM Consider the coupled tank, two-input two-output process . The target is to control level of two tanks by the inlet water flow from two pumps P1and P2.The process inputs are flow rate of two pumps u1(t)and u2(t) which is throttled using control valves. The nonlinear plant equation s can be obtained by mass balance equation The overall material balance on the cylindrical tank is: Rate of mass accumulation in the system = rate of mass entering in the system- rate of mass leaving the system There for the dynamics of the tank system can be written as The coupled tank apparatus is shown in the Figure 1. 1. The apparatus is a model consisting of a pump, two cylindrical tanks made of plexiglas, two control valves, and two level transmitters .The two tanks are installed in a manner as shown in the fig 2. 1The water input to both the tank is provided 1 1 = ? 1 ? 1 ? 2 ? ? 1 + ? ( 2 ? ? 2 ? (2 ? ? 1( ) 2 2 = ? 2 ? 2 ? 2 ? ? 2 + ? ( 2 ? ? ( 1 ? 2 ? ? 2 Where A is the cross section area of tank 1 and tank 2, a is the cross section area of outlet hole of tank 1and tank 2 and cross section area of jointed pipe between tank 1 and tank 2 , ? 1 is the valve ratio at the outlet of tank 1, ? 2 is the valve ratio at the outlet of tank 2, ? x is the valve ratio between tank 1 and tank 2. k1,k2 are the gain of the pump. The above equations can be converted to transfer function form and a transfer matrix of the form is obtained. ?1( ) 11( ) 12( ) = ? 2( ) 21( ) 22( ) 1( ) 2( ) nteraction between processes, the control design needs the decoupling controllers to minimize the cross coupling effects Because of the interaction between processes, the control design needs the decoupling controllers to minimize the cross coupling effects The decoupling controllers consist of two decouplers d12 and d21 . The purpose of using decouple is to decouple the multivariable system. This can be done by choosing the following transfer function. D21=-G21/G22 D12=-G12/G11 SIMULINK SIMULATION OF COUPLED TANK SYSTEM WITH PID CONTROL AND DECOUPLERS The modeled coupled tank system was simulated using simulink .G11 represent the dynamics of the tank 1 ,similarly G22 represent the dynamics of tank2. G12 represent the effect of level of tan k 2 on tank1,and G21 represent the effect of level of tank 1 on tank 2. Due to high interaction between the tanks ,its difficult to control with ordinary PID. So as to avoid the interaction Decouplers were introduced. The advantage with the decoupler is that separate PID controllers can be designed for individual loops. Two individual PID controllers were designed for the two loops and tuning of the controllers were also performed.Tank 1 is subjected to a setpoint input of 15cm at time of 30 seconds and it is having an setpoint of 5cm. Similarly Tank 2 is subjected to a setpoint input of 25cm at time of 50 seconds and it is having an initial setpoint of 10. The response of the simulated system is shown in fig below,both the level of tank 1 and tank 2 follows the setpoint with small peak overshoot. Where h1, h2 are the liquid level in two tanks and u1,u2 are the input into the two tank . Where transfer matrix Gij(s)has the value as following G11(s)= 1 + 2 + 2 1 + +2 1 2 1 1 1 2 + +( + + ) 1 2 1 2 1 2 G22(s)= 2 + 1 + 1 1 + 2 +2 1 2 1 1 1 2 + +( + + ) 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 + 2 +2 1 2 1 1 1 2 + +( + + ) 1 2 1 2 1 G12(S)= G21(S)= 1 1 1 + 2 +2 1 2 1 1 1 2 + +( + + ) 1 2 1 2 1 2 Design of Decouplers The theoretically modeled system was simulated using simulink as shown in fig. below . G11(s) represents the tank 1 and G22(s) represents the tank 2. The effect of tank 1 on tank 2 is given by G21(s) and the effect of tank 2 on tank 1 is given by G12(s). This coupled tank system is having high interaction and it also exhibits non linear characterstics.Because of the The input variable error(e) is shown below,for all these inputs five membership functions are used. The five membership functions are NB,N,Z,P,PB. Fuzzy controller The traditional control, which includes the classical feedback control , has encountered many difficulties in its applications. The design and analysis of traditional control systems are based on their preci se mathematical models, which are usually very difficult to achieve owing to the complexity, nonlinearity, time varying and incomplete characteristics of the existing practical systems.One of the most effective ways to solve the problem is to use the technique of intelligent control system, or hybrid methodology of the traditional and ntelligent control techniques. The output variable is shown below As i have 2 inputs with 5 membership functions,I used 25 rules(IF THEN ). The surface of the rulebase is as shown below The above fig shows how a fuzzy controller is implemented . The Fuzzy controller takes two input and have one output, error and rate of change of error are given as input to the fuzzy controller . depending on the input the fuzzy controller produces required control action.For all input and output triangular membership functions are used. The input rate of change of error(de) is shown below The two tank system with fuzzy controller is subjected to an input,the first tan k is set to a initial level of 5cm then it is subjected to a step change of 15 cm at 25 seconds,for the second tank it is set to a initial level of 10 cm and final level of 20 cm. With fuzzy controller the outputs obtained is as shown below [1] Suparoek Kangwanrat1, Vittaya Tipsuwannaporn ? Design of PI Controller Using MRAC Techniques for Coupled-Tanks Process? International Conference on Control, Automation and Systems 2010 Oct. 7-30, 2010 in KINTEX, Gyeonggido, Korea [2] V. R. Ravi , T. Thyagarajan ? Application of Adaptive Control Technique to Interacting Non Linear Systems† IEEE Transactions On Systems, Man, And Cybernetics—Part B: Cybernetics, 33( ), 2003, 514–521 [3] [3] Dr. S. AbrahamLincon, P. Selvakumar ? Design of PI Controller using Characteristic Ratio Assignment Method for Coupled Tank SISO Process? International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887) Volume 25– No. 9, July 2011 [4] Li LIANG ? The application of fuzzy PID contr oller in coupled-tank liquid-level control system?IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 25-35, 2010 [5] Jutarut Chaorai-ngern, Arjin Numsomran, Taweepol Suesut, Thanit Trisuwannawat and Vittaya Tipsuwanporn ?PID Controller Design using Characteristic Ratio Assignment Method for Coupled-Tank Process.? Proceedings of the 2005 International Conference on Computational Intelligence for Modelling, Control and Automation CONCLUSION The output obtained for fuzzy controller doesnot show peak overshoot as in th case of a PID controller ,the problem observed with fuzzy controller is that small oscillations will be prescent at steady state REFERENCES

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Catherines Monologue Essay Example for Free

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It was also said that Activity-Based Costing is clearly the most significant managerial accounting development (Harrison Sullivan, 1996). In fact some have portrayed it as cure-all for all kinds of problems (Doost, 1997). Since then ABC plays a significant role as a management tools and gained its popularity to the academicians, practitioners and industries. ABC was initially designed by George Staubus in the United States during the 80s. ABC was promoted as a system that would reduce the level of arbitrary cost allocations associated with traditional costing systems and result in more accurate product costs (Baird et al, 2004). Many authors often depicted ABC to one simple and powerful word which is accurate (Cooper and Kaplan 1988; Dugdale, 1990; Innes and Mitchell 1991; Morrow, 1992; Bhimani and Piggott, 1992; Turney 1996; Krumwiede and Roth 1997). Accuracy in product costing is vital particularly in making decision and also in alleviating organization in cost reduction and profitability purposes. Inaccuracies created by improper allocation of costs can lead disastrous pricing, product profitability and customer profitability management decisions (Hardy et al, 2002). (Working paper series 2004) The core of ABC is the activity concept (Turney 