Honours Analysis Math Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Honours Analysis - Math Problem Example Characterizing of the Cantor set in terms of ternary is done when a real number from the closed real interval [0, 1] belongs to Cantor set with a ternary expansion containing digits 0 and 2. To construct this expansion, one has to consider the points in closed real interval [0, 1] in terms of base 3 notation. When constructing the Cantor Middle Third set, we start with the interval [0, 1] removing the middle thirds , this leaves [0,1/3] [2/3,1].The next step is to also remove the middle thirds (1/9, 2/9) and (7/9, 8/9) from the remaining two intervals. This process is repeated continuously. From the results, we can note that all the endpoints remain, which are the Cantor set. The total length of the intervals removed in the construction of the Cantor set can be determined as follows. From interval [0, 1] we first remove a middle third interval 1/3 second step we remove two middle intervals of 1/9. We continue with the process so that at the nth stage we remove 2n-1 intervals with the length 3-n. The total sum of the removed intervals is It can be proven that the Cantor set is perfect and totally disconnected. In this case, x and y are two distinct points in the cantor set. Since x ≠  y therefore │x - y│>. As we can see there is a natural number N that exists in the interval. Next we identify that Cantor set ⠫‹ Ck for all k, such that x, y Ck. For each 2N disjoint closed interval from CN there is. Therefore, x and y are inside distinct closed intervals in CN. The two intervals should have an open interval between them, which is not part of the Cantor set otherwise this would be a single closed interval. The chosen point can be represented by z, therefore z Cantor set and it is between x and y. (Gordon, 1994, p. 301) If we put f in its inverse: If x Q, then also - x Q. therefore f o f (x) = f ( f (x)) = f ( - x) = - (-x) = x. If x ∉ Q then f o f (x) = f (f (x)) = f (x) = x. Thus for all x R, we have that f o f

Teen suicides Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Teen suicides - Essay Example He was a homosexual and his private video with his gay companion was posted on the internet by his colleagues. Clementi did not find any other option suitable and opted for suicide by jumping off the bridge. His suicide was an example of cyberspace bullying and was a tragic happening which laid a great impact (Schwartz 2011). Phoebe Prince was a 15 year old girl who was also new in her school. She was the target of many bullies who used to call her with names and she was physically harassed as well. The internet and the social networking websites were also utilized to bully her. She also committed suicide when she could not handle the pressure and the bullying (Eckholm and Zezima 2010). These untoward incidents are clearly indicative of the fact that bullying has become a major problem in today’s world where it can lead to the deaths of teenagers who are victims of this crime. The involvement of social networking also has a major role to play as can be seen in the two cases. T he death of Tylor Clementi was mainly due to cyber bullying. The improper utilization of social networking websites combined with the inappropriate action taken against the cases of bullying has led to the incidence of teen suicides. Works Cited Schwartz, John. â€Å"Bullying, Suicide, Punishment.† The New York Times. 2 Oct. 2010. Web 4th March 2011.

Social Inequality and Exclusion Knowledge in Social Care

Social Inequality and Exclusion Knowledge in Social Care How can a knowledge of social inequalities and social exclusion assist social workers in their practice? In some respects the topic of this essay reflects both the heart and core of the philosophy behind social work. There are some who would argue that it is the recognition and appreciation of the inequalities of society that are the driving force behind most of the social legislation in this country today. (Powell, J et al 1996). The definition of social inequality can be made on many different levels – philosophical, intellectual, socio-economic, cultural and health related, to cite but a few and a complete discussion is clearly beyond the scope of an essay such as this. In the same way social exclusion can be due to a myriad of causes – cultural, religious, behavioural, criminal, socio-economic, age, immobility and illness are a few of the more common factors. The fact of the matter is that in practical terms, both social inequality and social exclusion tend to overlap a great deal and in many cases, one is the cause of the other. (Lovelock, R et al 2004) Because it is completely impractical to consider all of the possible causes of both social inequality and social exclusion we shall approach the issue by considering a number of different examples and discuss them in the context of the question. In general terms, disability (both physical and mental) is a major cause of both these phenomena. We shall begin by considering the impact that disability has on both social inequality and social exclusion. To it’s credit, the Government has recently taken a number of steps to try to combat the inequality and the exclusion elements that are inextricably linked with disability. In order to be technically correct on the matter, we should note that the World Health Organisation actually subdivides the term â€Å"disability† into three different elements Problems in bodily function or structure, which they used to call impairment; problems relating to activities, or disability; and problems related to social participation, which they called handicap. (Ramcharan P et al 1997) For our purposes however, such a definition is hardly helpful in terms of examining the problems of the disabled. We would suggest that a definition in social terms is probably far more practical. Some commentators (Clasen J 1999), have observed that: The treatment of disability as if it was a single problem may mean that disabled people receive insufficient or inappropriate assistance. The problems that disabled