Saturday, August 31, 2019

Comparing Nuclear Energy To Other Energies Sources Environmental Sciences Essay

This study contains information on five different types of energy beginnings. It is a literature survey that compares two renewable ( solar and air current ) beginnings and two non-renewable ( coal and natural gas ) beginnings to atomic energy. The comparing is based on factors such as use, cost ( both capital costs and running costs ) , safety and stableness, storage of waste and the impact on the environment. The beginnings are separately compared to atomic energy. In the comparings merely the factors relevant to the two energy beginnings being compared at any given clip are considered factors are non repeated in the comparing. It besides looks at whether the media ‘s portraiture of the dangers of atomic energy is accurate or whether it overestimates the dangers involved in bring forthing atomic power. The purpose of the study was to find the viability of atomic energy as a beginning of power to back up electricity demands of the population in the hereafter. This is a literature survey turn toing the portraiture of atomic energy by the media and its viability as an energy beginning in comparing to other methods of bring forthing electricity. The study compares Nuclear energy to energy generated by coal, natural gases, air current and the Sun ( i.e. solar energy ) . The energy types are separately compared to Nuclear energy. Each subdivision high spots specific jobs and advantages associated with Nuclear energy as it relates to the energy to which it is being compared. Factors taken into consideration include the costs involved with the assorted types of energy, how much it is being used globally, impact on the environment, storage of waste, safety and stableness. The study was written to run into the demands laid down by JSQ216, a 2nd twelvemonth technology topic at the University of Pretoria. The study was completed by apportioning each of the four group members a specific energy to research and comparison to atomic energy. The research was so completed by utilizing journal articles, books, cyberspace sites and nearing two applied scientists about the job. The information was processed, the dependability of the beginnings assessed and a short part of the study was generated by each group member. All four parts were so put together for the concluding study. Figure 1: Break down of solar energy [ 2 ] The Sun has been around since the beginning of clip but merely late has it been used as a beginning of renewable energy. Approximately 120000 TW of solar energy is absorbed by the Earth ‘s surface which is equal to 10000 times the entire planetary demand for energy. Merely 0.1 % of this energy would be required to fulfill the universe ‘s present ingestion of fuels. [ 1 ] There are three chief ways to tackle the Sun energy. These include solar cells which convert sunshine straight into electricity. Solar H2O heating where heat from the Sun is used to heat H2O inside panels on roof tops. And in conclusion solar furnaces that make usage of mirrors to concentrate the suns energy into a little infinite to bring forth high temperatures. As illustrated by figure 1. There are close to 440 atomic power workss in the universe today which supply 16 % of the universe ‘s energy demand, nevertheless merely 1 % is functional energy with the remainder being atomic waste. If 1 % of the country where there is recoverable energy utilised solar energy devices all the universe ‘s energy demands could be met with solar energy entirely. If 10 % of the country were to be utilized so in two old ages the electricity produced would be equal to all known militias of fossil fuels. [ 1 ] Cost jobs with solar energy are the high capital costs involved in the installing of solar panels which can be really expensive. The demand to hive away energy because of solar handiness due to factors such as clip of twenty-four hours and conditions conditions is besides dearly-won. States at higher heights with day-to-day cloud screen will hold an economic disadvantage due to long distance transportation of energy. Care of panels besides has to be considered. Nuclear energy is soon cheaper than solar power nevertheless the building of the installations and the disposal of radioactive waste is dearly-won and can impact the environment. [ 3 ] Solar power is comparatively safe to utilize every bit long as you do non look straight into the Sun ‘s beams or come into contact with hot solar panels. In the instance of atomic power it is besides safe to utilize as the atomic reactors are equipped with excess systems to do certain there is no atomic meltdown. This makes it a really stable energy beginning. Nuclear energy starts to acquire more unsafe in the signifier of exhausted fuel rods and radioactive waste. Even though atomic energy is dependable and stable as a whole, when something does travel wrong it can go really serious and really unsafe. Solar energy does non hold any signifier of waste as replaced panels and constituents can be reused or recycled. Nuclear energy has two types of waste merchandises, the spent fuel rods which if non stored decently in pools of H2O to chill down could go really unstable. The other signifier is radioactive gasses and other waste merchandises that if released into the ambiance can present assorted hazards. Solar energy produces no waste or pollution. Waste from atomic power must be sealed and stored resistance for long periods of clip. This waste must be kept safe from external factors and from human contact in order to forestall a menace. Such a menace is presently under manner at the Fukushima Daiichi power works in Japan where a pool of exhausted fuel rods caught fire this twelvemonth. Solar power is a renewable power beginning therefore it is environmentally friendly. It is soundless and requires no fuel hence there is no pollution. It even decreases the sum of harmful green house gasses. Although there are many advantages to solar energy there is still the fact that a big sum of panels is required to bring forth the needful electricity. This becomes really dearly-won. It is dependable and has no hazards that are associated with atomic energy. Nuclear energy on the other manus is non a renewable beginning and if non handled in the right manner could impact the environment in a negative manner. Even though it does non lend to planetary heating like other fossil fuels, the waste gasses it does bring forth could potentially do radioactive illnesss and malignant neoplastic disease in worlds and other life signifiers. A sum-up of the advantages and disadvantages of solar and atomic energy can be found in the tabular arraies below Table 1: Advantages of Solar and Nuclear Energy Solar Energy Nuclear Energy Renewable energy beginning Does non breathe green house gasses Has no volatile waste Plenty of resources available Once panels are in topographic point the energy is free Cheaper than solar power Table 2: Disadvantages of Solar and Nuclear Energy Solar Energy Nuclear Energy Does non work at dark Radioactive waste Presently really expensive Long-run storage required for waste merchandises Requires large Fieldss in order to reap a suited sum of energy Some reactors produce Pu which can be used to do atomic arms All around the universe we require every energy beginning that we can acquire including atomic. All energy beginnings have both pros and cons. Even though atomic energy is portrayed as an unstable beginning of energy it is in fact one of the most dependable and stable types in the universe today. The downside is in its waste that if treated falsely could set down in the custodies of terrorists. In the following 20 old ages at that place will be emerging economic systems throughout the Earth that will necessitate low cost, environmentally friendly alternate energy beginnings and Nuclear power is expected to fulfill this demand.Wind EnergyWind power is the coevals of electricity through the usage of air current to whirl turbines, which in bend, convert the air current ‘s kinetic energy into electricity. [ 1 ] The procedure of utilizing air current as a power beginning has been in usage throughout history from around the twelfth century where windmills were used to mill grain. [ 2 ] Wind power coevals uses wind turbines to do electricity, air current Millss for mechanical power and air current pumps for pumping H2O. [ 2 ] It is a renewable energy beginning that non many states have attempted to develop. Wind Power Worldwide June 2010 [ 3 ] State Capacity ( MW ) USA 36.3 China 33.8 Germany 26.4 Spain 19.5 India 12.1 Rest of the World 46.9 Entire 175.00Table 3: Wind Power Worldwide June 2010 In June 2010, The World Wind Energy Association ( WWEA ) published that 5 states entirely accounted for about 73 % of the universe ‘s entire air current energy production viz. USA, China, Germany, Spain and India. [ 3 ] Figure 2: World Electricity Production 2008 On the other manus, atomic energy production seems to be far more popular in a batch of states with some states such as the USA and France holding no less than 104 and 59 atomic reactors in operation severally [ 4 ] in early 2010. A survey done in 2008 to happen the per centum of each type of energy that is globally produced showed that air current signifiers portion of merely 2.8 % whereas atomic energy histories for 13.4 % of the universe ‘s entire power. The chief disadvantage of air current power is the undependability of the air current itself. In most countries the air current ‘s strength is excessively low to whirl a turbine. However, if wind energy were to be used in unison with solar and/or geothermic energy it could be developed into a stable and dependable beginning of power. The air current turbines themselves are rather safe with merely a few reported instances worldwide of damaged blades caused by bad conditions, none of which has resulted in any known hurts. [ 5 ] Nuclear reactor workss make usage of radioactive stuffs to bring forth electricity. The thought that these stuffs could go unstable and acquire out of control is one of the chief concerns ( along with radiation toxic condition ) for states bring forthing atomic energy. The Chernobyl atomic catastrophe of 1986 lead to better, more efficient protocols being put into pattern go forthing most states to believe that they are now better prepared to manage any destabilizing of the atomic stuffs. [ 6 ] However, weave energy remains theoretically a batch safer than atomic workss even with all the safety safeguards they take. The effects are much higher for a atomic catastrophe than for a air current turbine failure. Wind turbines do non breathe any waste merchandises as they do non fire any kind of fossil fuels or radioactive stuffs, so there is no concern over where to hive away or dispose of emanations safely- unlike atomic energy. The radioactive stuffs ( like Uranium and Plutonium ) that are used up in atomic power workss continue to bring forth unsafe radiation for 1000s of old ages after they have been used up as a fuel for atomic energy. The most effectual manner to hive away these depleted stuffs has non yet been found but for now they are being kept in belowground storage pools where they will non be harmful to anybody. [ 7 ] The initial apparatus of both air current turbines and atomic power workss are rather dearly-won. But one time built, wind turbines are cheaper to keep than the power workss, but they are both comparatively cheaper to keep than their fossil fuel opposite numbers with the atomic stuffs enduring a really long clip and with air current being a free resource to be used. Environmental Impact: Both air current and atomic energy as it is being produced, is friendly to the environing environment ( except in the tragic instance where radiation is leaked from the power works ) . However, wind turbines do do more noise than the power workss which is riotous to any locals remaining near the turbines. [ 8 ] The sum of infinite that a air current turbine takes is less than that of an mean atomic power works and the break to the environment during building is worse for the power workss because they take so much longer to be built. [ 8 ]Coal EnergyCoal, the most abundant and low-cost of the fossil fuels ( 1 ) , is a non-renewable energy beginning. It has been used as a beginning of energy for 1000s of old ages and has legion of import utilizations such as in electricity coevals, steel and cement industry, and industrial procedure warming. Coal frequently proves to be the lone alternate when low-cost, cleaner energy beginnings are unable to run into the turning energy demand faced with today ( 1 ) . Fossil fuels are formed from the organic remains of prehistoric workss and animate beings that have undergone alterations due to heat and force per unit area over 1000000s of old ages. The procedure is still taking topographic point today but the rate of energy storage is little. The one-year biomass production stored this manner represents merely about 0.001 % of the current universe energy usage ( 2 ) . Even though wood coal can be made unnaturally, it is non possible to bring forth it at the rate of ingestion ( 3 ) . Therefore, coal is regarded as a non-renewable energy beginning and is bound to acquire depleted. Harmonizing to BP ‘s ( British Petroleum ) Statistical Review of World Energy 2010, there is a estimated 826001 million dozenss of proved coal militias worldwide, or 119 old ages reserves-to-production ratio ( length of clip that the staying coal militias would last if production were to go on at the old twelvemonth ‘s rate ) ( 4 ) . However, compared to other fossil fuels, coal militias are the largest 1s and are more equally distributed worldwide. Nuclear energy is besides a non-renewable beginning as it is reliant upon a finite beginning of fuel that can be exhausted. Although, the universe ‘s known uranium resources increased by 15 % in two old ages to 2007 owing to increased mineral geographic expedition The U ( and sometimes Pu ) used in atomic power is a natural resource and is a common metal found in stones all over the universe. The World Nuclear Association suggested that there is about ( 13 ) 160 old ages of supply at today ‘s rate