1991). According to Turney (1996), ABC is a process which assigns costs to product according to the activities and resources consumed or generally a method of allocating indirect costs to cost objects. Cost drivers and cost activities are the terms synonymous to ABC. ABC enhances cost allocation by using smaller cost pools called activities (Wegmann, 2010) and costs are then traced to these activities by keys called cost drivers (Cooper, 1990). Gunasekaran et al (1999) stated that the ultimate goal of ABC as a cost allocation system is to trace the production costs generated by the production of a good or service, as accurate as desired, to the causing activities. ABC is not only basis for computing accurate product costing, but it plays a vital role in management in managing costs. The 1980s is seen as the advent and widespread use of management philosophies such as Just-in-Time (JIT), Balanced Scorecard, Total Quality Management (TQM), and Theory of Constraint (TOC). Huczynski (1993) described it as the age of the management guru. The appetite for new forms of managing is strong and ABC is quickly recruited to feed it and soon after, ABC evolved from a cost allocation method to a management philosophy (Jones and Dugdale, 2002). Two reputable systems which was derived from ABC philosophy was Activity-Based Management (ABM) and Activity-Based Budgeting (ABB) (Cooper and Kaplan, 1998). Second Phase of ABC: Activity-Based Management Johnson (1988) argued that companies should manage activities alongside with the costs based on the relying principle of activities consume resources and products consume activities and this was supported by Ostrenga (1990). As discussed, ABC system was initially presented as new way to establish more accurate product costs compared to the traditional costing system. However, ABC soon began to enter its second phase, in which it became known as Activity-Based Management (ABM). The second phase of ABC is perceived to be the rational development of ABC, in which it focuses on the management of indirect activities, at various levels beyond direct productions and activities where it still continues to draw its back on the existing ABC. This development is regarded as an improvement to the value received by customer and the profit achieved. Johnson (1988) still maintained and applies the existing ABC rules where the activity-based information would focus managers attention on underlying cost drivers and profit unlike the distorted cost provided by traditional costing system. This influenced Turney (1992) where he voiced a similar opinion and suggested that ABM system seek two goals, which are common to organizations which can be reached by focusing on managing activities. The first is to improve the value received by customers and the second is to improve profits by providing this value. Activity-Based Budgeting In todays arduous economic environment with the growing inflation rates, shrinking sales volumes and rocketing business expenses, the Activity-Based Budgeting (ABB) system could be a safeguard in stabilizing and strengthening an organizations operation (Pockevi iÃ…Â «tÄ-, 2008). Countries worldwide then began to practice and implement such strategy into their organizations. ABB is developed based on the management philosophy of activity-based costing (ABC), which is considered to be similar to zero-based budgeting (Shane, 2005) and it measures how members of an organization allocate their effort among activities performed and effortless to design. Pockevi iÃ…Â «tÄ- (2008) conducted a study and tested ABB on the agricultural sector in Lithuania. With an ABB system in place, major constraints can be identified while maintaining the future operations of the organizations. It can measure the efficiency within an organization process with a clear picture and understanding by linking all the individual budgets and the department in the organization. ABB is also known for its exposure of non value costs where waste can then be eliminated to reduce cost. ABCs pitfall and Time-Driven ABC: A new ABC development? Despite much attention on the ABC model since the appearance in the 1980s, interest gradually decreased during the 90s (Gosselin, 2006). ABC slowly began to experience its pitfall. As the global competition increases, the need of efficient and effective tools to fit business strategy are greatly in demand and ABC gradually went into the accounting worlds slump. Gosselin (2006) argued that ABC failed to succeed in practical use in todays management practices; this was also supported by few authors such as ÃÆ'-ker and Adigà ¼zel (2010) and Velmurugan (2010). Gosselin (1997) began to argue that a so-called ABC-paradox existed. Despite the various articles published in journals, books, and its involvement in the academic world and also being endorsed by consulting companies, it is quite ironic of how implementation of ABC is still relatively low. Innes and Mitchell was the first few to conduct surveys on the implementation of ABC in companies in 1995, their studies showed that only 21% adopted ABC in the UK. Bjornenak (1997) followed their footstep by conducting surveys in Norway and found that 40% implemented ABC in their companies whereas in the other part of the world such as the Australia, Ireland, the US, Dutch and Italy reportedly to have 12.5%, 11.8%, 17.7%, 12%, 10% respectively (Nguyen and Brooks, 1997; Clark et al, 1999; Groot, 1999; Cinquini et al, 1999). Many large companies, which tried to implement ABC in the 90s, abandoned it due to change in competitive circumstances and the birth of new and develop management tools. Many of those who argued that ABC, although effective in allocating cost, it does not necessarily contribute to the overall effective of business decisions (Fladkjà ¦r and Jensen, 2011). The information provided by ABC may be extraneous and not as accurate as most users believe. ABC is also regarded as not necessary for most companies systems (Fladkjà ¦r and Jensen, 2011). Kaplan and Anderson (2007) brought up the case of Hendee Enterprises which is a Houston-based manufacturer of awnings where they argued that the ABC software took three days to calculate costs for the companys 150 activities, 10,000 orders and 45,000 line items (Wegmann, 2010). In 2003, Kaplan started to redesign the ABC system when many argued that it is too complex and time intensive to implement. This has led to the much anticipated new approach of ABC, the Time-Driven ABC (TD-ABC). He claims that the new ABC development, TD-ABC, reveals excess capacity, processes faster, able to provide high accuracy and can be well supplied from existing IT-systems, such as ERP (Kaplan and Anderson, 2007). Kaplan (2007) went again to argue that TD-ABC skips the activity-definition stage and hence the allocation of costs to multiple performed activities. They also argued that TD-ABC is a simplified version of the current ABC system at that time (Everaert Bruggeman, 2007; Everaert et al, 2008; Kaplan Anderson, 2004; Max, 2007; ÃÆ'-ker Adigà ¼zel, 2010). This was also supported by Demeere et al (2009) and Wegmann (2010) where TD-ABC is hail to be an improved activity-based costing system compared to its previous development. TD-ABC differs from the existing ABC system where the time estimates require to calculate driver rates can be obtained by direct observation or by surveying managers (Kaplan and Anderson, 2010). This saves time and is able to reduce the cost of implementation and updating the system. He further argued that managers are considered the more reliable source concerning accuracy of information on time consumption and activities compared to existing ABC system where information are derived from employees who tend to be bias. Consequently, with TD-ABC, managers are able to generate accurate information and encounter fewer blunders. Impact of the new ideas on both companies and consultant Soon after its establishment, TD-ABC began to receive a growing interest among academicians and a growing number from 9 to 67 in the period of 2003 to 2009. This was presented by Google Scholar and since then TD-ABC has shown a positive trend in the online world (Alsamawi, 2010). Demeree et al (2009) also began to notice the story behind TD-ABC and tested TD-ABC at an outpatient clinic. For instance, Demeree et al. (2009) implemented TD-ABC at an outpatient clinic. They have gathered data through direct observations and interviews with department heads and outpatient clinic managers. To register different time consumptions for relevant activities a stopwatch was utilized. This process was repeated 3 months later to ensure that consistent results were obtained. This data gathering method was recorded as a success. Other authors point out that TD-ABC brings conceptual shortcomings connected to the use of time estimates (Cardinaels Labro, 2007). Gosselin (2007, p.649) concluded that TD-ABC is the most recent development in the field of activity-based costing methods, but does not solve the conceptual problems inherent to ABC. Conclusion