people have in common are not so much their physical capacities, which are often very different, but limitations on their life style. In the context of this essay Goodin (et al 2000) adds the observation that: Their income tends to be low, while disabled people may have special needs to be met which require increased expenditure. Socially, disabled people may well become isolated, particularly as their health declines and they struggle progressively to manage on the resources they have, and they may be socially excluded. For our purposes in this essay we shall use the word â€Å"disability† in its English grammatical sense (a la Clasen and Goodin) rather than in the narrower WHO definition above. Perhaps the first observation that we should make, is that disability, or the perception of disability, is very culturally dependent and to some extent is culturally determined. The cynic might suggest that the stereotype caucasian British white male might consider that a disabled person is the responsibility of the social services and the state, who can look after him, provide him with carers and organise a regular income in the form of some type of protected benefit. Equally, the stereotypical Asian family might consider the disabled family member to be the responsibility of the family itself and would only look to the state for advice and resources. Clearly both of these stereotypes are cartoon exaggerations of the reality of the situation, but we use this to illustrate the cultural elements of the expectations of both the disabled person and their families or carers. In the context of our considerations here, we need to consider how a knowledge of the social inequalities and social exclusion can assist the social worker in their practice. In order to do this in the specific area of disability, we should examine The Disability and Discrimination Act (1995). Many would argue that this has been a piece of legislation that was long overdue as it addressed a need that has been demonstrably present from time immemorial (Baldock J et al 1999). The fact of the matter is that the ability to discriminate on the sole grounds of race has been illegal in the UK for a considerable time. As Spicker (P 1995) has observed: The ability to discriminate on other, arguably more fundamental features of existence, still remained an option that did not have the sanction of the law. In this respect, the Act has proved to be a valuable piece of legislation as it has helped to directly tackle many of the areas of social inequality and social exclusion. Many consider the Act to be simply aimed at the discrimination practices that were rife in the workplace, but the reality of the situation is that it is, in real terms, a far reaching piece of legislation which has implications for most areas of society and social interaction (Alcock P, 2003). The social worker will clearly need to have a working knowledge of the provisions of this Act if they are to be able to function effectively in this particular area. The social worker, in their daily practice, may very well come across clients with disabilities of various types, and these clients may look to them for help, support and guidance if they have an appreciable element of social exclusion in their lives. We can point to research which shows that the disabled have a substantial burden of discrimination when it comes to employment. (Chapman P et al 2004). Jowell (R et al 1998) demonstrated a 7 fold increased incidence of unemployment when compared to their able bodied counterparts. It generally follows that greater levels of unemployment are associated with lower levels of income and this, in turn, is associated with greater levels of social exclusion (McKernan SM et al 2005), The professional approach of the social worker will be to assess all of the possible factors that may contribute to their isolation and consider practical ways of breaking down the barriers to inclusion, whether they may be in the workplace, on the social front or even in terms of simple physical mobility. (Haralambos M et al 2000) Another major area of social inequality, which again has repercussions on social exclusion, is the area of health in general. In this context the (then) Health Secretary, Frank Dobson, made the very pertinent comment : Inequality in health is the worst inequality of all. There is no more serious inequality than knowing that you’ll die sooner because you’re badly off (Dobson 1997) There is a direct and demonstrable link between social depravation and ill health. It follows from this that social inequalities have a direct effect on both morbidity and mortality. This is most marked in the children from deprived backgrounds. (Black 1980) The Black report (cited above) was largely adopted and expanded in the publication of â€Å"The Health Divide† (Townsend Davidson 1988), which further quantified the areas of social inequalities as manifested in morbidity rates in the population and correlated them to social stratification. The Report came to the conclusion that these social inequalities were not being adequately addressed either by the Health Authorities or the Social Services. These identified inequalities later emerged, further modified, in a document â€Å"Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health† ( IIIH 1998), and were associated with 39 separate recommendations. These were subsequently criticised for a lack of prioritisation, (McKernan SM et al 2005), where† the fundamental role of poverty was lost in a sea of (albeit worthy) recommendations ranging from traffic curbing to fluoridation of the water supply.