of ingestion. Coal is chiefly used as a solid fuel to bring forth electricity and heat. The coal is normally pulverized and so combusted in a furnace with a boiler for the coevals of electricity. The steam which consequences from the burning is so used to whirl turbines, which drives the generators therefore making electricity. When coal is heated at about 1000 grades Celsius in an airless environment, Coke is produced. The Coke is so used is used to smelt Fe ore for the production of steel. A byproduct of this warming is Coal gas, which is a composing of methane and H, is produced. Coal gas was used for residential lighting and cookery in the 1940s ; but it was really dearly-won and so it was stopped. However, in recent times, these gasification procedures are being developed to be more cost effectual and so coal gas is frequently used as fuel for engines. Nuclear power workss create electricity through a procedure called fission in which subatomic atoms called neutrons split uranium atoms, bring forthing enormous sums of energy. The consequence of the fission of these big atoms is the creative activity of smaller atoms and radiation. The energy produced is so absorbed by H2O which heats it and so stream is produced. The steam is so used to whirl turbines as in the instance with coal power workss. Harmonizing to the Key World Energy Statistics 2010 ( 5 ) , 27 % of the worldwide energy demand was fulfilled by coal in 2009.Coal was the 2nd largest beginning of energy followed by Oil providing 33.2 % . China is a major manufacturer with coal with coal ever playing a dominant function in its primary energy ingestion. China consumed a high 46,9 % of the coal supplied and produced the most coal ( 45,6 % ) harmonizing to the BP Statistical World Energy Review 2010. World primary energy demand is expected to go on to turn steadily, as it has over the last two decennaries Harmonizing to the International Energy Outlook 2010 ( an appraisal by the Energy Information Administration ( EIA ) of the mentality for international energy markets through 2035 ) , universe ingestion of coal additions by 56 % over the following two decennaries ( 6 ) . Nuclear energy supplies the universe 5.8 % of the universe ‘s ingestion which is less than a one-fourth of what coal supplies. This is expected as there are merely 442 operable atomic power Stationss world-wide, the first one being created about 50 old ages ago which is comparatively recent. The extraction of coal involves two types of excavation: surface ( strip ) excavation and resistance excavation. Surface excavation involves the remotion of coal sedimentations near to Earth ‘s surface whereas underground excavation is taking sedimentations found 100s of metres below the Earth ‘s surface. Underground mining histories to about 60 % of the universe ‘s coal production ( 7 ) and requires the creative activity of shafts and tunnels that are dug in to the coal beds. There have been legion tragic happenings in the history of coal excavation as it is a really hazardous concern and lay waste toing accidents occur in all states that produce commercial measures of this mineral. Most mining accidents occur as a consequence of cave-ins, methane detonations, mine wall failures, vehicle hits or the implosion therapy of the mine shafts. Besides asphyxiation, gas toxic condition, respiratory complaints ( chiefly Black Lung Disease ) were common. Over 100,000 mineworkers have dies over the past century in coal-mining accidents in the U.S ( 2nd largest manufacturers of coal ) merely ( 8 ) . However, most of these hazards have been reduced in contemporary mines owing to modern engineering and wellness and safety Acts of the Apostless puting stricter criterions. Nevertheless, in lesser developed states and some underdeveloped states, continue to see important Numberss of excavation human deaths each twelvemonth. The copiousness of coal makes it easy accessible and the usage of cheaper manners of transit makes this resource an cheap signifier of energy when compared to energies such as solar, air current or hydro. It is besides somewhat cheaper than the costs involved in bring forthing atomic energy. When comparing the economic sciences in bring forthing energy from these two beginnings, it is of import to see several different types costs associated with both coal and atomic energy. This includes costs associated with the fuel used in the production of energy which tend to be lower in a atomic works even though more intricate stairss are involved in the production of the fuel assemblies used in the reactors. Transportation system costs are, nevertheless, high for coal because a significantly big sum of coal is needed to bring forth the same energy as with the atomic fuel. The capital costs are the costs associated with the initial building of the works and the alterations forms an of import portion when comparing the costs. For a atomic works, these costs are normally higher than for any other energy signifiers as the edifices used for containment or the safety-related equipment demand to run into higher criterions than those met by traditional coal workss. On the other manus, coal workss are required to include scrubbers to take airborne pollutants as a consequence of the combustion of the coal. Another consideration is the operation and care costs involved. These are the costs involved in the daily operation of the coal and atomic workss. This includes labor costs, stuff costs, authorities fees and belongings revenue enhancements. It is found that the costs are really similar in both the workss. The costs associated with the byproduct waste should besides be taken into history. For a coal workss, this is the coal ash and for a atomic works, these costs include a charge levied by the authorities for ultimate storage of the high degree waste. This charge is a level fee based on energy usage. The waste costs for atomic energy is well higher than the costs for coal workss. Therefore, the costs involved in bring forthing coal and atomic energy are approximately the same ( 9 ) . The combustion of coal is known to lend to planetary heating, and is linked to environmental and wellness issues such as acerb rain, smog and asthma owing to the particulate emanations that are emitted from power Stationss. Harmonizing to the World Health Organisation, it is estimated that air pollution kills more than 2 million people yearly ( 10 ) . Coal is the largest subscriber to the human-made addition of CO2, a nursery gas which causes planetary heating and clime alteration in the air ( 11 ) . Strip excavation causes big countries of land to be temporarily disturbed and this causes dirt eroding and impacts on local biodiversity as after the land has been scraped and quarried for coal, it is normally abandoned. The waste after coal has been combusted is frequently disposed of in landfills or â€Å" surface impoundings, † which are lined with compacted clay dirt and a fictile sheet. As rain filters through the toxic ash cavities over old ages, the toxic metals are leached out into the local environment. Coal sludge is the liquid coal waste generated by rinsing coal and is known to incorporate toxins, and so leaks or spills can foul belowground and surface Waterss. ( 12 )Natural Gas EnergyThe Natural Gas used in power production is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas made chiefly of methane and other hydrocarbons ( including C2H6, propane, butanes and pentanes ) . It besides contains C dioxide, He, H sulfide and N, in smaller measures. Natural gas is a molecular compound with Van Der Waal attractive force between its molecules [ 1 ] . It has a boiling point of -161oC and is stable at a broad assortment of temperatures and force per unit areas [ 1 ] . Natural gas is transported in its liquid signifier as it taken up 600 times less infinite as a liquid than it does as a gas and weighs 55 % less than the same volume of H2O. It is a consequence of the decomposition of workss and animate beings and is found in pockets beneath the Earth and ocean. Natural gas is an of import beginning of power in the modern universe. Harmonizing to Makogen ( 2010:49 ) if we were to utilize 17 to 20 % of the universe ‘s natural gas resources, we would be able to supply the universe with energy for 200 old ages. Although it presently merely accounts for 20 % of the universe ‘s energy, the demand is expected to increase well over the following 20 old ages. It is a cleaner fuel beginning than any other dodo fuel [ 2 ] breathing about no sulfur dioxide and far less C dioxide and NHx than either oil or coal. Natural gases can besides be used in concurrence with other power coevals methods, such as biomass [ 3 ] , to bring forth energy which will alter the sum of pollutants emitted. Nuclear Stationss do non bring forth the same pollutants as fossil fuels do but blow direction remains the primary concern in atomic engineering. The waste merchandises of a atomic station are isotopes with highly long half-lives. The storage of these waste merchandises means making a safe storage infinite that needs to last longer than all the human civilizations combined. There are three different degrees of atomic waste, high degree, medium degree and low degree. Low degree waste is non really unsafe and disposing of it is non a job. The danger comes in with high degree radioactive waste. The waste is encased in concrete membranophones and buried up to a kilometer and a half into the land [ 5 ] . However, high degree radioactive waste can non be stored near any other high degree radioactive waste as it will interact with the other waste. It is besides of import to happen stable land in which to hive away the waste, as concrete can check and interrupt in the event of an temblor or shudder. South Africa is one of the safer places to hive away atomic waste as it has a geologically stable countryside. Some countries, like the northern Karoo, have experienced about 30 000 old ages of stableness. In between the remotion of the waste from usage and the concluding storage of the waste it needs to be left to soak in H2O for a period of clip, to acquire rid of some of the residuary radiation. In this clip the fuel rods need to be safely guarded as the waste merchandises are used in the creative activity of dirty bombs and atomic bombs. A soiled bomb is a normal bomb incorporating high degree radioactive waste and is detonated above a metropolis, leting the radioactive atoms to pollute the H2O supply in add-on to other harm. [ 5 ] Plutonium, one of the waste merchandises of a atomic power station, is a primary constituent in atom bombs and the rods frequently have to be processed to take all Pu before they can be disposed. The usage to which the waste merchandises can be used besides means that steps need to be taken in guaranting that any state with a atomic power station does non utilize the waste in a atomic arms plan. It besides leaves a state more vulnerable to atomic onslaught as should a dirty or atom bomb land near a atomic station the merchandises of the two would respond with each other, compounding harm. The waste from a atomic station can be greatly reduced by the right direction of the station but it still remains a serious menace. Cold merger could theoretically bring forth energy without radioactive waste but experiments with cold merger have produced really small energy, non even plenty to power a light bulb. Cold merger is besides regarded as a cozenage by many scientists and has the same ill fame as â€Å" ageless gesture † and â€Å" free energy † in many scientific circles [ 9 ] . The degree of efficiency of natural gas as a power beginning is, nevertheless, really much dependant on the engineering used to bring forth the power. In a comparing of different engineerings [ 4 ] it was found that Natural Gas combined rhythm engineering was the most efficient of the Natural Gas engineerings. The engineerings were compared based on efficiency, capital costs, care costs, the service life and electricity costs ( calculated based on the cost of the fuel, the care costs, capital cost and service life ) . The capital costs of the combined rhythm engineering were merely over a‚ ¬500 with an expected care cost of less than a‚ ¬0.005 per kg Watt hr and a service life of 20 old ages ( i.e. the clip the works operates before equipment demands to be replaced. ) A atomic station has to replace its one tierce of its fuel rods yearly [ 5 ] Relatively, a atomic station ‘s capital costs are higher than any other fuel beginning [ 6 ] but they produce electricity at a really low cost which offsets the initial high cost. This can be seen in figure 2, below, which shows a comparing of the cost to bring forth energy for assorted engineerings. The cost of power from a atomic works besides tends to stay stable [ 7 ] even if the cost of uranium varies as up top 75 % of the fuel cost in a atomic works is to cover the start-up cost. On the other manus, natural gas monetary values are really dependent on the supply and so monetary values tend to change. Natural gas is besides capable to carbon revenue enhancements in some states because of its emanations, which reduces its cost efficiency. Figure 3: Cost of Energy Generation for Different Technologies Location besides plays a really of import function in finding whether or non natural gas or atomic energy is the most efficient solution of a state. A state that is abundant in fossil fuels and does non pay C revenue enhancements would happen that natural gas was a far more suited engineering. However, when it becomes necessary to import natural gases, the supply security of the works becomes compromised and it Nuclear may be a more financially feasible option. Both Nuclear and Natural Gas beginnings have the advantages of being able to provide on demand. Most renewable energy resources are offered on an as-available footing [ 8 ] . This means that you do non necessitate to run a coal station alongside a atomic station in instance it does non bring forth adequate energy to run into demand.DecisionMedia is wrong in portraiture, excessively utmost but still non safe Waste disposal is unsafe, careful consideration as to storage installations Safety, security Vulnerability to atomic onslaught