Risperidone for Methamphetamine Induced Psychotic Disorder

Risperidone for Methamphetamine Induced Psychotic Disorder On the efficacy of risperidone for the treatment of methamphetamine induced psychotic disorder, a dose ranging study Induced psychosis, diagnosis and treatment Worldwide growing methamphetamine abuse is one of the most serious health problems with several different consequences for victims, especially in developing countries. Chronic methamphetamine abuse is associated with several psychiatric problems in all countries which are faced to epidemic methamphetamine abuse. Methamphetamine induced psychosis (MIP) is a major medical challenge for clinical practitioner from both diagnostic and therapeutic viewpoints. Stimulant psychosis commonly occurs in people who abuse stimulants, but it also occurs in some patients taking therapeutic doses of stimulant drugs under medical supervision. The main characteristic of meth psychosis is the presence of prominent hallucinations and delusions. Other drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana, can trigger the onset of psychosis in someone who is already at increased risk because they have vulnerability. The current literature review attends to explain several aspects of MIP, including epidemiologically, clinically and investigators proposed pharmacologically treatment based on recently published data. Introduction Amphetamine and methamphetamine have the most substances for abuse among the synthetic psychostimulant across the world1. The overall the prevalence of methamphetamine users (excluding amphetamine users) ranges from 10.5 to 28.5 million people worldwide (0.2% to 0.6% of adults between 15 to 64 years old)2. Accompanied to amphetamine these synthetic psychostimulants are ranked as the 2nd abuser illicit drugs after cannabis as the 1st and before cocaine and opiates1. Many consequences follow methamphetamine abusers including medical, psychiatric, cognitive, legal and socioeconomic problems. It is unclear why methamphetamine abusers are more involved with legal consequences than all other illicit drug abusers3. It might be due to more psychotic symptoms induced by these psychostimulant drugs, or flaring of symptoms in a subtle or stable schizophrenia which could be exacerbated by methamphetamine4. It has been well known that such drugs are able to produce psychotic symptoms in persons with no history of previous psychiatric disorders.5,6 Epidemiology and clinical manifestations of MIP There are other substances able to produce psychosis including cocaine, cannabis, alcohol, hallucinogens, heroin and sedatives7.There will be a diagnostic challenge to meet a net diagnosis for drug-induced psychosis, if the clinical practitioner cannot establish the presence of psychotic symptoms before initiating drug abuse. In a survey, among 400 cases who admitted in different psychiatric emergency departments for their psychotic symptoms, 44% received a substance-induced psychosis diagnosis and 56% were diagnosed essential psychosis8. According to DSM-IV criteria, diagnosis of primary psychosis is usually after at least 4 weeks with persisting symptoms without heavy substance use. In addition to the previous history of substance abuse, other factors lead to drug-induced psychosis including parental substance abuse, dependency to drug (rather than occasional abuse) and visual hallucination. Lower positive and negative syndrome scale with th positive history of drug abuse put in fa vor of drug-induced psychosis, as well as more consciousness to psychotic symptoms and more tendency to suicidal thoughts are another feature of drug-induced psychosis. Generally, reported psychotic symptoms due to MethAmphetamine(MA) abuse, from USA, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and Iran are the same as each other including (as studied by Fasihpour et al) persecutory delusions (82%), auditory hallucination (70.3%), reference delusion (57.7%), visual hallucination (44.1%), grandiosity delusion (39.6%) and jealousy delusion (26.1%)9. Although certain risk factors could not be extracted among documented literature and many conducted studies by different authors in involved countries have been reported more common factors include: 1. Pyschosis induction is largely dose-dependent than duration-dependent5,10,11 2. Positive family history of psychotic symptoms especially in first degree relatives5. Interestingly protracted and more resistant psychosis was occurred in abuser persons, whose one of their first degree relatives has been involved by schizophrenia12.3. Presence of premorbidity in abuser subjects, such as schizoid/schizotypal personality traits, alcohol dependency, antisocial personality disorders and major depression, all can be psychosis induced by methamphetamine5. 4. History of sexual abuse experience, recent higher occasion of MethAmphetamine(MA) abuse plus another illicit substance13. 5. Childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) may be associated frequently with psychosis reports14. 6. Hi gher serum level of methamphetamine and amphetamine are associated with more profound psychotic symptoms4. The route of consumption (oral, smoking, injection) was not a significant factor in Mc Keit et al study6. But according to Matsumoto et al. smoker abuser show more quickly acute psychotic symptoms than who use the injection, because smokers have poor control on MA consumption. In addition psychotic syndromes in injection abusers require more medical care to respond to treatment15. Other personal characteristics such as age at which abuse is started, education, IQ, and duration of methamphetamine use were not associated significantly with risk of psychosis developing among abusers8. Female preponderance for undergoing psychotic symptoms was established among participant persons in the study of Mahoney and his coleagues16. It is noticeable to mention that the results of studies on MIP characteristics are somewhat inconsistent because of different cultural population, different accuracy in methods of studies and so on. But they provide a general opinion for further investigations and more accurate and localized studies. Sign and symptoms of MIP Reported psychotic symptoms among several different studies performed in Japan17, Taiwan5, Australia6, Tailand18 and Iran9 all are unanimous in obtained results. The most common features include persecutory delusion and auditory hallucination followed by delusion of reference, visual hallucination and thought broadcasting. MIP is initiated with excitation and increased focusing or concentration states, following by prepsychotic states and delusions which may subsequently progress to overt psychosis with positive symptoms10. The onset of first psychotic episode from the first occasion of methamphetamine consumption ranges from 1.7 years in smoker abusers to 4.4 years in injectioners19 and or 5.2 years without considering route of abuse10. Individuals with intense eagerness20, injection of methamphetamine and methamphetamine abusers are at higher risk for experiencing more severe psychosis21. Although MIP usually have short courses duration but longer and persistent episodes of psychos is have been reported even after discontinuation of drug abuse and in abstinence period17. As protracted MIP frequently occurred in many studies, it remains unclear whether methamphetamine can produce a chronic