† Obviously, the findings of this succession of reports does not only impact upon the Social Services, it equally impacts upon other providers such as the Health Service and indeed the Government itself. We have examined two specific areas of the whole picture of social inequality, and it is prudent to also consider an overview before leaving this area. The trend to socio-economic inequality can be considered to be either rising or falling depending on which criteria of assessment one takes. If we consider the number of people who are living in low income households, there has been a measurable downward trend in the last decade, this is partly due to the fact that there are progressively fewer people in workless households (Chapman P et al 2005) Equally, if one considers the number of families on out-of-work benefits, this has risen by 30% in the last 6 years (JRF 2005) If one considers the impact of the association of low income and increased morbidity, then we can cite studies that show that there has not been any significant reduction in these health related inequalities in the last 9 years. (McKernan SM et al 2005). There is also the geographical factor. We can show that virtually all the indicators of both social socio-economic inequality and social exclusion are more prevalent in the north-east of the UK and they tend to progressively reduce as one moves towards the south-west. The only notable geographical anomaly in this respect is London which has a peak of low income and unemployment problems and Scotland which has a peak in health-related issues. (JRF 2005) In conclusion, although it is accepted that we have only examined a few small facets of the whole potential area related to both social inequalities and social exclusion, we would suggest that we have presented sufficient evidence to be able to suggest that the social worker cannot reasonably be expected to practice in the modern environment without a thorough knowledge and appreciation of these factors. It is not so much a case of â€Å"Does this knowledge assist the social worker in their practice?† but â€Å"This knowledge is essential to be able to practice effectively.† References Alcock P, 2003,  Social policy in Britain,  Macmillan 2003. Baldock J et al 1999,  Social Policy,  Oxford University Press 1999 Black report (The) 1980,  DHSS,  HMSO: London 1980 Chapman P, Euan Phimister, Mark Shucksmith, Richard Upward and Esperanza Vera-Toscano, 2004,  Poverty and exclusion in rural Britain: The dynamics of low income and employment,  Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Prentice Hall : ISBN1 899987 67 3, Clasen J (ed) 1999,  Comparative social policy: concepts, theories and methods,  Blackwell 1999   Dobson F 1997,  Department of Health: The NHS Plan. A Plan for Investment. A Plan for Reform. Cm 4818.  London: The Stationery Office 1997 Goodin R, B Headey, R Muffels, H-J Dirven, 2000,  The real worlds of welfare capitalism,  Cambridge University Press 2000. Haralambos M, M Holborn 2000,  Sociology: themes and perspectives,  Harper Collins 2000. IIIH 1998,  Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health (1998),  Department of Health,  HMSO: London 1998 Jowell R, J. Curtice, A. Park, L. Brook, K. Thomson C. Bryson (eds.) 1998,  British and European Social Attitudes: how Britain differs. The 15th BSA Report,  Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot. (1998) JRF 2005,  Low pay, and poverty,  Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Prentice Hall: 2005 McKernan SM, Ratcliffe, C 2005,  Events that trigger poverty,  Social Sceince Quarterly Vol. 86, Number 5, December 2005, pp. 1146-1169 (24),  JRF 2005 Millar J and Karen Gardiner 2005,  Low pay, household resources and poverty,  Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Prentice Hall: ISBN 1 85935 257 X Townsend Davidson 1988,  The Health Divide,  London: Penguin Books 1988 Ramcharan P et al 1997,  In: Empowerment in Everyday Life: learning disability, Jessica Kingsley (EDS),  Oxford University Press 1997 Lovelock, R. and Powell, J. (forthcoming, April 2004), ‘Habermas/Foucault for social work: practices of critical reflection’, in Lovelock, R., Lyons, K. and Powell, J. (eds), Reflecting on Social Work – Discipline and Profession, Aldershot, Ashgate, pp. 183–225. Powell, J. and Lovelock, R. (1996), Reason and commitment: is communication possible in contested areas of social work theory and practice?, in Ford, P. and Hayes, P. (eds), Educating for Social Work: Arguments for Optimism, Aldershot, Avebury, pp. 76–94. JRF 2005,  Joseph Rowntree Foundation 2005 April 1998 Ref 418 Poverty and exclusion in rural Britain: the dynamics of low income and employment

Optimization of Ritalin for more Effective Results Essay -- Methylphen

Ritalin (Methylphenidate) Optimization Ritalin Pills Abstract: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is currently the dominating psychiatric disorder found in children. The creation of the drug Ritalin based on the molecule Methylphenidate in the early 90’s sparked a widespread use of this psycho stimulant, which still remains as one of the most popular drugs used to counteract the symptoms of ADHD. My ultimate goal in this research project is to design analogs for the drug Ritalin in the hopes of discovering a more effective version of this medication. Through research, it can be concluded that none the analogs suggested are suitable candidates for new drugs based on the results. Introduction: With 3-5 percent of school children today diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADHD has been reported to account for 50 percent of the child psychiatric population seen at the clinic. Methylphenidate (figure 1) serves as the dominant drug used in medications counteracting the symptoms of ADHD. (1) Among those medications, Ritalin is currently prescribed for daily use to 1.5 million school children in the United States, making it one of the most widely used prescription medications today. (2) The optimization of Ritalin is of utmost importance and will therefore, be the topic of this project. Scientists believe that ADHD is caused by an imbalance between dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems. However, this theory remains questionable due to an insufficient amount of evidence. Methylphenidate’s mechanism of action, Fig. 1: Methylphenidate Molecular Structure which is based on dopamine synaptic uptake inhibition, essentially allows it to binds to ... ... Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (1997) 29 July 2008 2) Ritalin: Fast Facts. Do It Now Foundation. 