Friday, August 30, 2019

Intertwined Bodies with Separate Hearts Essay

In a world of wild modernity and sophistication, it is almost impossible for man not to connect with a single soul. Be it a friend, a loved one or a lover, these technologies conspire to feed the hunger in all of us and that is the need to be with someone. Others refer to that need as loneliness but the story â€Å"Strangers When We Meet† says its emptiness†¦The relationship of Florence and Rob can be looked at as a typical affair between a married woman who’s bored with her current relationship and a man who seeks adventure. He dazzles her with his youth and passion for life and for a brief moment she’s caught up in a trance of sharing the life that she could have, but chose not to live. That choice rest solely on the truth that her husband was a foundation that offered security. As she said at the end of the story, she equated security and strength to love. She realized in the later part that she was wrong. The fact that Rob is younger than Florence depicts a conventional extramarital affair in our society. However the story goes beyond the cheap pleasures of lust and adventure as it delves deep into the intricacies of emotion and relationship. A relationship can be defined. One can dare as the question â€Å"what kind of relationship? † In the story, Florence and Archie is in a relationship that is recognized by society and back up by the law. A union, a vow, a social contract that’s written on paper and flaunted out to the world. That is marriage. They share a partnership that may seem flawless in society as he was a responsible husband with secure income bounded by law to take care of his wife. Florence herself is a thing of beauty and it is a stereotype in our society that she is to be taken care of by a man who has the means to do so. He is in fact capable of doing just that. He was well aware that he had the woman that most men would fell for, and that’s why though he knew that they had an affair he wanted to see it for himself before he makes judgments. He went with her in the Vacation though he knew that she was to meet her lover. And when he came face to face with the man who stole his wife, he remained composed and even started conversations with him. He exhibited what most men don’t, the decency to be civil to the man who covet their wife (Kureishi). What exist between Florence and Rob on the other hand is a relationship that’s not accepted by society and condemned by law. It ought to be discreetly dealt with to save both parties from public humiliation. The fact that she is a married woman who happens to have a lover may seem offensive to the male supremacy. However, what ought to be looked at is not the act itself but the question on what made her commit such act. Perhaps at the beginning of their affair she simply wants to escape the world that Archie lived in or the lack of attention from her husband who is very much consumed in his work. But at the later part of the story it shows that she is deeply in love with Rob since she is willing to leave everything, even her child if only he says the word. Why did he not say the word? Why did he not take the chance to be with the woman who takes up much space in his heart to the point that he needed a psychologist to deal with his depression? It was a shot at happiness, to have the very thing that he wanted so badly but when it was his for the taking he did not take it. Here lies the complexity of human emotions. Their affair goes beyond the Holiday Vacation. Though the timeline of the story skipped a couple of years before their paths crossed again, it cannot be denied that in each encounter, the dying flame of their affair is fanned once more. A line in the story clearly points out their connection â€Å"Helen (Robs wife) looks across conspicuously. Florence and I are standing close to one another; perhaps one of us touching the other. † Though they were both contented with their lives and stopped seeing each other, both their spouses knew that there is something special between Florence and Rob†¦. perhaps a love story that should have not ended. That Holiday Vacation was of great importance to Florence, Archie and Rob. It was perhaps the climax of their lives. The moment that set the path upon which they will take. They were separate entities brought about in that place to clearly define the relationship that existed in the three of them. It was a chance to change their lives and redefine their connection, but such requires great courage that only Rob had at that time. Florence was, at that moment, scared to let go of the security that she had with Archie. In their marriage she had stability and he had a wife. It was ideal and accepted by society. Before the affair she was contented, but contentment if a far cry from happiness. At the end of the vacation she asked him not to leave, but he chose to do so. This is because man cannot stand the torture of having the woman that you want wrapped in somebody else’s embrace. Rob said that he longed for that vacation since it was the first time that he can have her the entire evening without having her rush home to her husband at dawn. It was a chance to feel that he owned her but that moment never came. It was a chance that she was too scared to take, and now that she wanted him desperately, it was him who chose not to be with her. She wanted him to say that he wants her but he never did just that. Though deep within his soul he knew that she still holds a place in her heart, it was his choice not to give in to that feeling. This proves the fact that in human relationships certain factors are to be taken into considerations before a person makes his decision (Layton-Tholl). Life is made up of choices, and maybe for Rob he already made the choice the moment he left the Hotel. It was to live a life that’s uncomplicated. Though the intensity of their connection cannot be denied, it was by choice that they lived separately. They have fulfilled the human need to connect with someone, they have their spouse. But just like how their affair started, they were just intertwined bodies with separate heart.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Student Classification

THE TYPES OF TODAY’S STUDENTS According to my short observation in several universities, there are five unique types of today’s students that intersting to be discussed. The first is Bugscreen students. Today is a computerized era. So, there is no bookworm anymore. Students like to read literatures on internet through handphone, mini tab, or notebook better than to read a book in a library. It is more cool and can open two or more windows at once. It is booming as the booming of social media on internet and also as the great number of inexpensive unlimited internet service package in our country.The second is Democrazy students. This student never come late to join on demonstration. They do not care whatever the topic and like to scream aloud like a madman. Their power is also magic, can break auto glasses, pull out the road sign, etc. Nevertheless, they are running away when the police come.. ^_^. The third is Geesmart (geeky but smart) student. Usually wearing glasses , long sleeve shirt, cloth pants, but wear basketball shoes ^_^ . He/she is always in the front seat, even more fore from the lecturer desk ^_^. Even clever, he/she is geeky.. so easy if asked to do an assignment or giving cheat during exam ^_^.The fourth is Bohay students. They are favorite students of the man lecturers ^_^. Usually have plump body and wear a very tight clothes, consequently it looks â€Å"Pletat-pletot† in all parts of their body. Nevertheless, they are still desperated to wear it ^_^. The fifth is Quasi-activist students. Some of their characteristics are like carrying loudspeaker or whistles anywhere ^_^, like to provoke other students (such as invites demo, etc), rarely come to the class, even come, it only when an exams are held. Thanks.. ———————– Name: Nakrowi NIM: 110401090181 Class: F11R2 Subject: Writing II

Facility design and learning Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Facility design and learning - Research Paper Example Free education as we know it today did not come into existence until the 1840s, when a popular movement began with education reformers Horace Mann and Henry Barnard. Working in Massachusetts and Connecticut, these two men helped to create statewide â€Å"common-school† systems that would provide education for everyone. (â€Å"Honor America’s Schools†, 2002). Aided by common-school advocates, they worked to establish a free elementary education accessible to everyone and financed by public funds. (â€Å"Honor America’s Schools†, 2002). Public education across the United States remains much the same as the common-school movement that was started in Massachusetts and Connecticut over a century ago. Public education is still free to those that wish to use it; however, American students are scoring lower than other countries in subjects such as science and math (â€Å"Associated Press†, 2007), and the very buildings that were constructed for their education are now being examined as the cause behind the lower test scores. The first cause that is being examined in the correlation between learning and learning facilities are the buildings themselves. According to a study conducted by the Tennessee Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) in 2003, school facility factors such as building age and condition, among others, can affect student health, safety, sense of self, and psychological state. Further evidence of this was determined by Glen I. Earthman in his 2002 study entitled School Facility Conditions and Student Achievement. In this study, Mr. Earthman stated that, when the socioeconomic factors of a classroom were controlled, researchers frequently found a difference between 5 and 17 percentile points between achievements of students in poor quality school buildings when compared with students in standard quality school buildings. Though the terms of poor quality and standard quality were not specifically defined in the study, the evidence was clear – the quality of the building affected the ability of students to learn. The elements of facility design that can affect learning go far beyond the ‘brick and mortar’ approach to a school. Perhaps the biggest contributor inside a school to a student’s learning is the air that they breathe. According to the National Center for Education Statistics 2003 Planning Guide for Maintaining School Facilities, Indoor Air Quality, commonly referred to as IAQ, encompasses almost anything and everything that affects air in an educational building, from mold and pollens to dust, paint odors and other allergens. In 1995, the General Accounting Office (GAO) found that fifteen thousand schools in America suffered from poor IAQ, which affected more than eight million children in the American public school systems across the country (Schneider, 2002). Poor IAQ has been linked to a number of issues that affect student performance. Among the issues are eye, nose, and throat irritation, fatigue, headache, nausea, and sinus problems (Szuba, & Young, 2003). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in a 2000 study, referred to these symptoms in total

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Relationships Between Inequality and Industrialization Research Paper

Relationships Between Inequality and Industrialization - Research Paper Example Weber (72) argues that transformation in modern society has contributed to varied changes; thus, he emphasizes on the work ethic. He asserts that capitalism is nowadays common in society, and this is associated with capitalism in society. Many people in developed nations have become capitalists because of industrialization. Capitalism is associated with issues of inequalities because the rich tend to be richer, whereas the poor remains to be poorer. The industrialists face the problem of inequalities when trying to employ a pre-capitalist workforce. The labourers spend less time in the production process, in the capitalist society, but this displaces many people in the workplace because of the use of machines; thus rendering many of them jobless. The capitalism in the industrialized society arises because of rational decisions for economic advantage. In the proletarians and communism theories of Marx, he reveals that inequalities arise due to different social classes in society (Marx par.1). These classes struggle with their competitors to achieve independent existence. The same phenomenon contributes to the division of labour, which can only be eliminated by the ownership of property and labour itself (Marx par 4). The division of the labour process is common in contemporary society. This arises because of increased industrialization process; thus creating personal powers into material powers. Hence, the issue of communism is essential because the community plays significant roles in the abolition of labour division.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Market target paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Market target paper - Essay Example In addition, LA is also the focal point of the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, which has cumulative population of over 18 million approximately estimated in 2009 (US Census, 2010). It should be highlighted that the larger the population in a city, the great the derived needs / demand and the greater the market size. In addition, the per capita income across Los Angeles city is nearly $55,000 as estimated in 2010 (Beacon Economics, 2010). The major suppliers of watches to JBR collections will be international corporations with well known brands such as Replica, Rolex, Casio, Citizen, Armani, Adidas, Orient, Omega, Franck Muller, Rado, Raymond Weil, Seiko etc. For instance, the non-branded local and imported watches from India and China of medium to high quality will be offered at budget prices to attract customers from different social classes. The watches will be marketed to both male and female customers within the age bracket of 16 - 65 years. 2. Target Market The actual target m arket of JBR Collections is elite, upper – middle and middle – middle class groups because Los Angeles is a city of well-established rich consumers with an average annual income of $55,000 in 2009 – 2010 (Beacon Economics, 2010). Indeed, highly expensive elitist branded watches will be targeted to income groups having on average $70,000 and above per annum. The relatively high priced and affordable brands will be observed to middle – middle customers with an income range of $45,000 – 70,000 per annum. Finally, the low priced budget watches, local and imported, will be for lower – middle customers with an income of $20,000 – 30,000. 3. Product Indeed, it should be highlighted that the US economy is recovering from recession; therefore, new business opportunities have been created that could be utilized prudently to maximize financial gains. The products will be wristwatches, wall clocks and time pieces that are heavily demanded by indi viduals, households and businesses because a watch is a genuine need of a human being, thus having relatively inelastic demand. 4. Competition The value proposition of JBR will be â€Å"Premium watch collections at competitive prices†. Indeed, the showroom will be opened in well established City Shopping Center, which enjoys a strong customer base. For instance, the showroom will face intense competition with other watch showrooms located in LA in shopping malls such as Beverly Center Shopping Mall, Rodeo Drive, Two Rodeo, Century City Shopping Center and Westside Pavilion (LA Tourist Guide, 2011). Shops located in unorganized smaller markets will also give competition to JBR Collections. The only strategy to ensure business survival is to adopt penetration pricing strategies in first few months of operations because low introductory prices will help attracting many potential customers to JBR Collections. 5. Mission Statement To offer valued customers of Los Angeles City the high priced premium quality watch brands as well as budget price watches at affordable prices and to create value through meeting consumers’ watches demand and maintaining quality standards through strict control and after-sales-services. 6. Market Strategies 6.1 - Price JBR Collections has planned to use promotional pricing strategy in first three months after official inauguration of its new showroom. The reason behind it is the fact that it would like to attract maximum customers in first few mon