psychotic disorder or methamphetamine has uncovered a psychotic disorder in a patient with psychotic background5. The risk factors for developing long lasting MIP include positive family history of first degree relative involved to schizophrenia, premorbidity with a personality disorder specially schizoid/schizotypal form, a former neurological disorder like ADHD, head injury and learning disability2. During the abstinent period, MIP relapse might occur in a previously undergone short MIP, as well as any stressor like insomnia and severe alcohol intake.10,23,24 Methamphetamine and not stress induced MIP relapse occur with a likelihood of 60% to 80% in less than 1week to 1 month respectively, after re-exposure to MA8. A history of more than 2 years MA abuse makes the person susceptible for spontaneous relapse of psychosis without any methamphetamine reabusing for years.10 MIP Treatment pharmacological approaches Although no medical agent(s) are approved as therapeutic drug for MIP yet, due to a few numbers of pharmacological evaluations which have been proformed for finding a suitable choice in recent years. According to bio-molecular neurotransmitters influenced by MA, several pharmacologic agents are proposed for treating MA with clinical implications such as dependency and MIP. In this review a brief will run to introduce involved pharmacological groups separately. Dopaminergic agents Modafinil is a dopaminergic agonist approved essentially for sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea and idiopathic hypersomnia. Modafinil may increase efficacy of cognitive behavioral treatments and decrease craving in methamphetamine dependency25. It may have beneficial effect in schizophrenia and thereby in MIP.26,27 Bupropion, a re-uptake inhibitor of dopamine has demonstrated its effect as decreasing methamphetamine use specially in low to moderated dependency.28,29,30 Methylphenidate (Ritaline) and Dextroamphethamine (d-amphethamine) both increase releasing of dopamine in synaptic cleft and have high capacity to be abused. They show strong efficacy in studies to stop or reduce MA abuse in even deep dependency.31-34 Although the above quoted drugs have not revealed any direct effect for MIP, but it seems that appetite decreasing for MA use occur by these drugs, which can be indirectly effective for managing MIP as well. Aripiperazole, a dopamine D2-receptore partial agonist and a second generation antidepressant is proposed for MethAmphetamine(MA) dependency and MIP. In a study driven by Sulaiman et al. Aripiperazole was effective for diminishing the severity of psychosis resulted from methamphetamine, but it was failed to increase abstinence duration.35 In another study, Farnia et al. compared the efficacy of aripiperazole versus risperidone in MIP cases, in a double blind randomised control trial. After six weeks trial with aripiperazole 15mg/day or risperidone 4mg/day, they concluded that both drugs are able to significantly decrease the MIP severity, however rispridone causes showed more reduction on positive symptoms while aripiperazole was more effective on negative symptoms.36 The ability of antipsychotics like aripiperazole and haloperidol in suppressing the dopamine releasing in amygdala of animal experiments which caused marked reduction in behavioral sensitivity following MA exposure, may explain its benefits on MIP.37 In another animal model study, it was shown by Futamara et al. that aripiperazole can diminish behavioral sensitization through acting on 5-HT1A receptor.38 Risperidone is evaluated solely for its ability to prolong abstinent period in 4 weeks administration of 3.6mg/day in an open-label trying. Results demonstrate a decrease in meth consumption in abusers.39 Two separate case reports have considered the dramatic response of MIP to risperidone therapy.40,41 Despite safety applications of classic antipsychotics Hatzipetros et al. warned about an unknown toxic effect of conventional antipsychotics like administrating the haloperidol to GABAergic cells in subchronic treatment of MIP might lead to hyperkinetic movement disorder and convulsion42. Other antipsychotics like quetiapine and olanzepine were applied successfully for drug– induced psychosis.43,44 GABAergic agents Several different GABA agents like baclofen45,gabapantine45,46, vigabatrine47,48, topiramate49 and benzodiazepines were proposed for treatment of MA dependency and associated psychosis based on their effects on decreasing the dopamine transmission in mesolymbic system by which reinforcing effects of MA is reduced.50,51 But ,actually conducted trial studies are somewhat inconsistent to suggest a precise recommendation.49,52 Nevertheless Ito K et al. showed that clonazepam in animal model experiments did not obtain explicating of behavioral sensitization in rats which were under treatment with MA.53 Serotonergic agents No pharmacological trial studies lead to any clinical recommendation of serotonergic agents for MIP found in web published searching except for two animal experiments in which the role of serotonergic receptors are evaluated in locomotor activating and developing behavioral sensitization. Kaneko et al. studied the inhibitory effect of fluoxetine and paroxetin, 2 clinically available SSRI agents, on establishing and expression of MA induced behavioral sensitization and suggested a prophylactic role of SSRIs for preventing of psychotic states like hallucination and paranoid symptoms due to methamphetamine abuse.54 Ago et al. demonstrated the critical role of serotonine system in behavioral sensitization formation in mice by osemozotan a 5-HT1A-receptor agonist and ritanserin a 5-HT2-receptore antagonist and again suggested a capacity of serotonergic agents for treating methamphetamine psychosis.55 Opioid antagonist Naltrexone, a pure antagonist of morphine have showed successful outcomes in MA dependency management by decreasing craving, probably because of endogenous opioid system modulating role in reducing of reinforcing effects of metamphetamine.56-61 Behavioral sensitization produced by frequently exposure to methamphetamine is prevented by induction and expression of naltrexone in mice.62 But naltrexone plus N-acetylsysteine, an antioxidant, fail to demonstrate priority to placebo group for MA dependency treatment.63 Although no particular study with emphasis on the effects of naltrexone on MA-induced psychosis was found, it may be associated with precise changes in severity and prevalence of MIP because of its strong effects on abolishing dependency. Other unclassified treatment Minocycline, a second generation antibiotic was proposed for MIP treatment. In two separate case reports minocycline administration were associated with significant results in curing the psychotic symptoms of methamphetamine abuse probably due to its anti-inflammatory effects on micoglia.64,65 Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is mentioned for its high capacity to create a dramatic response in a MIP cases whose psychotic symptoms were resistant to conventional pharmacological antipsychotic therapy.66 Discussion Methamphetamine abuse is now going to become an epidemic problem in many countries. Chronic MA abuser underwent many medical psychiatric cognitive and legal consequences. One of the most important complications is the psychosis. Many studies were performed and a plenty of pharmacological drugs were proposed for managing of MA dependency, although none of them were approved yet, but only a few investigations tried to find drugs targeted on psychosis due to MA. These drugs as reviewed in this articles belongs to different biochemical neurotransmitters like dopaminergic antipsychotics, serotonergic agents and GABAergic drugs. All the studied drugs failed to obtain approval validity, although according to the results of conducted studies merely all of these agents could subside the MA associated psychosis. Recognizing neurotransmitter/receptor systems involved and influenced by MA in animal models and human experiments that can elevate knowledge about developing MA-induced psychiatric sy ndromes, especially psychosis, is the best way to overcome MIP pharmacologically and is recommended strongly for future studies.