29 July 2008. figure 1: United States Environmental Protection Agency. July 28 2008. figure 2: Medscape. July 28 2008. title picture: Wikimedia. July 28 2008. figure 4: Wikipedia. July 28 2008. figure 5: Wikipedia. July 28 2008. %28primary%29-skeletal.png> figure 8: Wikipedia. July 28 2008. svg> Optimization of Ritalin for more Effective Results Essay -- Methylphen Ritalin (Methylphenidate) Optimization Ritalin Pills Abstract: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is currently the dominating psychiatric disorder found in children. The creation of the drug Ritalin based on the molecule Methylphenidate in the early 90’s sparked a widespread use of this psycho stimulant, which still remains as one of the most popular drugs used to counteract the symptoms of ADHD. My ultimate goal in this research project is to design analogs for the drug Ritalin in the hopes of discovering a more effective version of this medication. Through research, it can be concluded that none the analogs suggested are suitable candidates for new drugs based on the results. Introduction: With 3-5 percent of school children today diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADHD has been reported to account for 50 percent of the child psychiatric population seen at the clinic. Methylphenidate (figure 1) serves as the dominant drug used in medications counteracting the symptoms of ADHD. (1) Among those medications, Ritalin is currently prescribed for daily use to 1.5 million school children in the United States, making it one of the most widely used prescription medications today. (2) The optimization of Ritalin is of utmost importance and will therefore, be the topic of this project. Scientists believe that ADHD is caused by an imbalance between dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems. However, this theory remains questionable due to an insufficient amount of evidence. Methylphenidate’s mechanism of action, Fig. 1: Methylphenidate Molecular Structure which is based on dopamine synaptic uptake inhibition, essentially allows it to binds to ... ... Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (1997) 29 July 2008 2) Ritalin: Fast Facts. Do It Now Foundation. 29 July 2008. figure 1: United States Environmental Protection Agency. July 28 2008. figure 2: Medscape. July 28 2008. title picture: Wikimedia. July 28 2008. figure 4: Wikipedia. July 28 2008. figure 5: Wikipedia. July 28 2008. %28primary%29-skeletal.png> figure 8: Wikipedia. July 28 2008. svg>

How Do Hindus View Suffering? Essay

Hinduism is an ancient religion and is a mixture of several different faiths. The religion includes the beliefs of the early inhabitants together with the beliefs of others from around the last three thousand years. Due to the diversities in the religion, it may seem that a number of Hindus may appear to be followers of a different religion – this is not so. The differing of beliefs can be seen in the view of suffering. It is one of the most vital concepts in Hindu philosophy. Suffering is â€Å"to undergo or be subjected to pain.†1 Pain does not just mean physical torture. It could mean anything from struggling to make ends meet, to being mentally unstable. Suffering may be internal, like physical pain, or external, resulting from the environment around. The three major religions that is Christianity, Judaism, Islam (known as the religions of the book) have their own teaching on what it means to suffer. The idea of suffering in the Christian tradition is particularly c onventional. The Old Testament book of Job depicts a righteous man who loses everything that he has, and in turn has inflicted upon him diseases. The view of suffering is found in the characters Zophar, Bildad, Eliphaz, who believe that the main reason Job is suffering in such a gruesome way is because of his actions. Job may have appeared to be a righteous man on the outside, but beneath, Job could have been a man whose heart was not fully pure, and therefore was being punished by God. Here the conventional Christian attitude is that suffering is a result of ones own actions. In The New Testament the belief is that suffering may not have been brought upon by the individual but by their parents or others around them. In Hinduism the attitude towards suffering is varied. An overall approach can be found in the four noble truths. Even though it is from the religion of the Buddhist, I feel that it can be applied to any religion that has to discuss the issue of suffering. The four noble truths are: – suffering exists. – there is a cause of suffering. – suffering can be stopped. – there is a way, the nob le eight-fold path. It is from this statement that I will base this assignment. It does not take much for one to realise what the world today is full of. Around us there is strife, consistent bloodshed, poverty, and millions of people in prolonged torment. â€Å"The universe is a chain of killing and being killed, of devouring and of being devoured. The whole (world) is just food and the eater of food.†2 When one stops to reflect on the situation, it is obvious that suffering in the world does exists – it is inevitable, the reason being , it is due to man and his greed. Suffering in the Hindu world can be seen within the caste system. In the Hindu tradition, its members are divide into for groups or castes. First is the Brahmans. They are considered to be the priestly or intellectual caste. Second are the Kshatriyas. They are referred to as the warrior and ruling caste. Third are the Vaisya. They are known as the commercial and agricultural caste. Fourth are the Sudras. They are understood to be the caste who labour. Suffering may not be experienced by the first three castes, but is experienced in the remaining caste. Such suffering includes not only physical and mental suffering, but, † legal, social, and religious disabilities.