Monday, August 26, 2019

The Regan Revolution Through President Obama Research Paper

The Regan Revolution Through President Obama - Research Paper Example He also supported anti-Communism policies and strengthened America’s military in response to USSR arms race. The Reagan revolution through President Obama Introduction Another turning points during this period is the 9/11 terrorism attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The terrorism attacks changed the attitudes of US citizens towards air travel. The US enacted the PATRIOT Act that granted counter terrorism agencies the powers to wire trap and apprehend suspected terrorists. The government also enhanced domestic in the significant installations such as airports, roads and ports through creation of homeland security agency. Another 9/11 turning point was invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan since America considered the two countries as a threat to global peace. The US wanted to topple Saddam Hussein regime and end Taliban menace in Afghanistan. The US also changed its foreign policy on nations that were harboring terrorists (Golway, 2008). The first significant turnin g point came in March 1983 when Reagan introduced strategic defense initiatives. The defense projects aimed at manufacturing space-based defense systems that would protect the US from attack by ballistic missiles. This initiative increased the military capability of America and dominance in geo-politics. Some important defense technologies such as space surveillance systems, tracking devices, and anti-missile systems can be traced back to this project. Another significant turning point was the Iran-Contra scandal of 1986 that undermined the international community faith on Reagan administration. Reagan administration was accused of supplying weapons to Iran in exchange of release of hostages that had been held in Lebanon by the terrorists loyal to Iran authorities. The arms were later sold and proceeds went to contras. The US Congress had banned the sale of weapons to Iran. After, Nicaraguan sued the US at the International Court of Justice. The court held that the US had contravene d the international law with Reagan being criticized for ignoring the existence of the political scandal (Golway, 2008). The AIDS epidemic shook the confidence of Americans in the 1980s. The AIDS epidemic was recognized by doctors in early 1980s and captured the attention of the media, special interest groups and the public (Brier, 2009). The epidemic shook the confidence of Americas since it was first associated with gay men and mostly white Americans. Surprisingly, all the people diagnosed with AIDS were gay and suffered from other complications such Pneumonia. Some of the homosexual men who had been diagnosed with AIDS died within a period of 2 years. By 1981, the epidemic had acquired several names such gay related immune deficiency, gay compromise syndrome and gay cancer (Brier, 2009). In the 1980s, AIDS was associated with discrimination and stigma and gay men stopped going out of their houses. Initially, people did not know how AIDS was transmitted since scientists had no evi dence that the epidemic could be transmitted through contaminated blood transfusion. AIDS started being common among homosexuals, drug abuse addicts, Haitians and Haemophiliacs. Haitians also protested against being labeled as a risk group. With more than 3,000 confirmed cases by the end of 1983, there was growing pressure on the government to develop a national AIDS policy and also develop medication (Brier, 2009). In 1985, the government granted five pharmaceutical companies the opportunity to

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Language Learning - Interview Analysis Assignment

Language Learning - Interview Analysis - Assignment Example This competence involves the knowledge that a listener or speaker has of what makes up accurate, proper, and effective language behaviour in relation to specific goals in communication (Ellis, 1994, p. 47). It is a common desire of students of a second language to understand and be understood by the native speakers of the target language whenever they communicate orally (Bailey, Long, & Peck, 1983, p. 17). Accent, diction, pronunciation, and enunciation are all considered significant elements of smooth and effective communication between a native speaker and a non-native speaker. It is also true that adult students of a second language, who mastered communicative competence in their mother tongue, tend to apply the rules of their mother tongue when trying to communicate using the target language. However, applying rules from one language to another language results in negative transfer (Krashen & Terrell, 1983, p. 53). Previous studies show disagreement among linguists regarding the effectiveness of a formal classroom set-up in teaching adults a second language (Krashen & Terrell, 1983, p. 56). ... iterature Review This study examined whether explicit instructions in the four areas of competence in the English language, namely, phonology, grammar, vocabulary, and pragmatic, would aid students of the second language, particularly native Arabic speakers, in improving their English reading, listening, and speaking skills. Second Language Acquisition During the early 80s, the Input Hypothesis was proposed by Krashen in an attempt to answer questions related to acquiring a second language. He asserts the importance of focusing and understanding the meaning in the content. However, he also mentions that it is not enough. Another study claims that people cannot hear dissimilarities between sounds unless they learn to make these differences. It is therefore saying that people identify sounds based on the manner they produce these same sounds (Ladefoged, 1967, p. 98). However, one should understand that this particular process is not as simple as it sounds. Levelt’s Speech Produc tion Model in 1983 identifies that communication skills requires a process of utilizing words from the lexicon (vocabulary), implementation of grammatical coding (grammar), and then conveying a phonological coding (phonology). Pragmatic competence is acquired after all these processes, coupled with the proper balance of memory and control mechanism, are learned (Ellis, 1994, p. 51-2). Methodology Thorough analysis of errors made by language students aids in identifying teaching areas that need improvement (Corder, 1974, p. 32). Error analysis is utilized for this study, wherein the errors learners made were given focus. Particularly for this research, a native Arabic speaker was interviewed. Fatima has been studying English in the UK for over 4 months. However, it needs to be considered too that

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 9

Case - Essay Example Moore Tires offered Jonathan, who was an employee and owner of Morecedes Tires an employment opportunity that he agreed to. While conducting his routine responsibilities within the new job, the claimant was an employee of Moore Tires and not Morecedes tires, where he had previously worked. While undertaking his duties there, the claimant was injured and sustained significant injuries to his body. As Jonathan was unhooking a trailer, a jack handle from the trailer struck him. He suffered from various broken bones on his face as well as a detached retina. Despite having sustained injuries while undertaking his routine activities, Jonathan was not compensated by Moore tires for these injuries. To determine the status of employment of the claimant to the organisation (Moore Tires), during the time when he sustained injuries, and whether he was undertaking the job that he was supposed to be doing within the company. The kind of claim that Jonathan is seeking can only be made to individuals who are employees of the company and this can be proved. The form of agreement that the claimant had with Moore Tires has not been clearly defined as a formal agreement or an informal agreement. As the proprietor of Morecedes Tires, the claimant had been undertaking other duties assigned by Moore Tires and was paid through Morecedes, which was an independent company. The activities that he was undertaking when he sustained the injuries could similarly be on the same capacity and this has not been defined. The employment contract must be produced to show evidence that the claimant was actually an employee of Moore Tires and not an independent contractor. There is also need to determine the employer’s right of control in the work relationship that existed between the claimant and the employer (Miller, 2012). If the control of the employment terms and condition of work lies within the employer, then the claims that are being made by

Friday, August 23, 2019

PEER REVIEW FROM A RESEARCH ARTICLE Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

PEER REVIEW FROM A ARTICLE - Research Paper Example The authors seem to agree that asthma is among chronic illnesses contributing to the highest cases of absenteeism in United States schools. In this case, I show that the study conducted by Wyatt and Hauenstein on the role of Okay with Asthma is credible despite the limited nature of the research itself. Okay with Asthma is an online interactive program designed to help asthma victims become their own managers. It brings together school nurses and students by creating a unique platform for online interaction. The program integrates the traditional content of asthma management side by side with psychosocial strategies for managing asthma. In his study, Wyatt and Hauenstein’s employed one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design to pilot test the effectiveness of Okay with Asthma intervention. The aim of the study was to find out whether or not the program is effective in improving students’ knowledge about asthma as well as their attitudes towards the same illness. A random sampling technique was used to select elements of the study. The researcher sent out 169 letters to families with asthmatic children aged between 8 and 11 years. 53 families responded positively but only 37 of the children took part in the study. Criterion used to select participants was abil ity to complete assent form, children without cognitive or psychiatric disturbances, and children with moderate to severe asthma. The study by Wyatt and Hauenstein was done in part 1 and part 2 with each part lasting for a period of one week. To establish if Okay with Asthma enhanced knowledge scores on the AIQ and attitude tests on the CATIS, t tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used. The finding was that the knowledge base of the students about asthma improved in week two (post test) as compared to (pre-test). As for the second article, Clark conducts a study