The Attitudes to the First World War in Poetry :: Poetry World War Poems Poets Essays

The Attitudes to the First World War in Poetry Compare and contrast the attitudes to the First World War in the poetry you have read. Focus in detail on four poems, two of which should be by the same author. When the war started the general feeling of the English was that the war was great and would be over before Christmas. This is evident in much of the early war poetry. As the war progressed, however, people began to feel disillusioned and eventually had an overwhelming feeling of futility in that so many lives were wasted for such little gain. The people back home were left feeling bitter as they gained knowledge about the suffering these young men had endured. The poetry I am going to analyse ‘The Soldier’ by Rupert Brooke, ‘Cricket’ by Jessie Pope, ‘Dulce et Decorum est’ and ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’ by Wilfred Owen reflects these changing views. Rupert Brooke was born in 1887. He joined the Navy at the start of the war, but died in 1915 whilst going to take part in the Dardenelles campaign. In 1914, Brooke composed his poem ‘The Soldier’ which is the fifth poem in a collection of five which displays the glory of war. As he saw little action in the Great War, Rupert Brooke was unaware of the terrible conditions in the trenches. This was because he never fought on the battlefields and due to this Brooke holds a much more glorified view of war. Brooke describes his death in ‘The Soldier’. He talks about how he is not scared of dying; describing the way in which he will rest in peace â€Å"under an English heaven.† Rupert Brooke sees England as idyllic and tranquil and talks about his love for his motherland. Brooke feels by fighting for England he is giving something back. Brooke uses many language techniques to portray his feelings. He uses repetition of the word â€Å"England† to show his patriotism. He refers to the English country as a female; â€Å"Gave once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam† This makes highly effective use of personification. It shows Brooke's romantic view towards his country, making the reader feel proud for his country as well. Religious overtones such as â€Å"evil shed away†, â€Å"eternal mind†, â€Å"blessed† and â€Å"English heaven† are used throughout ‘The Soldier’ to show purity and to portray the typical views of a Christian country. To make the poem calm and poetic, Brooke uses natural imagery such as â€Å"air†, â€Å"river† and â€Å"flowers†. The effects of these words make the reader feel happy and calm. Sibilance is used with; â€Å"Sights and sound†. This soft sounding alliteration slows the pace which makes the The Attitudes to the First World War in Poetry :: Poetry World War Poems Poets Essays The Attitudes to the First World War in Poetry Compare and contrast the attitudes to the First World War in the poetry you have read. Focus in detail on four poems, two of which should be by the same author. When the war started the general feeling of the English was that the war was great and would be over before Christmas. This is evident in much of the early war poetry. As the war progressed, however, people began to feel disillusioned and eventually had an overwhelming feeling of futility in that so many lives were wasted for such little gain. The people back home were left feeling bitter as they gained knowledge about the suffering these young men had endured. The poetry I am going to analyse ‘The Soldier’ by Rupert Brooke, ‘Cricket’ by Jessie Pope, ‘Dulce et Decorum est’ and ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’ by Wilfred Owen reflects these changing views. Rupert Brooke was born in 1887. He joined the Navy at the start of the war, but died in 1915 whilst going to take part in the Dardenelles campaign. In 1914, Brooke composed his poem ‘The Soldier’ which is the fifth poem in a collection of five which displays the glory of war. As he saw little action in the Great War, Rupert Brooke was unaware of the terrible conditions in the trenches. This was because he never fought on the battlefields and due to this Brooke holds a much more glorified view of war. Brooke describes his death in ‘The Soldier’. He talks about how he is not scared of dying; describing the way in which he will rest in peace â€Å"under an English heaven.† Rupert Brooke sees England as idyllic and tranquil and talks about his love for his motherland. Brooke feels by fighting for England he is giving something back. Brooke uses many language techniques to portray his feelings. He uses repetition of the word â€Å"England† to show his patriotism. He refers to the English country as a female; â€Å"Gave once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam† This makes highly effective use of personification. It shows Brooke's romantic view towards his country, making the reader feel proud for his country as well. Religious overtones such as â€Å"evil shed away†, â€Å"eternal mind†, â€Å"blessed† and â€Å"English heaven† are used throughout ‘The Soldier’ to show purity and to portray the typical views of a Christian country. To make the poem calm and poetic, Brooke uses natural imagery such as â€Å"air†, â€Å"river† and â€Å"flowers†. The effects of these words make the reader feel happy and calm. Sibilance is used with; â€Å"Sights and sound†. This soft sounding alliteration slows the pace which makes the

Microsoft Vs Consumers :: essays papers

Microsoft Vs Consumers Antitrust law protects the public from companies that attain an undue domination of the marketplace via mergers, tying 1 product to another, vertical integration, and other practices tending to eliminate competition or bar entry into the market to newcomers. In the early 1980s, Microsoft was a much smaller company than it is today. However, it had already established a reputation of being a predator, a greedy predator. They were known to terminate licenses mercilessly once they figured out a way to clone the given technology, regardless of whether it was legal or not. Back then, Microsoft had some enthusiastic competition. The biggest of which were Borland (programming), Ashton-Tate (databases), Visicalc and Lotus (spreadsheets), as well as Wordstar and WordPerfect (word processors). All of these companies have now either merged out of existence or are completely defunct, with the exceptions of Borland and Lotus (which are barely afloat). Microsoft now has the leading product in each sector of the market once occupied by these firms. The company was responsible for ridding itself of these early competitors by either buying them out or simply driving them into the ground. This early disregard set the tone for how Microsoft does business even today. Microsoft’s advantage comes from their domination of operating systems. â€Å"By definition, if the OS maker creates applications, they will run better with the OS than a third party’s, and the OS owner can, over time, create modifications that will make this even more so,† (Rapacious 1). Microsoft has the power to leverage their dominance in operating systems to gain a large market share in the various application sectors. They have always been able to do this and as a result have been able to get, or achieve, whatever it is that they have wanted. This is the vertical integration that the antitrust laws talk about. In a July 1994, settlement, the Justice Department came to an agreement with the software giant over the antitrust charges it had filed against the company. The charges were brought after the department found out that Microsoft was giving personal computer manufacturers a discount on their OS when the PC manufacturer would pay the company a royalty for each computer sold, including those that without MS-DOS or Windows software. â€Å"The practice gave PC makers little incentive to install competing programs since they would have had to pay a royalty to both the competitor and Microsoft,† (Ramstad 1).