†3 The Hindus attitude towards the caste system, is that it represents the life a person lived in the past. This then leads us to discuss the belief in Karma (this will be discussed below). So whatever caste a person is born into, whether it be the priestly or even the labourers, it is no one else’s fault but the individuals. If one finds themselves within the lower castes they then know that the former life lived was not worthy, and so now faces the consequences, together with being given the chance to change. â€Å"It emphatically lays down that an individual’s rise or fall is the social scale in the next life depends entirely on the good or bad deeds which he performs in the present life.† 4 On this point the majority of all Hindus agree that suffering is inescapable in this world. When considering the first noble truth it is here that we find differing theories. One view is suffering can be seen as an illusion. â€Å"Like all empirical phenomena, like empirical existence itself, suffering is an illusion, a mirage.†5 Such a belief is accepted by the Upanishads. Suffering depicted in the scripture is not a real experience, it is unreal. It is unreal in the sense that although the physical body is affected the inner self is not. â€Å"The body may suffer but that the self which pervades it is not affected.†6 Suffering is seen then by the scripture as an illusion, it is not an actual experience. Then again it must be impossible to say that something is not there if one can actual feel and respond to it. The Upanishads realise that once a person is born into the world, they are automatically placed in an environment in which evil and suffering exists. Therefore because of all the influences surrounding them, the body will then gradually take on the forms of the world. Man becomes corrupt as he focuses on looking out for himself. The god Brahman is to be connected with the idea of suffering as an illusion. Everything that happens within this world is said to be the manifestation of Brahman. â€Å"I am the body, his mental attitude. I am the Brahman.†7 Man is not the owner of his body, everything from his outer being to the inner being is that of Brahman. If Brahman is then the controller of a person from the inward out, then whatever problems an individual is faced with should not really affect them. This is because it is the owner of the body, not them that has to deal with the problem, but Brahman. If one looks at the relationship between the Hindu and Brahman, it is possible to understand why suffering should be seen as an illusion, because really the person being affected is Brahman. The individual may feel that it is them that has to cope with the misfortunes that come to them. If they accept the fact that it is Brahman who is overseer of the body then there is no need to be aggrieved. On the other hand if they do not recognise that fact then of cause the suffering they are experiencing will be as â€Å"real as do the objects of the world.†8 â€Å"Suffering therefore, is only a problem so long as it appears to be a final and inescapable truth. But when it is realised that the self is not bound forever to the transient world of suffering, but rather that it is Brahman, then suffering can no longer occur.†9 If one was then to ask a Hindu the question ‘does suffering exist?’ the answer most likely to be heard is no – suffering is only a ‘fragment of the imagination.’ Just as there were varying views on whether suffering exists or not, there is also differing views as to what causes suffering. Like all other religions, some Hindus believe that the cause of suffering is the result of one’s actions known as karma. The Hindus attitude towards suffering is to be found in the doctrine of karma. If one can understand this doctrine clearly, then so to, the theme of suffering can be clearly understood. The doctrine basically states that every action of an individual will no doubt produce some results whether it be good or bad. The consequences of the actions will determine the life of an individual. For the individual to experience the results of his actions, another life experience is needed – hence the doctrine of reincarnation. The two doctrines can not be separated, it is impossible to talk of one without the other. In Christianity this doctrine is known as retribution. The actions committed in the past life can be depicted in the life t he individual leads in the next. â€Å"His past acts, for instance, determine the kind of body which he assumes, the family, society, and position in which he may be born.†10 For example if the actions of a past life was moral, then the following life would be a life of satisfaction. If on the other hand the actions were unjust, then, the individual would encounter a new life of hardship. Every action that an individual performs has a direct result or even a consequence. â€Å"An individual’s present position and suffering are a consequence of his own actions.†11 The basis for such a view is held in the Hindu belief in reincarnation. After death the soul is reborn in another form of life. The aim of reincarnation is to enable the individual to reach perfection so that they can be one with God. Such a cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth is known as samsara. If providing the past life of an individual was good then their soul would then automatically be with the Divine. If on the other hand the past life was bad then a chance is given to the individual to make up for the bad deeds done in their last life. Death then is viewed by the Hindus as something which is to be looked forward to – it is a step towards a new life in which one is given the chance to change. If one’s present life is full of nothing but suffering then in the next, life will be a vast improvement. Suffering in one life may then lead to an improved life. Suffering is then brought upon a person if they have done something in their life that has been corrupt. If one is to go around doing bad deeds, then the bad deeds will eventually take its toll on them, hence the suffering. Another cause for suffering is due to ones lack of faith and lack of devotion to the Divine. â€Å"The cause of the problem of suffering focuses on three characteristic fallings in the human condition, namely greed (labha), ignorance (avidya), and indifference (pramada).