Thursday, August 22, 2019

The role of congress in monitoring events in Iraq Essay Example for Free

The role of congress in monitoring events in Iraq Essay The war against Iraq was perpetrated by the US and the UK with the UN playing passive and reluctant role. The attack has provoked protests all over the globe including in the US and the UK with many groups as well as individual condemning the attack and terming it as unwarranted. Furthermore, the attack was carried out without the approval of the security council. The attack has earned the US more foes than friends especially in the Muslim world. It has also served to fuel animosity against Americas efforts to institute a democratic government in those who view these efforts as interferences in the affairs of the country as a denial of Iraq’s sovereignty . This has led to rebellion against the authorities in Iraq as well as increasing the threat of terrorist attack on America. The Bush presidency and administration seems to believe that the way towards peace is through war and violence especially returning fire with fire. This notion can be at best misguided and at worst catastrophic. It is therefore imperative that the congress recognizes its duty as an organ and act to check any excuses on the part of the government as well as developing solutions that will lead to the reduction of rebellion and consequently the terrorist attacks within Iraq. This section will look at the possible role of congress in ensuring that the tension between Iraq and the US/UK subsides and also allow the US to shed the image of a ‘big bully’ interfering with the affair of a sovereign state. It is worth noting that at this juncture that the congress ahs made some good moves like giving 97 million dollars to support a program pushing for change of regime. This was a step in the right direction, however, this need to be sustained and increased. This organization offers some suggestions for your consideration, ladies and gentlemen. Pursue the Truth. The congress has a responsibility of seeking to reveal the truth so that decisions are based purely on sound intelligence. One of the biggest mistakes that the congress and the media have made was allowing themselves to be fed on misinformation and to act upon that misinformation without making due effort to seek the confirmation of the relevant intelligence agencies. The 2003 invasion on Iraq was based upon unsubstantiated reports that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Other reports allegedly justifying the invasion include Saddam-Osama association and that the war was welcome by the Iraqi citizens. The general feeling is that the congress did not do enough to get to the truth of those reports by the Bush administration . With the benefit of hindsight we know that all these reports were false. The congress has an obligation to launch a full congressional inquiry in order to give the American people the truth because America is founded on truth which we believe will set us free . It follows then that the congress needs to be at the forefront of finding facts before endorsing sensitive decisions regarding the events in post Saddam Iraq. Support the Iraq liberation act- when the bill was signed into law by President Bill Clinton, there were some well intentioned proposals that included developing a program that would support a transition to democracy. Even though Saddam Hussein was to be the removed from power without the use of military force, all is not lost and the congress could pursue some of the proposals like financing activities that promote democracy in Iraq. By now it should be clear that the U. S cannot continue having soldiers in Iraq because it is not sustainable. The congress should support those measures aimed at recalling US soldiers out of Iraq and allowing the transition government to run the affairs of Iraq. Right now that sounds dangerous but in the end it will prove less costly than maintaining US soldiers in Iraq. The congress had earlier passed an act to give 97 million dollars for the purpose of supporting regime change. The Act also suggested that those suffering from Saddam’s regime’s brutalities be assisted. Emphasize on empowering the transition government’s capacity to deal with internal insurgence. This can be done through the training of military personnel as well as giving financial support to this government for reconstruction. This is sustainable because only Iraq will be able to fully end the problems it is facing. Much of the terrorist attacks within Iraq are just an extension of a rebellion against the Bush administration. This suggests that the perpetrators of the internal insurgence are still fighting the US by fighting against the US assisted governments. However the reduction of US occupation will shift the focus somehow. Play a more active role in holding the administration accountable. The congress has in the past been accused of being the puppets of President George Bush. A congressman has been named for his role in spreading hearsay that led to the congress’ endorsement of the invasion on Iraq. However the congress is still strategically placed to provide leadership and help check the excesses of the current administration. There are some obviously bad mistakes that the Bush administration has made in the entire affair. However the voice of the congress has not been heard as it should have in efforts to lead the country in the right direction. Now that Saddam is gone and Iraq more than ever requires level headed support which the US can provide, the congress ought to speak on matters regarding the nature of support and the quantity to be given. All in all the congress should be seen playing a more active role in providing checks and balances to the administration. Last but not least is a collective request for all the members of congress to act in accordance to pure conscience. There have been cases in the past especially before the invasion when the congress has been less than active in fulfilling its constitutional role. Instead of initiating a full congressional inquiry, many of the congressmen decided to shut up and not do anything to hold the administration accountable even when they new all was not well. Decisions regarding Iraq’s progress need to be made by exercising discretion and oversight as well. Holding open discussions is what allows for prudent decisions as well as bringing the truth to the surface. As leaders we have a solemn duty to ensure that all future decisions are never again to be based on false impressions. This organization that should the congress abide by the above suggestions, then it can begin to help shape the outcome of what has been an sensitive but costly issue to the whole of America. Thank you.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Stress Relief Essay Example for Free

Stress Relief Essay Stress affects human performance in so many ways that just to list the impact upon work would take half of this page. People under high stress become forgetful, are often late for work, miss appointments, have more sick days, have lower competence levels, are more irritable and difficult to get along with, are more likely to break things (by accident or intention) and are great candidates for the kinds of stress-related illnesses and accidents that drain Workers Compensation benefits. Stress reduction must be a constant, on-going process in all our lives. It helps us avoid pain, illness and accident. And, a low-stress (or low-distress) lifestyle is certainly the most pleasant. Once a client who was under a great deal of stress at the time said to me, urgently: Look, all these options youve shown me for stress management are getting to be too much. Its like using a technique to put a patch on me here and another to put a patch on me there. I dont need to get better six months from now after Ive learned a whole bunch of new things I need to be better now! The strength of that response varies with the kind and strength of the demand and the circumstances under which the demand is made. For example, a ringing phone is a demand. It gets a different strength of response depending upon when it rings. If you are taking a usual number of calls at the office at times you expect them, the demand is relatively low and your physical reaction is probably minimal. If the phone rings in the middle of the night when youre worried about a seriously ill loved-one in the hospital, the demand and your response are going to be high. The response is generally called the fight/flight response. It should be called the fight/flight/freeze/faint/fumble response, since those are the usual possible outcomes. But, whatever we call it, heres basically what happens in your body: * Your heart rate goes up. * Your blood pressure goes up. * You begin to perspire to help keep the body cool. * Blood is directed away from hands/feet/digestive system to power large muscles. * Your diaphragm (the muscle that works your lungs like a bellows) locks and your breathing becomes shallow and rapid. Your pupils dialate to help you see the enemy better. * Your awareness of hearing becomes more focused. * Your digestive system shuts down so the energy expended there can be used where its needed. (Or, alternatively, the system may attempt to void its contents, so youll be lighter and move faster. ) * Your immune and self-repair systems go on standby. After all, the processes of these systems are incompatible with heavy action. Besides, you need the energy to fight or run. If you really need to meet a physical threat, all this is great. It prepares your body to do the job. Then, after doing the job destroying or avoiding the stressor your body returns to normal. However, almost all our stressors (stressors are whatever cause stress) today are what psychologists call psychosocial. That is, they come from how we experience our selves, our work and other activities, and our relationships with other people. So, if your boss yells at you, your body is likely to react exactly the same as if you had to deal with a charging rhinoceros. Yet, you cant literally do what your bodys prepared to do: you cant throw your spear at him and run. That means youre going to carry some tension from the encounter around with you until you find a way to discharge it. Furthermore, you are likely to face many daily psychosocial stressors that cause the fight/flight response. If you dont find satisfying resolutions to your stressors, or if there are too many stressors, or if the response is too intense, eventually youre going to experience symptoms of stress-related illness. Stress symptoms may be physical or psychological. Physical symptoms range from muscle tension and headaches through high blood pressure and gastrointestinal ulcers to heart attacks and cancer. Psychological symptoms range from chronic anxiety through recurrent depression to complete nervous breakdowns. Physical activity is necessary to stress relief in helping to dissipate the stress reactions the flight/fight response. In addition, it helps you to: * Reduce muscular tension of sedentary functions. * Promote relaxation. * Sleep easier and better. * Concentrate better. * Reduce pain. * Raise mood. (Very important in anxiety and depression. ) * Reduce fatigue/restore energy. * Increase stamina, strength and suppleness to help make you stress-fit i. e. the fight/flight response is taken with greater ease and shaken with greater ease. Understanding this, you can see that a bit of physical activity might be worthwhile as a system of discharging the tensions of that fight/flight response. What exactly do you mean by physical activity? Exercise is a great idea if you can do, dont mind doing and dont overdo. A regular exercise program helps manage physical stress buildup, make s you feel better over all and probably live a longer and healthier life. But, if you really hate it and resent it, youre not going to follow through with it. You might as well try something else you find more pleasant. Participating in sports is a more enjoyable way of releasing stress and tension for many people. Regular participation is as good as a regular exercise program. Yoga, in a class or on your own, can also provide the benefits of a regular exercise program. It is, however, far less demanding for beginners, allowing the practitioner to slowly ease into the various stretches and poses. Moreover, you feel good while you are doing it and afterward. Done properly, yoga leaves muscles pleasantly stretched and stimulated. You want to say that in English? How and what you think determine how you feel (emotionally) and how you behave. If you have awareness of and control over your thinking process, then essentially you have control over everything that happens to you. In regard to the management of stress, this means that you can seize control of your reactions at the time of the flight/fight response and take the time to understand whats happening and what you want to do. (You must remember that the flight/fight response will occur automatically its a built-in survival mechanism. But you can reduce the occasions upon which it occurs in reaction to imaginary threats and you can reduce the intensity of the response to real threats that nevertheless do not affect your life, health or general well-being. ) Furthermore, since your body doesnt know the difference between real events and imaginary ones, you can use your thoughts to directly change whats happening in your body. For example, in self-hypnosis you can imagine your hands and feet becoming warmer and warmer. They will do so and at the same time you will be balancing the flow of blood throughout your body. What do I do to be a mind master, O Swami? There are a number of methods of gaining the ability to focus and control your mind, but no matter what approach seems to fit for you, they all accomplish the same tasks for stress management: Physical Benefits * Breathing slows and becomes deep and rhythmical. * Heart rate slows and blood pressure drops. * Brain waves slow to relaxed but alert level. * Muscle tension eases. * You become well relaxed. Psychological Benefits * Distressing emotion is inhibited remember, you cannot be relaxed and anxious or angry at the same time. * Calm envelopes you. Awareness is heightened and/or focused, depending on the method used. * Thought clarifies or is dispensed with, depending on the method of used. Meditation. Meditation is the method I most recommend to achieve focus and control in your thinking processes. There are many possible ways to meditate including Zen-style, chanting, mantra-repetition, awareness-training and contemplation. I recommend Zen-style. Its simple, quickly-learned, compact and easily portable. Well, O. K. , its simple to explain and you can learn how in less than a minute. But it takes a lifetime to master. However, you dont have to master the method to get the benefits you need for stress management; you just have to practice every day. Heres how: find a quiet, comfortable place to sit. Either close your eyes or allow your gaze to fall unfocused on the floor about three feet in front of you. Breathe normally and count your breaths thus: breathe in, do nothing, breathe out, count 1, repeat until you reach 4, then start over again from 1. Do nothing but breathe and count. Dont think, dont talk, dont look, dont listen. Just breathe and count. Continue for about ten minutes. Visualization. Instead of not thinking about anything, you think very specifically about one thing by making an imaginary movie in you head. For example, you might imagine yourself sitting on a tropical beach at dawn. You could see the changing colors in the sky as the sun rises, feel the soft warm breeze lift your hair away from your face, hear the plaintive cry of a gull, smell the saltiness of the water, hear the surf hitting the rocks beyond. If you can become proficient at putting yourself in such scenes, you can put yourself in scenes that make you feel anything you want to feel and you can modify any experience. Self-Hypnosis.