Absolute beginner’s guide to databases Essay

Decision Making Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Decision is very crucial in every business and the success of every business is attributed to effectiveness of the decision which is made. If the managers make sound decision ultimately the company will perform while bad decision making will only make things worse for the company or business. In that relation, it is important to note that sound decision is paramount in everyday life not only in business. A good decision calls for a calculated thought and that’s why there is success and failure. Failure is attributed to bad decision while success is attributed to sound decision making. In the same breath, it quite difficult to define business decision since every business is governed by specific ethical theories and at the same time there are some ethical considerations which should be taken into account when one is making and formulating a decision. In defining good decision making, good and sufficient information is paramount as we ll as experience in making the decision. Consultation goes hand in hand with information since one has to get sufficient information before making the decision. When making the decision, consultation involves seeking advice from different people especially the experts since their knowledge is pivotal to effective knowledge. Moreover, there are various aids which facilitate making information better and clear as analyzed. Numerical facts are at times very crucial when making a major business decision making since it reduces the cases of subjectivity and at times it enhances free thinking (Goleman et al, 2000, p.67).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Managers can be trained to better decision makers through following stipulated procedures which are in line with the training marks. Supportive environment is also crucial in attempt to make managers effective decision makers. It should be supportive in the sense that they should not be criticized when they make certain decision in as much as it is not very right. Proper support should be granted especially when the managers err and it paramount to ensure they get to know where they erred. Climate of ridicule and criticism creates unfair environment of reduced creativity and low chances of risk taking. Therefore managers will always avoid situation which need tough decision making as well as risk taking so that they can avoid being criticized. Such decisions will only diminish the chances of expanding the business and this means that growth will not be experienced. Also, adopting this kind of strategy means that the manager may spends a lo t of time trying to pass the blame from one person to the other hence turning out to be a blame game business (Greco, 2012, p.35-43).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A skill in decision making escalates at all levels of business and the board of directors may be very crucial at some stages of decision making. For instance, decisions that involve the future of the company, may borrow a lot from the directors hence terming it as the ultimate stage of decision making. On the other hand, managers will only solve the tactical challenges which will emanate from their departments or areas which they are allowed to supervise. Moreover, employees and junior staff should make decisions concerning the conduct of the tasks which they operate. However, in such cases, careful selection and training is paramount in ensuring that the right thing is done (Goleman et al, 2000, p.57). Types of business decisions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Programmed decisions .These are the standard decision which are always follow the same routine now and then. In the same breathe, they can be written down into various series which have fixed steps that can be followed by anyone. These decisions could even be written as computer programs. The idea of programmed decision was formulated by H.A Simon in his book† The new science of management decisions.† the programmed decisions were al defined as the repetitive decisions which were normally undertaken in the organization on a repeated procedure. Commonly, the related daily activities were relatively simple and relying on the data and solutions that were offered previously. The reordering of the standard inventories and preparing monthly newsletters which handle discipline and factors to determine the salary of a new employee are all inclusive (Goleman et al, 2000, p.38).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Second we have the non-programmed decisions which are normally non-routine and non standard. Each decision is not actually the same as any previous decision. This decision involves those which are made in response to novel and unique situations. The decisions usually develop extended geographical scope of the company, introducing a new product in the market or even entering a new service to the market. More also, cases of relocating headquarters to another country could also be an example of non-programmed decisions. The decisions require senior managers to evaluate the intricate problems and analyses the alternatives and finally make strategic decisions that have significant consequences to the organization (Goleman et al, 2000, p. 46).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Third, it is the strategic decision which affects the long term direction of the business. For instance, taking over company A or Company B involves strategic decision making. Strategic decisions are those which are concerned with long-term policies and the general direction of the business. The far and wide reaching decisions may affect the long-term as well as the short-term goals of the organization. Strategic decisions exhibit high risk factor since their outcomes are extensively unknown. It mainly involves steering the company into a completely different procedures and also acquiring the new procedures. Strategic decisions making is heavily employed in areas of finance, marketing, product technology and production changes and integration. Vesa Savollanen in his book† perspectives of information systems†, the strategic decision is unstructured, structured or c semi structured. The investment targets are usually unstructured strategic decisions and pricing decisions are some of the most semi-structured goals (Savolainen 1999, p.34).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tactical decision is the fourth type of decision making and it involves medium term decisions that help in implementing strategy. For instance, the kind of marketing to have or the extra staff that needs to be recruited. Mostly the decisions here are predictable in terms of outcome. They are usually shorter in the scope than the strategic decisions. Tactical decisions are often needed when answering some strategic decisions. John V. Petersen in his book â€Å"Absolute beginner to the Database† affirms that strategic decisions usually focus on the main goals of the company. The fifth type of decision making is the operational decision making that normally involves short-term goals and decisions. Such decision involves the administrative decisions. For instance how to implement a particular task i.e. allocating duties to the supporting to staff. The criterion to use here is known as operational decision making (Petersen 2002, p. 45). Levels of decision making   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In as much as we have types of business decision making process, there are also levels which are involved in the decision making process. The levels are important since they indicate whether the steps involved are following the right format. First if employees feel that they want to make a particular decision concerning an issue, all that they do is communicating to the manager. The manager then evaluates the threshold of the issue and later forwards to the CEO who later tables it to the board. The board is formed by the owners of the company and they are very instrumental in the process of decision making. Many companies usually follow these principles when there making decisions in attempt to ensure that they are involving every party. Following the format ensures that every party is represented in the right way hence contributing to the growth of the business (Fitzgerald, 2002, p. 23-28). Factors necessary for wise business decision   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When managing the business, it is possible that one will be encountered with pertinent issues which may impact in the future of the company or any business. It may seem stressful but considering the following tips may help in improving the process of making a sound decision. First one should define as much as possible the decision that needs to be made. Is it your original idea or it is an idea from another person? More also, you ask yourself whether a decision is basically essential if not then you should make any decision at all. Also ponder why the decision is important or helpful to you in any way, how will the company or the business benefit. Brainstorming through writing as many as solutions as possible and come up with alternatives which could solve the problem. Checking out from friends and other people is also important since people will give different ideas some of which may be very clear and valid. Visualizing the outcome is als o another issue that one should take into account whenever making any decision.try to imagine how the impact would be, Will it be fruitful? Or will it bring more complications to the business? These issues should be pondered over and over again. The option that gives much satisfaction should be followed and finally stand at that. Moreover, reality check is paramount since one will get to know what can happen and what will not happen. Upon making the decision, it is important to get moving on it. Worrying or second guessing will only continue increasing stress yet you have delivered your best (Savolainen, 1999, p.74). Common mistakes in decision making   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are many mistakes people do when they are making decisions and they should be note to avoid regrets and miscalculations. For instance, people tend to rely too much on expert information and they fail to apply their knowledge and skills to make a sound decision. Often people tend to place too much emphasis on experts assertion forgetting that they have their bias and prejudice which prompt them to make some decisions while leaving out the others. Therefore, to avoid this, seeking information from many sources will help one overcome the challenge. Secondly, overestimating and underestimating the value of information is also another factor that should be taken into account. For instance, the people in authority, parents and experts tend to prompt people to make negative decisions since they believe everything they say is right which not the case. When faced with this kind of problem, you should ask yourself whether they know as much you do especially in that kind of information. More also, you should ask yourselves whether they have ever encountered such kind of challenge before. After pondering over the issues, then one can make the decision based on the premises proven to be right (Savolainen 1999, p.42).