†12 The individual loses sight of the relationship held between Brahman, and instead possesses the desire for the tangible things of the world. It is as soon as the individual follows their mind and not their heart, does the experience of suffering take place. â€Å"Suffering arises only when one attaches himself to limited or transient objects as though they are permanent.†13 If one keeps their eyes focused on the Divine then everything will be more than satisfactory, but on the other hand if the eyes stray then the consequence will ultimately be suffering. Together with Christianity, Hindus view suffering in a positive note, that is, suffering can help strengthen the individual in their faith. In their time of need one would turn to the divine to find comfort and reassurance that everything wi ll be right in the end. Suffering is then seen as an experience that reinforce one’s faith. Another advantage of suffering is that it maybe an indication of better things to come in life. An individual can not expect to pass through life without having to come across difficulties, life would be ‘boring’ so to speak. Suffering in one’s life may lead to a better life in the next and so suffering should be appreciated. â€Å"Suffering is an experience, a part of the universe of being. It may be beneficial particularly if it is the foundation of better things.†14 There is a way out of suffering. Suffering is an experience which can easily be removed. â€Å"The Hindu view is that suffering is inevitable in this world and that the only way to deal with it is in fact to reject the world and seek release from it.†15 The solutions to suffering can be found in the doctrine of moksha. It is the doctrine where on can seek either liberation or release from the world fraught with corruption. The first way in which release can be brought about is by devoting oneself wholly to Brahman. This involves not only prayer but worship. Time needs to be taken out to focus on the almighty. Another way is through the way of action. This again brings to remembrance the doctrine of karma. By doing good deed the self becomes pure. By doing bad deeds then the self becomes corrupt. The final solution is said to be through yoga. It is through this physical exercise does one become united with Brahman. As discussed previously, one of the causes for suffering was due to man’s indulgence towards the material substances of the world. So if man disregards his lust for the world, then suffering itself will not be experienced. Man needs to be completely detached from the substances of the world and instead need to attach himself to the divine in order to prevent the occurrence of suffering. An additional way to solve the problem is if one is to take suffering as an illusion. â€Å"The way to alleviate suffering is precisely to realise indeed that it is nothing, at most it is a mere manifestation.†16 To conclude suffering in the religion is viewed in many terms. In my personal view suffering is part of life. Life would not be life if there was no such thing as suffering. I am not saying that suffering is nothing of importance, it is, when one is brought into a world surrounded by suffering, it becomes part of life, one has to learn to cope with it. In order to apprehend the concept in detail, one has to have an in-depth understanding of the various doctrines discussed above. It can be argued whether suffering exists or not, but what is clear is whatever the decision there is a way in which to prevent suffering. Essentially it is committing the mind body and soul to God. By doing this then the life being lived will no doubt be free from distress. Bibliography -Benjamin Walker, â€Å"Hindu World†, London vol. 2, 1968. -John Brockington, â€Å"Hinduism and Christianity†, Macmillan, 1992 -Arun Shourie, â€Å"Hinduism: Essence and Consequence†, Vikas New Delhi, 1970 -A.L Herman, â€Å"A Brief Introduction to Hinduism†, Oxford 1991 -J Bowker, â€Å"Problems of Suffering in Religions of the World†, London, 1975 -Richard Lannoy, â€Å"The Speaking Tree†, Oxford, 1971 -K.W Morgan, â€Å"The Religions of the Hindu World†, New York Press, 1954 -K.N Tiwari, â€Å"Suffering: Indian Perspectives†, Motilal Barnarsidass Delhi, 1986 1 Concise Oxford Dictionary 2 Problems of Suffering in Religions of the World page 200 3 The Religions of the Hindus page 145 4 The Religions of the Hindus page 147-148 5 Hinduism: Essence and Consequence page 153 6 Problems of Suffering in Religions of the World page 216 7 Hinduism: Essence and Consequence page 154 8 Problems of Suffering in Religions of the World page 216 9 Problems of Suffering in Religions of the World page 214 10 The Religions of the Hindus page 128 11 Hinduism and Christianity page 119 12 A Brief Introduction to Hinduism page 31 13 Problems of Suffering in Religions of the World page 214 14Problems of Suffering in Religions of the World page 207 15 Hinduism and Christianity page 133 16 Hinduism: Essence and Consequence page 153

Public Bank Berhad

Public Bank Berhad The Public Bank Malaysia was founded in the year 1966. The logo, in modern geometric design, is conceived from two interlocking octagons denoting the domestic and international connections of the Group. The interlocking of the two octagons also suggests security, strength and stability. As per the latest reports Public Bank Malaysia is the largest domestic bank in Malaysia after Malayan Banking Berhad. The Public Bank Malaysia, in terms of its market capitalization, is the largest corporation in Malaysia that is not linked with the Government.The expansion and progress of the Group are symbolised by the edges of the octagons pointing outwards at various directions. Additionally, the graphic formation of the two interlocking octagons also creates an â€Å"eye† of foresight of the organisation. Industry Of Public Bank Berhad Public Bank Berhad is an industry leader in hire purchase financing, home mortgage financing and commercial lending to SMEs in Malaysia. The bank has a strong distribution network comprising 248 full service branches in Malaysia and 109 overseas in Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Sri