Market Trends Analysis of Indian Oil and Gas Industry

Market Trends Analysis of Indian Oil and Gas Industry OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY This study provides an insight into the oil and gas industry. Analyze market trends for oil and gas industry in the global arena. To understand financial performance and financial position of oil and natural gas companies like ONGC, Petro china, Chevron and Exxon Mobil. To analyse the financial statements of 2009-2010, so as to understand about the key factors like Profitability and Solvency for decision making and ultimate business solvency. To find out the ratios of the company and carry out a comparative study. To understand the current position of these companies. To analyze the Indian oil market. To see the international scenario. To analyze the oil prices in India and other countries. BROAD APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY Type The study carried out will be more like a Descriptive Research. For analyzing the financial statement, methodology to be used is financial ratio analysis and comparative study. Purpose The study mainly focuses on giving knowledge about the importance of annual reports. Data collection The data collection has been made in two ways: Primary source: Data has been collected with the help of constant interaction with my mentor Ms. Uma Rajamani Manager (FA). Secondary source: Data has been collected with the help of : Annual report of ONGC. ONGC reports. Internet. This source helped me in collecting information about the company as a whole, financial performance. Before making use of secondary data both the data and its source were evaluated. Particular attention was paid to definitions used, measurement error, source bias, reliability and the time span of the secondary data. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INDIAN OIL AND NATURAL GAS SECTOR HIGHLIGHTS IN THE PETROLEUM NATURAL GAS SECTOR DURING 2009-10 India has total reserves (proved indicated) of 1201 million metric tonnes of crude oiland1437 billion cubic metres of natural gas as on 1.4.2010. The total number of exploratory and development wells and metreage drilled in onshoreand offshore areas during 2009-10 was 428 and 1019 thousand metres respectively. Crude oil production during 2009-10 at 33.69 million metric tonnes is 0.55% higher than33.51 million metric tonnes produced during 2008-09. Gross Production of Natural Gas in the country at 47.51 billion cubic metres during 2009-10 is 44.63% higher than the production of 32.85 billion cubic metres during 2008-09. The production of Natural Gas at 44.94% and 0.08% of the total were highest and lowestin JVC/Private and West Bengal respectively during 2009-10. The flaring of Natural Gas in 2009-10 at 2.09% of gross production is lower than at 3.29% in 2008-09. The refining capacity in the country increased to 184.386 million tonnes per annum(MTPA) as on 1.4.2010 from 177.968 MTPA as on 1.4.2009. The total refinery crude throughput during 2009-10 at 160.03 million metric tonnes is0.46% lower than 160.77 million metric tonnes crude processed in 2008-09 and the prorate capacity utilisation in 2009-10 was 89.92% as compared to 107.43% in 2008-09. The production of petroleum products during 2009-10 was 151.898 million metric tones (including 2.244 million metric tonnes of LPG production from natural gas) registering adecrease of 0.51% over last years production at 152.678 million metric tonnes (including2.162 million metric tonnes of LPG production from natural gas). The country exported 50.974 million metric tonnes of petroleum products against theimports of 23.49 million metric tonnes (including 8.828 million metric tonnes of LNG) during 2009-10. The consumption of petroleum products during 2009-10 were 138.196 million metrictonnes (including sales through private imports) which is 3.60% higher than the sales of133.400 million metric tonnes during 2008-09. The total number of retail outlets of Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies as on1.4.2010 has gone upto 36462 from 34948 on 1.4.2009. The total number of LPG consumers of Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies as on1.4.2010 were 114.952 million against 105.632 million as on 1.4.2009. The number of persons employed (including contract employees) in petroleum industryas on 1.04.2010 and 1.04.2009 are 129988 138973 respectively. OIL INDUSTRY INTRODUCTION TO THE OIL INDUSTRY Energy in all its forms is critical to economic growth, development, and social welfare. The worlds need for reliable and affordable energy supplies is growing. Energy is a critical input for economic growth and its availability determines the quality of both, the national economy and the life of citizens. Sustainable economic progress hinges crucially around the supply of stable and competitively priced energy. Oil is a fungible, international commodity whose ownership and ultimate destination is determined by market forces once it leaves the producing country. No country can effectively isolate itself from changes elsewhere in the market, nor is it likely that any nation can take actions that do not indirectly affect other nations. Petroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture. OIL industry is considered to be the back bone of an economy because this is the main source of energy till date. Any economy around the world would fail to precede a single step in the absence of petroleum industry. Thus, before using this energy source, the crude petroleum is required to be refined in the petroleum refineries for extracting various fractions for energy generation namely, petrol, natural gas, kerosene, asphalt and many more. The processes that are involved in the petroleum industry are: Drilling at the site of petroleum for making well so that the crude oil could be extracted. Refining of the crude oil Storing of the extracted oil in a secured place. Transportation of the stored crude oil is required to be done to the different refineries. Processing of the crude oil needs to be done in the processing units of refineries for converting it into usable fuel form along with the other important derivative products. Core activities of oil and natural gas sector Exploration and Production India is heavily import dependent for its oil and gas requirements. Our total imports of crude oiland petroleum products in the year 2008-09 amounted to 146.441 million metric tones (MMT), worth about Rs. 4,01,631 crore. The country also exported petroleum products amounting to 36.414 MMT, earning foreign exchange worth nearly Rs. 1,15,987 crore. The gap between demand and availability of crude oil from indigenous sources is likely to increase over the years. In case of gas, this gap is expected to decrease with production of gas from KG basin. The growing gap in demand and supply of oil and the shortfall in supply of gas requires greater emphasis to be placed on exploration and production. Objectives of Exploration and Production activities To undertake a complete appraisal of the Indian Sedimentary basin area for tapping thehydrocarbon potential. To optimize production of crude oil and natural gas in the most efficient manner. To keep pace with the technological advancements and remain at the technological forefront in the global exploration and production industry. To achieve a near zero impact on environment. Refining and Marketing The development of refining and marketing activities is crucial for achieving self sufficiency inpetroleum products and in moving towards a competitive and consumer oriented market. Objective of Refining and Marketing Activities Maintain self-sufficiency in all petroleum products by appropriate enhancement in refiningcapacities by National Oil Companies private players including international oil companies. Develop export capability in petroleum products so that the refining industry becomes globally competitive and oil security is enhanced. To develop corresponding infrastructure including ports, pipelines and depots, etc. for anefficient oil industry. To make available quality fuels at affordable prices while continuing subsidies for sensitivepetroleum products. To improve consumer services through better retailing practices and competition. Tariff and Pricing A rational tariff and pricing policy is vital to ensure healthy growth of the hydrocarbonsector and to protect the consumers as well. Objectives of Tariff and Pricing Policy To provide incentives for cleaner, greener and quality fuels so as to promote an environment friendly hydrocarbon sector. To balance the need to boost Government revenue with the need to align taxes and duties with Asia- Pacific countries and the prices to international levels. To promote new investments, by ensuring adequate protection to domestic producers The industry is usually divided into three major components: upstream, midstream and downstream. The upstream oil sector is known as exploration and production sector. It includes the searching for potential underground or underwater oil and gas fields, drilling of exploratory wells, and subsequently operating the wells that recover and bring the crude oil. The midstream processes, stores, markets and transports the crude oil. The downstream oil sector is used to refer to the refining of crude oil, selling and distribution. Oil companies measure oil production in the unit of barrels (bbl). Oil Natural Gas Commission was established on 14th August, 1956 as a statutory body under Oil Natural Gas Commission Act (The ONGC Act), for the development of petroleum resources and sale of petroleum products. ONGC was converted into a Public Limited Company under the Companies Act, 1956 and named as â€Å"Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited† with effect from 1st February, 1994. The Government disinvested around 10% of the equity shares of ONGC in March 2004 through a public offer in the domestic capital market at Rs. 750 per share. After the above disinvestment, the shareholding of the Government in ONGC came down to around 74.15%. HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR 2009-10. ONGC has made 15 oil gas discoveries in the areas under its operative control. State-of-the-art technologies inducted in hardware software for seismic data acquisition, processing interpretation, and in well logging. Advanced drilling techniques for sidetracks, multilateral and extended reach wells absorbed and implemented on fast track. Engineering design audit introduced with significant cost savings. ONGC registered its fifth Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on September 22, 2009. The project, ‘Energy Efficiency of Amine Circulation Pumps at Hazira involves enhancing energy efficiency achieved in the Amine Circulation Pumps of Hazira Plant. The project will fetch an estimated Certified Emission Reduction (CER) of 4043 per year for a period of 10 years. With this, ONGC achieves a total annual CER of about 1.24 lakh. National Safety Awards in Oil Mines Category: ONGC has bagged four National Safety Awards in Oil Mines Category for year 2007. This is fourth consecutive years that ONGC has bagged these awards, instituted by the Ministry of Labour Employment, Government of India to motivate, appreciate and recognize the extraordinary performance in the area of mines safety. These awards were given by the Honble Vice President of India in New Delhi on October 23, 2009. These awards are based on Longest Accident Free Period (LAFP) and Lowest Injury Frequency Rate (LIFR) and were judged by jury of Director General of Mines Safety, Management Representatives and Trade Union Representatives. PCRA Award for Oil and Gas Conservation: ONGC bagged the Best Overall Performance PCRA Award amongst the Upstream Oil Companies for the Oil and Gas Conservation Programmes during the year 2009. The National Stock Exchange of India Ltd, Mumbai The Company has the following ASSETS /PLANTS/ BASINS/ REGIONS : A. ASSETS/ PLANTS: Mumbai High Asset, Mumbai Neelam Heera Asset, Mumbai Bassein Satellite Asset, Mumbai Uran Plant, Uran Hazira Plant, Hazira Ahmedabad Asset, Ahmedabad Ankleshwar Asset, Mehsana Mehsana Asset, Mehsana Rajamundry Asset, Rajamundry Karaikal Asset, Karaikal Assam Asset, Nazira Tripura Asset, Agartala B. BASINS: Western Offshore Basin, Mumbai Western Onshore Basin Vadodara KG Basin, Rajamundry Cauvery Basin , Chennai Assam Assam-Arakan Basin , Jorhat CBM- BPM Basin , Kolkata Frontier Basin , Dehradun C. REGIONS: Mumbai Region, Mumbai Western Region, Baroda Eastern Region, Nazira Southern Region, Chennai Central Region, Kolkata PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE DURING 2008-09 2009-10 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE DURING 2008-09 2009-10 PROGRESS OF PROJECTS : MAJOR PROJECTS COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR MAJOR PROJECTS APPROVED DURING THE YEAR MAJOR INITIATIVES Strategic goals set for two decades 2001-2020 Doubling Reserve Accretion to 12 Billion MTO+OEG Improving Recovery Factor to the order of 40% Production of 20 MMTPA O+OEG equity oil and gas from acquisitions abroad. Short-term Strategy Time scheduled exploration activities for prospect recognition and drilling. Prioritisation of exploration activities on fast track basis for enhancing reserves accretion. Pre-drill 3D seismic in deepwater and blanket 3D in key growth areas. Knowledge building in new sectors of producing as well as frontier basins. Medium-long-term Strategy Further intensification of exploration in the producing basins to realise the hydrocarbon resources to in-place volume conversion. Exploration spread in non-producing basins and yet to be explored basins to establish their potential and knowledge building. Major shift to deep offshore as the major thrust and contributing sector. Strategic Initiatives Major development projects including IOR/ EOR schemes with an approved cost of Rs. 30,000 crore are under various stages of implementation to enhance crude oil and natural gas production. A new and dedicated business unit viz. Eastern Offshore Asset has been constituted with an aim to put east coast discoveries on a fast track development through an integrated east coast hub. Substantive decentralization of administrative authorities together with delegation of financial authorities carried out to empower the field executives. Induction of new technologies in core areas of EP activities like: Acquisition, processing and interpretation of seismic data Drilling and production technology IT and communication. Materials Management Inventory Management and codification procedure have been implemented and computerized to track and identify the materials efficiently. NON-CONVENTIONAL SOURCES OF ENERGY (i) Wind Power Project: Wind Farm Project of 50 MW at Motisindoli in Kutch district of Gujarat is an initiative of ONGC towards its commitment for environment-friendly and pollution-free energy production. The power generated from this wind power project is being wheeled to 101 locations of ONGCs oil field installations/ offices/ residential quarters in the state of Gujarat. ONGC shall be saving about Rs. 30 crore per year on electricity charges in Gujarat, considering the present purchase price of electricity. (ii) Installations of Solar thermal plants: Solar thermal plants in ONGC guest house, hospital, academy hostel, officers club, central workshop, Baroda and colony are already installed. Initiatives have been taken to install the solar water heating system at other locations of ONGC also. Solar panels were installed at well heads of (Bokaro) Jharkhand. 