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Understanding the value of information received from other people also contributes to erroneous decisions. Whether we agree or dispute it, it’s possible that people usually discount and discredit information which is received from other people and this ends up violating the process of making effective decision. For instance, some of the information that people tend to overlook is the information that usually comes from children and people who work in the blue collar jobs. It’s very wrong because these people may at times paint the right picture of you at the other end of the problem. In these case people may use entirely different perceptions and values in attempt to answer your question. The result is usually a larger perspective of the issues (Savolainen, 1999, p. 51).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The other mistake people do is hearing what they want hear and seeing from the perspective they want to see. For instance, if you tell somebody to close his eyes and then later you ask them the color of the forest, he will say green yet he s red. The same way people want to see things from their perspective. They want to see things from their point of view which is not correct always. Erroneous decisions may culminate from the same and it means that if followed it result to drastic results since the person is basing the fats on his or her cocoon (Fitzgerald, 2002).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It’s always important to listen to your feelings but not reactions or the guts. At times one may make a decision and it is later followed by headaches and stomachaches simply because you did not do the right thing. When such a thing happens you should know that it is your body talking to you since the brain is able to store very huge piece of information. Though it is not possible to retrieve information, the body stores until such a time it is needed. When we want to do something, our bodies will always provide clues and answers through feelings and gut reaction. However, the society we are living in today teaches to ignore such feelings yet they are very important ant in our lives today. Therefore, it is paramount to turn to your intuition and you will find that by the end of the day the decision is right (Savolainen, 1999, p. 64). Steps of decision making   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The first step in decision making is identifying the purpose of the decision. In this case the problem is analyzed thoroughly and determined whether it is worth. Moreover, several questions are formulated to ascertain whether the decision will be fruitful and they include the following: The exact problem The scene of solving the problem Who will be affected by the problem? Whether the problem have a deadline or specific time line   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The second step involves gathering the information. For instance, an organization problem will end up having many stakeholders and the more the people the possible the decision. Moreover, there can be dozens of factors to be involved and which are affected by the problem. The process f solving problems will end up gathering as much information which is related to the factors and the stakeholders who are involved I the problem solving. For the process of gathering information tools and checklists are mainly used to promote the latter (Goleman et al, 2000, p. 49).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The third step involves the principles to be judging the alternatives. In this particular step, brainstorming in attempt to list the possible ideas is usually the best option .Prior generation of idea, the step is crucial in attempt to understand the main causes of the problem and the ultimate prioritization of the causes. For instance, companies do not make decision which reduce profit, instead the decisions which increase the productivity of the company. However, in exceptional cases such decisions would be made in honor of something or somebody. It should be noted that the baseline principles should be identified and related to the problem which is usually at hand. In this stage using cause and effect relationship is accepted and also the Pareto Chart tool. The cause and effect relationship diagram helps to identify the possible problems of the company (Goleman et al, 2000, p. 62).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Fourth stage is principles for judging the alternatives that should be set up. For instance, when it comes to the goals of the organization, corporate culture should be adopted and take into consideration. For instance, profit is among the organizational goals where corporate culture is usually taken into account. For instance, profit is one of the main concerns which should be taken into account in every company and the decisions made should be oriented to the latter. The fifth stage is whereby one uses judgments principles to make decisions in attempt to evaluate each alternative and value its credibility. After evaluating them all, you ultimately end up with the best solution and finally implement that particular decision. The sixth step involves selecting the best after going through all the other procedures. After doing all these it is possible to come up with a good decision. Next it’s the executive decision which is the seven th stage; it involves converting the decision or plan into sequence of activities. It also involves executing the plan yourself with the help of the subordinates. Next in the stage is the evaluating result which involves evaluating the outcomes of your decision and seeing whether there is anything it should be learnt in attempt to make correct decision in future. The procedure is one of the best practices it usually improves the skills needed in decision making. Following the above procedure it becomes easy to make decisions in the long run. Business decision making is important since it makes work easier I the long run (Goleman et al, 2000, p. 85). Strategies of decision making in Business   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Systematic analysis affirms that analysis it is good not good to assume analysis and information in attempt to make decisions quickly. Basically, systematic analyses involves collecting a lot of information as one can and later analyzing it in ordered and logical way and find the best option. Managers can actually prepare themselves in attempt to make to make quick decisions through practicing pre-decision making. The analysis and intuition should not match though at times they do not match (Fitzgerald, 2002).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Second, it’s the principle based decision making though it is not widely used in these days. It relies heavily on personal beliefs and principles especially ethics. Unlike the ethical or moral; decision making, the principles used in these case may be unethical or else to unethical outcomes. The two step stats with beginning of the communication process and it ends with application of such principles. Company missions, statements and goals usually provide the principles which the process of decision making. Such principles are vital since they help the business to cope with challenges that happen over time. Such challenges may include, shifting in leaders, fluctuating styles of leadership among others. Strategic style of decision making is also another mode of making decisions. It involves major decisions which affect the entirety of the company. Some of the decisions that the style should adopt include strategic alliances, mergers among other major decisions which are usually handled by the CEO (Fitzgerald, 2002, p. 35). Significance of effective decision making in a business   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In each and every action there are repercussions associated. When you make a good decision, it is possible that you will experience good results and the same happens when you make bad decisions. In business good decision is that which improves the business in terms of profit and the same time the welfare of people is taken into account. When a bad decision is made, the business does not only lose revenue but at the same time it leads to collapsing of the business. Mostly, the managers and the chiefs’ executive officer are responsible for making decisions which will help in development of the business. At times business wisdom is actually hard, but at times, it is important to get the employee feedback since it will be useful in implementing core decisions (Petersen, 2002, p. 83).