Lanka. Public BankProduct Range Of Public Bank Berhad Public Bank Berhad in one of the leading providers of integrated financial services in Malaysia. It primarily focuses on providing banking and financial services. The bank is engaged in offering various financial products and services, which includes investment banking, commercial banking, wealth management products, and Islamic banking services. Target Market Of Public Bank Berhad The whole Malaysian, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Sri Lanka. Aimed at providing customized banking services and products to individual customers in addition to small business concerns.Consumer Groups The core business areas of the Public Bank Group are consumer and retail commercial loans. Individuals and families can find a range of lending solutions to buy residential unit, vehicle or a consumer good. The bank offers home loan, car loan, passenger vehicle hire purchase financing and personal loan at easy terms and conditions. The small and medium sized enterprises, too, can find simplified procedure here to apply for a commercial loan. Position of The Company In Relation To Other Competitors Public Bank Berhad operates in the Commercial banks sector.This analysis compares Public Bank Berhad with three other companies: Malayan Banking Berhad (2011 sales of 18. 28 billion Malaysian Ringgits [US$5. 85 billion] of which 25% was Consumer Banking), Cimb Group Holdings Berhad (2010 sales: 16. 06 billion Malaysian Ringgits [US$5. 14 billion] of which 19% was Foreign Banking Ope), and AMMB Holdings Berhad (2011 sales of 5. 83 billion Malaysian Ringgits [US$1. 87 billion] of which 46% was Retail Banking). Company| Sales(blns)| P/E| P/B| Mkt Cap(RMm)| Revenue(RM’000,000)| Public Bank Berhad| 10. 345| 13. 1| 3. 10| 45,067. 8| 10,523| Malayan Banking Berhad| 18. 278| 13. 0| 1. 90| 62,592. 67| 18,397| Cimb Group Holdings Berhad| 16. 059| 13. 5| 2. 07| 55,597. 16| 16,635| AMMB Holdings Berhad| 5. 831| 12. 2| 1. 69| 17,904. 26| 6,343| Market Capital Revenue Ratio For Public Bank | 2008| 2009| 2010| Current ratio| 120,700,000,000/34,789,000,000=3. 47| 137,600,000,000/41,835,000,000=3. 29| 156,500,000,000/45,911,000,000=3. 41| Quick ratio| 60,656,000,000/34,789,000,000=1. 97| 67,986,000,000/41,835,000,000=1. 63| 59,269,000,000/45,911,000,000=1. 29| Average age of inventory | Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading.No inventories| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No inventories| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No inventories| Average Collection Period| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No sales hence no receivables| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No sales hence no receivables| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No sales hence no receivables| Average payme nt period| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No purchases| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No purchases| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading.No purchases| Total asset turnover| 10,500,307,000/196,163,106,000=0. 054| 9,715,568,000/271,136,154,000=0. 045| 11,035,597,000/226,328,976,000=0. 049| Debt ratio| (185,934,374,000/196,163,106,000)x100=94. 79%| (205,420,830,000/217,136,154,000)x100=94. 60%| (212,643,888,000/226,328,976,000)x100=93. 96%| Time interest earned| 18,790,015,000/4,562,396,000=4. 12x| 17,068,609,000/3,316,609,000=5. 15x| 19,149,128,000/3,516,111,000=5. 45x| Gross profit margin| (3,948,155,000/10,500,307,000)x100=37. 60%| (4,015,055,000/9,715,568,000)x100=41. 33%| (4,738,265,000/11,035,597,000)x100=42. 4%| Net profit margin| (2,622,660,000/10,500,307,000)x100=24. 98%| (2,551,540,000/9,715,568,000)x100=26. 26%| (3,099,077,000/11,035,597,000)x100=28. 08%| ROA| (2,622,660,000/196,163,106,000)x100=1. 34%| (2,551,540,000/217,136,1 54,000)x100=1. 18%| (3,099,077,000/226,328,976,000)x100=1. 37%| ROE| (2,622,660,000/10,228,732,000)x100=25. 64%| (2,551,540,000/11,715,324,000)x100=21. 78%| (3,099,077,000/13,685,088,000)x100=22. 65%| Analysis Of Public Bank Performance Liquidity Ratio Current Ratio = Current assets/current liabilities 2008| 2009| 2010| 120,700,000,000/ 34,789,000,000 =3. 7| 137,600,000,000/ 41,835,000,000 =3. 29| 156,500,000,000/ 45,911,000,000 =3. 41| The ratio is mainly used to measure the company's ability to pay back  its short-term liabilities with its short-term assets. As we seen the company current ratio for these 3 years, there are decreases from year 2008 to year 2009 but they increase back when come to year 2010. These 3 years current ratio is significant higher than the acceptable ratio. The acceptable ratio is 2:1 but for the public bank, the current ratio are (2008 1 : 3. 47, 2009 1 : 3. 29, 2010 1 : 3. 41).These shows that the Public Bank is not using its resources as efficiently a s it could be. Public Bank should reduce its current assets so there are no excessive current assets. Quick Ratio = (current assets-inventories)/current liabilities 2008| 2009| 2010| 60,656,000,000/ 34,789,000,000 =1. 97| 67,986,000,000/ 41,835,000,000 =1. 63| 59,269,000,000/ 45,911,000,000 =1. 29| Quick ratio  measures  a company's ability to meet  its short-term obligations with  its most liquid assets. The higher the quick ratio,  the  better the position of the  company. From the company 3 years quick ratio, the quick ratio are (2008 1 : 1. 7, 2009 1 : 1. 63, 2010 1 : 1. 29) These shows that the company quick ratio is slightly higher than the acceptable ratio that are 1:1. But the quick ratio for the company are getting better year to year. The company should reduce its current account to reach the desirable ratio that are 1:1. Activity Ratio Average age of inventory =(Average inventories/Cost of sales)x365 2008| 2009| 2010| N/A| N/A| N/A| Impossible to compute sin ce Public Bank Berhad is not involved in trading. No physical inventories are involved. Average collection period = (receivables/sales) x365 2008| 2009| 2010|N/A| N/A| N/A| Impossible to compute since Public Bank Berhad is not involved in trading. No physical inventories are involved. Average payment period =(Payable/Cost of sales)x365 2008| 2009| 2010| N/A| N/A| N/A| Impossible to compute since Public Bank Berhad is not involved in trading. No physical purchases are involved. Total assets turn over= Operating revenue/total assets 2008| 2009| 2010| 10,500,307,000/196,163,106,000 =0. 