9600 lakhs per day (LPD) capacity of solar water heating system is added in this year and total capacity installed is 38100 LPD. HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT (HSE) Environmental initiatives encompassed solid waste, liquid effluent, air emission monitoring mechanism for proactive planning to manage waste through environment-friendly technologies like bio-remediation, reduction and recycling options and environmental reporting based on global reporting initiative principles. Several initiatives of long-term and continuous nature like bio-remediation of oily sludge, effluent management, ISO certification of installations on international benchmark standards, Mangroove and Hingal plantations etc. are also being carried out in ONGC. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS ONGC is actively pursuing energy conservation measures. The conservation of petroleum products namely HSD, Lube oil and natural gas are important activities. These measures include: Phasing out of old diesel engines more than 15 years old. Awareness campaign on use of bio-diesel as alternate fuel. Use of small DG sets during lean periods in rigs, proper capacity utilization, rationalization and efficiency improvement of equipments, use of energy efficient devices. Substitution of diesel engines with gas engines at installations where gas is available. Increase in lube oil change period resulting in substantial saving. Natural gas flaring has been reduced and the same is being supplied to consumers. Use of small DG sets and waste heat recovery equipment at offshore platforms, rigs, LPG plants at Hazira and Uran. Use of energy efficient equipment and devices such as top drives, linear motion shale shakers, electronic diesel engines, soft start systems and energy efficient lamps etc. Use of gas engines in place of diesel ones for power generation. Thermal energy cost reduction achieved by maintenance of steam traps at processing plants. Conducting energy audit on regular basis and Petroleum Products Conservation Opportunities (PPCOs) are identified. Harnessing solar energy by using solar water heaters/ photo-voltaic panels at various locations. ONGC VIDESH LIMITED (OVL) ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ONGC, was incorporated as Hydrocarbons India Private Limited on 5th March, 1965 with an initial authorised capital of Rs. 5 lakh, for the business of international exploration and production. Its name was changed to ONGC Videsh Limited on 15th June, 1989. The authorised and paid-up share capital of OVL as on 31st March, 2007 was Rs. 1,000 crore. The primary business of the company is to prospect for oil and gas acreages abroad. These include acquisition of oil and gas fields in foreign countries as well as exploration, production, transportation and sale of oil and gas. OVL currently has participation in 39 projects in 15 countries namely, Vietnam (3 projects), Russia (2 projects), Sudan (3 projects), Iran (1 project), Iraq (1 project), Libya (3 projects), Myanmar (5 projects), Syria (2 projects), Egypt (2 projects), Cuba (2 projects), Nigeria Sao Tome Principe JDZ (1 project), Brazil (5 projects), Nigeria (2 projects), Colombia (6 projects), and Venezuela (1 project). OVLs share of crude oil and natural gas production is currently from 9 projects in seven countries, viz., Russia, Sudan, Vietnam, Syria, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. OVLs share of crude oil and natural gas production in 2009-10 is expected to be 8.142 Million. Metric Tonne of oil equivalent (MMTOE) including of 2.017 BCM of natural gas. The other 30 projects being implemented by OVL are at various stages of exploration and appraisal. The gross revenue of Rs.13,444 crore is estimated by OVL during the financial year 2009-10 with net profit of Rs.412 crore. Further, OVL is pursuing acquisition of various oil and gas exploration and production opportunities in Russia, Central Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Middle East, which are at different stages. Established as a joint stock company with limited liabilities on November 5,1999, as part of the restructuring of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). It was respectively listed on the NYSE (ADS code: PTR) and the HKSE (stock code: 00857) in April 2000 and on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (stock code:601857) in November 2007. As at end of 2010, CNPC holds 86.292% shares of Petro China. Ranked 7th by Platts in the â€Å"Top 250 Global Energy Companies† published by Platts Energy in 2010, which was the top ranking among enterprises in the Asia Pacific region for eight consecutive years. Included as a constituent stock of the SSE Social Responsibility index and the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index. Adheres to the corporate policy of â€Å"Caring for Energy, Caring for You† and core business management principles of â€Å"Honesty, Innovation, Performance, Harmony and Safety†. Perseveres in carrying out business in a more effective, safe and environmentally friendly manner; pursues the balance among the economy, environment and society; provides sustainable energy for economic and social development; and creates a better life for people. CORE BUSINESSES Engaged in a broad range of businesses related to oil and natural gas, which mainly include the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas, the refining, transportation, storage and marketing of crude oil and refined products, the production and marketing of primary petrochemical products, their derivatives and other chemicals, and the transportation and marketing of natural gas. Chevron is an American multinationalenergycorporation. Headquartered inSan Ramon, California, and active in more than 180 countries. It is engaged in every aspect of theoil,gas, andgeothermalenergy industries, includingexplorationandproduction, refining, marketing and transport; chemicals manufacturing and sales; andpower generation. Chevron is one of the worlds six super major oil companies. For the past five years, Chevron has been continuously ranked as one of Americas 5 largest corporations byFortune 500. Market Trends Analysis of Indian Oil and Gas Industry Market Trends Analysis of Indian Oil and Gas Industry OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY This study provides an insight into the oil and gas industry. Analyze market trends for oil and gas industry in the global arena. To understand financial performance and financial position of oil and natural gas companies like ONGC, Petro china, Chevron and Exxon Mobil. To analyse the financial statements of 2009-2010, so as to understand about the key factors like Profitability and Solvency for decision making and ultimate business solvency. To find out the ratios of the company and carry out a comparative study. To understand the current position of these companies. To analyze the Indian oil market. To see the international scenario. To analyze the oil prices in India and other countries. BROAD APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY Type The study carried out will be more like a Descriptive Research. For analyzing the financial statement, methodology to be used is financial ratio analysis and comparative study. Purpose The study mainly focuses on giving knowledge about the importance of annual reports. Data collection The data collection has been made in two ways: Primary source: Data has been collected with the help of constant interaction with my mentor Ms. Uma Rajamani Manager (FA). Secondary source: Data has been collected with the help of : Annual report of ONGC. ONGC reports. Internet. This source helped me in collecting information about the company as a whole, financial performance. Before making use of secondary data both the data and its source were evaluated. Particular attention was paid to definitions used, measurement error, source bias, reliability and the time span of the secondary data. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INDIAN OIL AND NATURAL GAS SECTOR HIGHLIGHTS IN THE PETROLEUM NATURAL GAS SECTOR DURING 2009-10 India has total reserves (proved indicated) of 1201 million metric tonnes of crude oiland1437 billion cubic metres of natural gas as on 1.4.2010. The total number of exploratory and development wells and metreage drilled in onshoreand offshore areas during 2009-10 was 428 and 1019 thousand metres respectively. Crude oil production during 2009-10 at 33.69 million metric tonnes is 0.55% higher than33.51 million metric tonnes produced during 2008-09. Gross Production of Natural Gas in the country at 47.51 billion cubic metres during 2009-10 is 44.63% higher than the production of 32.85 billion cubic metres during 2008-09. The production of Natural Gas at 44.94% and 0.08% of the total were highest and lowestin JVC/Private and West Bengal respectively during 2009-10. The flaring of Natural Gas in 2009-10 at 2.09% of gross production is lower than at 3.29% in 2008-09. The refining capacity in the country increased to 184.386 million tonnes per annum(MTPA) as on 1.4.2010 from 177.968 MTPA as on 1.4.2009. The total refinery crude throughput during 2009-10 at 160.03 million metric tonnes is0.46% lower than 160.77 million metric tonnes crude processed in 2008-09 and the prorate capacity utilisation in 2009-10 was 89.92% as compared to 107.43% in 2008-09. The production of petroleum products during 2009-10 was 151.898 million metric tones (including 2.244 million metric tonnes of LPG production from natural gas) registering adecrease of 0.51% over last years production at 152.678 million metric tonnes (including2.162 million metric tonnes of LPG production from natural gas). The country exported 50.974 million metric tonnes of petroleum products against theimports of 23.49 million metric tonnes (including 8.828 million metric tonnes of LNG) during 2009-10. The consumption of petroleum products during 2009-10 were 138.196 million metrictonnes (including sales through private imports) which is 3.60% higher than the sales of133.400 million metric tonnes during 2008-09. The total number of retail outlets of Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies as on1.4.2010 has gone upto 36462 from 34948 on 1.4.2009. The total number of LPG consumers of Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies as on1.4.2010 were 114.952 million against 105.632 million as on 1.4.2009. The number of persons employed (including contract employees) in petroleum industryas on 1.04.2010 and 1.04.2009 are 129988 138973 respectively. OIL INDUSTRY INTRODUCTION TO THE OIL INDUSTRY Energy in all its forms is critical to economic growth, development, and social welfare. The worlds need for reliable and affordable energy supplies is growing. Energy is a critical input for economic growth and its availability determines the quality of both, the national economy and the life of citizens. Sustainable economic progress hinges crucially around the supply of stable and competitively priced energy. Oil is a fungible, international commodity whose ownership and ultimate destination is determined by market forces once it leaves the producing country. No country can effectively isolate itself from changes elsewhere in the market, nor is it likely that any nation can take actions that do not indirectly affect other nations. Petroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture. OIL industry is considered to be the back bone of an economy because this is the main source of energy till date. Any economy around the world would fail to precede a single step in the absence of petroleum industry. Thus, before using this energy source, the crude petroleum is required to be refined in the petroleum refineries for extracting various fractions for energy generation namely, petrol, natural gas, kerosene, asphalt and many more. The processes that are involved in the petroleum industry are: Drilling at the site of petroleum for making well so that the crude oil could be extracted. Refining of the crude oil Storing of the extracted oil in a secured place. Transportation of the stored crude oil is required to be done to the different refineries. Processing of the crude oil needs to be done in the processing units of refineries for converting it into usable fuel form along with the other important derivative products. Core activities of oil and natural gas sector Exploration and Production India is heavily import dependent for its oil and gas requirements. Our total imports of crude oiland petroleum products in the year 2008-09 amounted to 146.441 million metric tones (MMT), worth about Rs. 4,01,631 crore. The country also exported petroleum products amounting to 36.414 MMT, earning foreign exchange worth nearly Rs. 1,15,987 crore. The gap between demand and availability of crude oil from indigenous sources is likely to increase over the years. In case of gas, this gap is expected to decrease with production of gas from KG basin. The growing gap in demand and supply of oil and the shortfall in supply of gas requires greater emphasis to be placed on exploration and production. Objectives of Exploration and Production activities To undertake a complete appraisal of the Indian Sedimentary basin area for tapping thehydrocarbon potential. To optimize production of crude oil and natural gas in the most efficient manner. To keep pace with the technological advancements and remain