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Therefore, implementing is the best decision upon evaluating all the alternatives that would yield to the best outcome for the company. Work force decision are the most important when it comes to decision which are long-term. These decisions can either make or break the company and therefore, it is important to choose the best decision. For instance, escalating the cutbacks and increasing the workforce is an important issue and it should be taken into account noting that any cases of employees are never easy. There are usually very important questions that managers should ponder through before they make decisions. The same pattern of reasoning and logic should apply to all situations and by doing that; it becomes extremely easy to over thrive in the world of business. Hasty decisions which are made without effective research usually contributes to ruining of the business or organization. Quick decision cannot be done at many cases, and whe n they are high cost is incurred. Moreover, lengthy decisions can contribute to the breaking of the company. Therefore, the best decision is that which can be done within a stipulated amount of time with minimal resources wasted. Moreover, any decision made should be guided by the morality codes or what is commonly known as ethics. When managers implement decision which has less conviction, they end up losing the respect from their employees. However, even if the decision made is wrong but with the conviction of the employees it ultimately becomes accepted. This particular form of leadership does not only promote loyalty but it also stimulates performance in the overall in the organization (Goleman et al, 2000, p. 77).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   At normal circumstance, business operates in for phases which include; the start up phase, emerging phase, the growth phases and finally the high growth phase. As the CEO Manager, it is important to acknowledge that the phase of the business which your business or company lies. Young businesses which are growing should be spearheaded by people who what they are actually doing and finally they end up becoming successful in the line of specialization. Business which are slowly clambering through the growth ranks and it has started to emerge is said to be in booming growth stage. On the other hand, high growth business is that which requires the counsel of the executive members in attempt to strategize goals and mission of the company (Petersen, 2002, p 49).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Good business decision is that which is involving every party and it leads to increased motivation within the company. When the junior are consulted by the senior staff, it feels good and they can easily be motivated to work for the company more and more. For instance, the issues concerning the workforce, it is good to consult them since they will give good feedback which will promote effective decision making. Moreover, where the decision is good, harmony and understanding is evident and in the long run the business grows without measure. Therefore, consulting the junior staff is paramount in attempt to make wise and effective decisions. Finally, employee input is highly determined by decisions made in the business. When the decision is favoring them, it is possible that the employees will even come up with strategies which will boost the growth of the business. In such a scenario, everybody will be working towards the growth of the enter prise (Fitzgerald, 2002, p. 38).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion it’s evident that that business decision making is paramount to sustainability and growth of the business. Good decision often harbor growth and enhance morale and participation among the workers.However inefficient decisions will lead to the detrimental of the company and mostly nothing much will come out of the business. it should be noted that Consultation goes hand in hand with information since one has to get sufficient information before making the decision. It involves seeking advice from different people especially the experts since their knowledge is pivotal to effective knowledge. Moreover, there are various aids which facilitate making information better and clear as analyzed. Numerical facts are at times very crucial when making a major business decision making since it reduces the cases of subjectivity and at times it enhances free thinking. Following god decision making guidelines will ultimately lead to effectiveness and efficiency in business. However, lack of effective consultation will lead to the down fall of the business References Fitzgerald, S. P. (2002). Decision making. Oxford, U.K.: Capstone Pub.. Goleman, D., Kotter, J. P., Heifetz, R. A., Goffee, R. a., & Bennis, W. G. (2000). HBR’s must-reads on leadership. Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business School Pub. Corp.. Greco, S. (2012). Advances in computational intelligence 14th International Conference on Information Processing and Management of Uncertainty in Knowledge-Based Systems, IPMU 2012, Catania, Italy, July 9-13, 2012. Proceedings.. Heidelberg: Springer. Petersen, J. V. (2002). Absolute beginner’s guide to databases. Indianapolis, Ind.: Que. Savolainen, V. (1999). Perspectives of information systems. New York: Springer. Source document

International Humanitarian Law

INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW and THE IRAQ CRISIS SUSAN SOUX April 2003 International Humanitarian Law ? the RULES which seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict, protect people who are not, or are no longer taking part in the hostilities, and to restrict the methods and means of warfare employed IHL ‘the law of armed conflicts’ or or ‘law of war’ †¢ Geneva †¢ Hague Geneva ‘the law of Geneva is designed to safeguard military personnel who are no longer taking part in the fighting and people not actively involved in hostilities’ Hors de combat †¢ Civilians †¢ Medical/religious personnel The Hague ‘the law of The Hague establishes the rights and obligations of belligerents in the conduct of military operations, and limits the means of harming the enemy’ International humanitarian law prohibits all means and methods of warfare which: †¢ fail to discriminate †¢ cause superfluo us injury or unnecessary suffering †¢ cause severe or long-term damage to the environment. Other agreements prohibit the use of certain weapons and military tactics and protect certain categories of people and goods. ? he 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, plus its two protocols; ? ? ? the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention; the 1980 Conventional Weapons Convention and its four protocols; the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention; ? the 1997 Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel mines; ? the 2000 Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Many provisions of international humanitarian law are now accepted as customary law – that is, as general rules by which all States are bound. HENRI DUNANT ‘BATTLE OF SOLFERINO’ History †¢ 1859 – Battle of Solferino †¢ 1863 – ICRC †¢ Geneva Conventions – 1864 †¢ Hague laws – 1899/1907 †¢ 1949 –Geneva conventions †¢ 1977 – Additional Protocols Geneva Conventions 1949 Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field. Geneva, 12 August 1949. Convention (II) for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea. Geneva, 12 August 1949. Convention (III) relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Geneva, 12 August 1949. Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. Geneva, 12 August 1949. Iraq ratified Geneva Conventions 1956 US ratified in 1955 Additional Protocols 1977 †¢ Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), 8 June 1977. Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II), 8 June 1977. Neither Iraq nor the US have ratified the Protocols International Human Rights Law †¢ Universal Declaration of Human Rights –1948 †¢ International Covenant on Social,Economic and cultural Right †¢ International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights †¦other conventions/covenants†¦ †¢ Convention on the Status of Re fugees – 1951 †¢ Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement 1998 International Tribunals †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Nuremburg ICTY – Hague ICTR – Rwanda Sierra Leone International Criminal Court (Rome – 1998/2002) †¦ Universal Jurisdiction †¦ ‘Genocide’ ‘War Crimes’ ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ Current Issues †¢ Allegations of indiscriminate bombing †¢ Targeting under IHL †¢ Ensuring Humanitarian Access †¢ Status of Combatants, Civilians and Civilians Taking Up Arms †¢ Suicide Attacks – ‘Perfidy’ †¢ Occupying Forces International Red Cross Protectors of the Geneva Conventions impartial, neutral and independent from any political objective’ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ ‘Right to be present’ when conflict breaks out Protect the lives and dignity of victims of war Monitors compliance with Geneva Conventions Visits POW’s Provides medical/humanitarian assistance IRAQ ICRC – in battle areas †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Hospitals Water Pow’s Tracing IFRC and Red Crescent Societies – outside the battle †¢ Refugee camps †¢ Tracing †¢ Humanitarian assistance International Delegates Water Systems Medical Assistance Family Tracing Refugee Camps Orthopaedic Centres Orthopaedic Centres Resources: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ www. icrc. org www. ifrc. org www. redcross. ca http://www. ihlresearch. org/iraq/ http://www. reliefweb. int/ocha_ol/civilians/ www. unhcr. ch â€Å"As human beings, we cannot be neutral, or at least have no right to be, when other human beings are suffering. Each of us†¦ must do what he or she can to help those in need, even though it would be much safer and more comfortable to do nothing. † – Kofi Annan UN Secretary-General