054| 9,715,568,000/271,136,154,000 =0. 045| 11,035,597,000/226,328,976,000 =0. 049| Asset turnover  measures  a firm's efficiency at using its assets in generating sales.The total assets turnover over for the 3 years, there are decrease in year 2009 but increases in year 2010. For each RM1 of assets for the year 2008, Public Bank only manage to generate RM0. 054 of sales. For the year 2009 and 2010, for each RM1 of the assets, Public Bank only generates RM0. 045 and RM0. 049 of sales. The amount are worsen but there are increases for year 2010. This is because the company have higher profit margin, so they would have lower assets turnover. Financial Ratio Debt ratio=(Total liabilities/Total asset)x100% 2008| 2009| 2010| (185,934,374,000/196,163,106,000)x100=94. 9%| (205,420,830,000/217,136,154,000)x100=94. 60%| (212,643,888,000/226,328,976,000)x100=93. 96%| A ratio that indicates what proportion of debt a company has relative to its assets. The measure gives an idea to the leverage of the company along with the potential risks the company faces in terms of its debt-load. Time Interest Earned Ratio=EBIT/Interest 2008| 2009| 2010| 18,790,015,000/4,562,396,000=4. 12x| 17,068,609,000/3,316,609,000=5. 15x| 19,149,128,000/3,516,111,000=5. 45x| Ensuring interest payments to debt holders and preventing bankruptcy depends mainly on a company's ability to sustain earnings.However, a high ratio can indicate that a company has an undesirable lack of debt or is paying down too much debt with earnings that could be used for other projects. The rationale is that a company would yield greater returns by investing its earnings into other projects and borrowing at a lower cost of capital than what it is currently paying to meet its debt obligations. Analysis : The company have a high time interest earned ratio in this few year and the ratio keep increase. This suggests that this company is less burdened by debt expense and the company has no problem in settling its interest expenses in the future.Profitability Ratio Gross Profit Margin=Gross profit margin/Net sales 2008| 2009| 2010| (3,948,155,000/10,500,307,000)x100=37. 60%| (4,015,055,000/9,715,568,000)x100=41. 33%| (4,738,265,000/11,035,597,000)x100=42. 94%| The gross margin is not an exact estimate of the company's pricing strategy but it does give a good indication of financial health. Without an adequate gross margin , a company will be unable to pay its operating and other expenses and build for the future. Net Profit Margin=(Earning to common stockholders/sales)x100% 2008| 2009| 2010| (2,622,660,000/10,500,307,000)x100=24. 98%| (2,551,540,000/9,715,568,000)x100=26. 6%| (3,099,077,000/11,035,597,000)x100=28. 08%| Net profit margin is the ratio of net profit to revenues a company’s pricing strategy and operating efficiency. Return On Assets=(Earning to common stockholders/total assets)x100% 2008| 2009| 2010| (2,622,660,000/196,163,106,000)x100=1. 34%| (2,551,540,000/217,136,154,000)x100=1. 18%| (3,099,077,000/226,328,976,000)x100=1. 37%| Return on assets is an indicator of how profitable a company is relative to its total asset, the ratio measures how efficient management is at using its assets to generate earning. Return On Equity=(Earning to common stockholders/total equity)x100% 2008| 2009| 2010| 2,622,660,000/10,228,732,000)x100=25. 64%| (2,551,540,000/11,715,324,000)x100=21. 78%| (3, 099,077,000/13,685,088,000)x100=22. 65%| Return on equity  measures a corporation's profitability  by revealing how much  profit a company generates  with the  money  shareholders have invested. Analysis : Public Bank Berhad have a very high net profit margin and the profit increase from 24. 98% in year 2008 to 26. 26% in year 2009. When in year 2010, it rise to 28. 08% again. It’s mean this company generate 24. 98% in year 2008, 26. 26% in year 2009 and 28. 08% in year 2010 for every RM100 sales. Furthermore, the return on assets are in the high rate.In the year 2008, the ROA is 1. 34% and it decreased to 1. 18% in the year 2009. However, in year 2010 the ROA increases to 1. 37%. It’s because of Public Bank has expanded its self –service channels such as Automated Teller Machines, Cheque Deposit Machines and Cash Deposit Terminals to 1,400 machines to serve its large customer base. The ROE for this company in year 2008 is 25. 64%. However it drops t o 21. 78% in the year 2009. The ROE increases again in the year 2010 to 22. 65%. It’s mean this company is more capable of generating cash internally. For the example, Public Bank Berhad is able to pay its shareholders the return he interest of 25. 64% in the year 2008. Conclusion The Overall of our research about Public Bank Berhad have a very good performance. The Public Bank group should seek to tap all growth opportunities arising from the improving economic and business environment, with the aim of delivering superior shareholder value over the long-term. Retail consumer and commercial banking should remain the core focus of the Group. In consumer financing, the group should continue to promote home mortgages, passenger vehicle hire purchase financing and personal financing. RecommendationOverall all our research about Public Bank Berhad and its competitors, Public Bank Berhad was performance very well in this 3 years. Especially when come to the year 2010, the profit be fore tax increases by 23. 0%. The Group’s gross loans, advances and financing recorded strong growth of 13. 8% in 2010, with the Group’s domestic lending business growing 15. 6% during the year. However, Gross impaired loans ratio drop by 0. 03%. The financial pandemic in late 2008 and 2009 that threatened to push the global economy into a deep recession was largely contained through the concerted efforts of the world’s major government and central banks.