at the technological forefront in the global exploration and production industry. To achieve a near zero impact on environment. Refining and Marketing The development of refining and marketing activities is crucial for achieving self sufficiency inpetroleum products and in moving towards a competitive and consumer oriented market. Objective of Refining and Marketing Activities Maintain self-sufficiency in all petroleum products by appropriate enhancement in refiningcapacities by National Oil Companies private players including international oil companies. Develop export capability in petroleum products so that the refining industry becomes globally competitive and oil security is enhanced. To develop corresponding infrastructure including ports, pipelines and depots, etc. for anefficient oil industry. To make available quality fuels at affordable prices while continuing subsidies for sensitivepetroleum products. To improve consumer services through better retailing practices and competition. Tariff and Pricing A rational tariff and pricing policy is vital to ensure healthy growth of the hydrocarbonsector and to protect the consumers as well. Objectives of Tariff and Pricing Policy To provide incentives for cleaner, greener and quality fuels so as to promote an environment friendly hydrocarbon sector. To balance the need to boost Government revenue with the need to align taxes and duties with Asia- Pacific countries and the prices to international levels. To promote new investments, by ensuring adequate protection to domestic producers The industry is usually divided into three major components: upstream, midstream and downstream. The upstream oil sector is known as exploration and production sector. It includes the searching for potential underground or underwater oil and gas fields, drilling of exploratory wells, and subsequently operating the wells that recover and bring the crude oil. The midstream processes, stores, markets and transports the crude oil. The downstream oil sector is used to refer to the refining of crude oil, selling and distribution. Oil companies measure oil production in the unit of barrels (bbl). Oil Natural Gas Commission was established on 14th August, 1956 as a statutory body under Oil Natural Gas Commission Act (The ONGC Act), for the development of petroleum resources and sale of petroleum products. ONGC was converted into a Public Limited Company under the Companies Act, 1956 and named as â€Å"Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited† with effect from 1st February, 1994. The Government disinvested around 10% of the equity shares of ONGC in March 2004 through a public offer in the domestic capital market at Rs. 750 per share. After the above disinvestment, the shareholding of the Government in ONGC came down to around 74.15%. HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR 2009-10. ONGC has made 15 oil gas discoveries in the areas under its operative control. State-of-the-art technologies inducted in hardware software for seismic data acquisition, processing interpretation, and in well logging. Advanced drilling techniques for sidetracks, multilateral and extended reach wells absorbed and implemented on fast track. Engineering design audit introduced with significant cost savings. ONGC registered its fifth Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on September 22, 2009. The project, ‘Energy Efficiency of Amine Circulation Pumps at Hazira involves enhancing energy efficiency achieved in the Amine Circulation Pumps of Hazira Plant. The project will fetch an estimated Certified Emission Reduction (CER) of 4043 per year for a period of 10 years. With this, ONGC achieves a total annual CER of about 1.24 lakh. National Safety Awards in Oil Mines Category: ONGC has bagged four National Safety Awards in Oil Mines Category for year 2007. This is fourth consecutive years that ONGC has bagged these awards, instituted by the Ministry of Labour Employment, Government of India to motivate, appreciate and recognize the extraordinary performance in the area of mines safety. These awards were given by the Honble Vice President of India in New Delhi on October 23, 2009. These awards are based on Longest Accident Free Period (LAFP) and Lowest Injury Frequency Rate (LIFR) and were judged by jury of Director General of Mines Safety, Management Representatives and Trade Union Representatives. PCRA Award for Oil and Gas Conservation: ONGC bagged the Best Overall Performance PCRA Award amongst the Upstream Oil Companies for the Oil and Gas Conservation Programmes during the year 2009. The National Stock Exchange of India Ltd, Mumbai The Company has the following ASSETS /PLANTS/ BASINS/ REGIONS : A. ASSETS/ PLANTS: Mumbai High Asset, Mumbai Neelam Heera Asset, Mumbai Bassein Satellite Asset, Mumbai Uran Plant, Uran Hazira Plant, Hazira Ahmedabad Asset, Ahmedabad Ankleshwar Asset, Mehsana Mehsana Asset, Mehsana Rajamundry Asset, Rajamundry Karaikal Asset, Karaikal Assam Asset, Nazira Tripura Asset, Agartala B. BASINS: Western Offshore Basin, Mumbai Western Onshore Basin Vadodara KG Basin, Rajamundry Cauvery Basin , Chennai Assam Assam-Arakan Basin , Jorhat CBM- BPM Basin , Kolkata Frontier Basin , Dehradun C. REGIONS: Mumbai Region, Mumbai Western Region, Baroda Eastern Region, Nazira Southern Region, Chennai Central Region, Kolkata PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE DURING 2008-09 2009-10 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE DURING 2008-09 2009-10 PROGRESS OF PROJECTS : MAJOR PROJECTS COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR MAJOR PROJECTS APPROVED DURING THE YEAR MAJOR INITIATIVES Strategic goals set for two decades 2001-2020 Doubling Reserve Accretion to 12 Billion MTO+OEG Improving Recovery Factor to the order of 40% Production of 20 MMTPA O+OEG equity oil and gas from acquisitions abroad. Short-term Strategy Time scheduled exploration activities for prospect recognition and drilling. Prioritisation of exploration activities on fast track basis for enhancing reserves accretion. Pre-drill 3D seismic in deepwater and blanket 3D in key growth areas. Knowledge building in new sectors of producing as well as frontier basins. Medium-long-term Strategy Further intensification of exploration in the producing basins to realise the hydrocarbon resources to in-place volume conversion. Exploration spread in non-producing basins and yet to be explored basins to establish their potential and knowledge building. Major shift to deep offshore as the major thrust and contributing sector. Strategic Initiatives Major development projects including IOR/ EOR schemes with an approved cost of Rs. 30,000 crore are under various stages of implementation to enhance crude oil and natural gas production. A new and dedicated business unit viz. Eastern Offshore Asset has been constituted with an aim to put east coast discoveries on a fast track development through an integrated east coast hub. Substantive decentralization of administrative authorities together with delegation of financial authorities carried out to empower the field executives. Induction of new technologies in core areas of EP activities like: Acquisition, processing and interpretation of seismic data Drilling and production technology IT and communication. Materials Management Inventory Management and codification procedure have been implemented and computerized to track and identify the materials efficiently. NON-CONVENTIONAL SOURCES OF ENERGY (i) Wind Power Project: Wind Farm Project of 50 MW at Motisindoli in Kutch district of Gujarat is an initiative of ONGC towards its commitment for environment-friendly and pollution-free energy production. The power generated from this wind power project is being wheeled to 101 locations of ONGCs oil field installations/ offices/ residential quarters in the state of Gujarat. ONGC shall be saving about Rs. 30 crore per year on electricity charges in Gujarat, considering the present purchase price of electricity. (ii) Installations of Solar thermal plants: Solar thermal plants in ONGC guest house, hospital, academy hostel, officers club, central workshop, Baroda and colony are already installed. Initiatives have been taken to install the solar water heating system at other locations of ONGC also. Solar panels were installed at well heads of (Bokaro) Jharkhand. 9600 lakhs per day (LPD) capacity of solar water heating system is added in this year and total capacity installed is 38100 LPD. HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT (HSE) Environmental initiatives encompassed solid waste, liquid effluent, air emission monitoring mechanism for proactive planning to manage waste through environment-friendly technologies like bio-remediation, reduction and recycling options and environmental reporting based on global reporting initiative principles. Several initiatives of long-term and continuous nature like bio-remediation of oily sludge, effluent management, ISO certification of installations on international benchmark standards, Mangroove and Hingal plantations etc. are also being carried out in ONGC. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS ONGC is actively pursuing energy conservation measures. The conservation of petroleum products namely HSD, Lube oil and natural gas are important activities. These measures include: Phasing out of old diesel engines more than 15 years old. Awareness campaign on use of bio-diesel as alternate fuel. Use of small DG sets during lean periods in rigs, proper capacity utilization, rationalization and efficiency improvement of equipments, use of energy efficient devices. Substitution of diesel engines with gas engines at installations where gas is available. Increase in lube oil change period resulting in substantial saving. Natural gas flaring has been reduced and the same is being supplied to consumers. Use of small DG sets and waste heat recovery equipment at offshore platforms, rigs, LPG plants at Hazira and Uran. Use of energy efficient equipment and devices such as top drives, linear motion shale shakers, electronic diesel engines, soft start systems and energy efficient lamps etc. Use of gas engines in place of diesel ones for power generation. Thermal energy cost reduction achieved by maintenance of steam traps at processing plants. Conducting energy audit on regular basis and Petroleum Products Conservation Opportunities (PPCOs) are identified. Harnessing solar energy by using solar water heaters/ photo-voltaic panels at various locations. ONGC VIDESH LIMITED (OVL) ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ONGC, was incorporated as Hydrocarbons India Private Limited on 5th March, 1965 with an initial authorised capital of Rs. 5 lakh, for the business of international exploration and production. Its name was changed to ONGC Videsh Limited on 15th June, 1989. The authorised and paid-up share capital of OVL as on 31st March, 2007 was Rs. 1,000 crore. The primary business of the company is to prospect for oil and gas acreages abroad. These include acquisition of oil and gas fields in foreign countries as well as exploration, production, transportation and sale of oil and gas. OVL currently has participation in 39 projects in 15 countries namely, Vietnam (3 projects), Russia (2 projects), Sudan (3 projects), Iran (1 project), Iraq (1 project), Libya (3 projects), Myanmar (5 projects), Syria (2 projects), Egypt (2 projects), Cuba (2 projects), Nigeria Sao Tome Principe JDZ (1 project), Brazil (5 projects), Nigeria (2 projects), Colombia (6 projects), and Venezuela (1 project). OVLs share of crude oil and natural gas production is currently from 9 projects in seven countries, viz., Russia, Sudan, Vietnam, Syria, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. OVLs share of crude oil and natural gas production in 2009-10 is expected to be 8.142 Million. Metric Tonne of oil equivalent (MMTOE) including of 2.017 BCM of natural gas. The other 30 projects being implemented by OVL are at various stages of exploration and appraisal. The gross revenue of Rs.13,444 crore is estimated by OVL during the financial year 2009-10 with net profit of Rs.412 crore. Further, OVL is pursuing acquisition of various oil and gas exploration and production opportunities in Russia, Central Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Middle East, which are at different stages. Established as a joint stock company with limited liabilities on November 5,1999, as part of the restructuring of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). It was respectively listed on the NYSE (ADS code: PTR) and the HKSE (stock code: 00857) in April 2000 and on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (stock code:601857) in November 2007. As at end of 2010, CNPC holds 86.292% shares of Petro China. Ranked 7th by Platts in the â€Å"Top 250 Global Energy Companies† published by Platts Energy in 2010, which was the top ranking among enterprises in the Asia Pacific region for eight consecutive years. Included as a constituent stock of the SSE Social Responsibility index and the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index. Adheres to the corporate policy of â€Å"Caring for Energy, Caring for You† and core business management principles of â€Å"Honesty, Innovation, Performance, Harmony and Safety†. Perseveres in carrying out business in a more effective, safe and environmentally friendly manner; pursues the balance among the economy, environment and society; provides sustainable energy for economic and social development; and creates a better life for people. CORE BUSINESSES Engaged in a broad range of businesses related to oil and natural gas, which mainly include the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas, the refining, transportation, storage and marketing of crude oil and refined products, the production and marketing of primary petrochemical products, their derivatives and other chemicals, and the transportation and marketing of natural gas. Chevron is an American multinationalenergycorporation. Headquartered inSan Ramon, California, and active in more than 180 countries. It is engaged in every aspect of theoil,gas, andgeothermalenergy industries, includingexplorationandproduction, refining, marketing and transport; chemicals manufacturing and sales; andpower generation. Chevron is one of the worlds six super major oil companies. For the past five years, Chevron has been continuously ranked as one of Americas 5 largest corporations byFortune 500.