Application Of Microcontroller In Instrumentation Information Technology Essay

Application Of Microcontroller In Instrumentation Information Technology Essay A  microcontroller  is a small computer on a single  integrated circuit  consisting internally of a relatively simple CPU,  clock, timers, I/O ports, and memory. Program memory in form of   NOR flash  or   ROM  is also often included on chip, as well as a typically small amount of RAM. Microcontrollers are designed for small or dedicated applications. Thus, in contrast to the  microprocessors  used in   personal computers  and other high-performance or general purpose applications, simplicity is emphasized. Some microcontrollers may use four-bit words and operate at  clock rate  frequencies as low as 4  kHz as this is adequate for many typical applications, enabling low power consumption. They will generally have the ability to retain functionality while waiting for an event such as a button press or other interrupt; power consumption while sleeping (CPU clock and most peripherals off) may be just nano watts, making many of them well suited for long la sting battery applications. Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, and toys. By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes. Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating analog components needed to control non-digital electronic systems. INTRODUCTION Embedded design A microcontroller can be considered a self-contained system with a processor, memory and peripherals and can be used with an  embedded system.  The majority of microcontrollers in use today are embedded in other machinery, such as automobiles, telephones, appliances, and peripherals for computer systems. These are called  embedded systems. While some embedded systems are very sophisticated, many have minimal requirements for memory and program length, with no operating system, and low software complexity. Programs Microcontroller programs must fit in the available on-chip program memory, since it would be costly to provide a system with external, expandable, memory. Compilers and assembler are used to turn high-level language and assembler language codes into a compact  machine code  for storage in the microcontrollers memory. Depending on the device, the program memory may be permanent, read-only memory that can only be programmed at the factory, or program memory may be field-alterable flash or erasable read-only memory. Other microcontroller features Many embedded systems need to read sensors that produce analog signals. This is the purpose of the  analog-to-digital converter  (ADC). Since processors are built to interpret and process digital data, i.e. 1s and 0s, they wont be able to do anything with the analog signals that may be sent to it by a device. So the analog to digital converter is used to convert the incoming data into a form that the processor can recognize. A less common feature on some microcontrollers is a  digital-to-analog converter  (DAC) that allows the processor to output analog signals or voltage levels. Time Processing Unit  (TPU) is a sophisticated timer. In addition to counting down, the TPU can detect input events, generate output events, and perform other useful operations. A dedicated  Pulse Width Modulation  (PWM) block makes it possible for the CPU to control power converters,  resistive  loads,  motors, etc., without using lots of CPU resources in tight timer  loops. Higher integration In contrast to general-purpose CPUs, micro-controllers may not implement an external address or data bus as they integrate RAM and non-volatile memory on the same chip as the CPU. Using fewer pins, the chip can be placed in a much smaller, cheaper package. A micro-controller is a single  integrated circuit, commonly with the following features central processing unit   ranging from small and simple 4-bit  processors to complex 32- or 64-bit processors discrete input and output bits, allowing control or detection of the logic state of an individual package pin. APPLICATION OF MICROCONTROLLER IN INSTRUMENTATION LIST OF MICROCONTROLLER BASED PROJECTS 1. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED METRO TRAIN PROTOTYPE USING LCD: The project shows resemblance as you are travelling in metro train. It will display three stations at LCD and a stepper motor to rotate clock or anti-clock wise. 2. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED VOTING MACHINE: The voting system for four candidates with memory backup to restore the results to be viewed with password. Now-a-days Electronic voting machines are being used effectively. The confidence of the voter in its flawless working is gradually building up and these machines are thus becoming quite popular throughout the country. Features of the electronic voting machine include avoidance of invalid votes and reduction of counting time and the consequent expenditure incurred on manpower deployment. By using the Microcontroller the voting machine can be built up easily and it will make simple to operate. 3. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED TEXT EDITOR CUM MOVING MESSAGE DISPLAY: The project comprises 30 keys to edit any message in English. One can restore the message in memory IC. The 16 characters at a time can be view in running mode. 4. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED FULL FUNCTION STEPPER MOTOR CONTROLLER: The project will operate the stepper motor in almost all modes viz. clock, anti -clock, speed and frequency control with time duration for both directions. 5. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED WATER LEVEL CONTROLLER CUM MOTOR PROTECTOR: It can indicate the level and control the water pump at top level filling. The present concept implements controlling of pump which pumps water from the sump (underground tank) to the overhead tank, using 8951 microcontroller. The control panel, i.e. the main control unit of the system which consists of the primary control switches, pump indicator, siren and level indicators. The visual example of how switches And the indicators can be placed as shown the figure below. 6. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED SIMPLE STEPPER MOTOR CONTROLLER: A simple stepper motor controller circuit with direction change only. A stepper motor (or step motor) is a brushless, synchronous electric motor that can divide a full rotation into a large number of steps. The motors position can be controlled precisely without any feedback mechanism (see Open-loop controller), as long as the motor is carefully sized to the application. Stepper motors are similar to switched reluctance motors (which are very large stepping motors with a reduced pole count, and generally are closed-loop commutated.) 7. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED AUTO GEAR SHIFTING SYSTEM: The circuit shows the demo of auto shifting of gears using stepper motor with the change in speed of vehicle. One can change the speed of DC motor as actual vehicle running wheel. Motorcycle is widely used around the world and particularly in Pakistan. The gear shifting system of the motorcycle is conventionally manual. This paper covers development of an indigenous automatic gear shifting/changing system for the standard motorcycle. By this system the manual mechanical gear-shifting system will remain unchanged because an additional electro-mechanical system is placed on the vehicle to shift the gear and for automatic controlling the clutch. So the system has both the options manual as well as automatic. This system uses low-cost microcontrollers to make the accurate decision for shifting the gear up and down by observing the speed, and it controls the clutch transmission where necessary. The complete hardware and software has been tested and the functioning of the automatic gear sh ifting system is verified. This system is flexible and can be used with any motorcycle manufactured in Pakistan ranging from 50cc to 200cc. 8. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED AUTO SPEED LIMITER WITH AUTO BREAKING: The project is to read the rpm of an automobile and according to that it limits the speed as Speed Governor. One can change the speed with variable control. This Project can be used with the three phase Induction motors. The circuit will take the full control of the motor and it will protect the motor from several faults such us over voltage and under voltage and the circuit will switch on the motor under safety conditions. The circuit was fully controlled by the microcontroller and the microcontroller wills continuously monitors the voltages of the three phases and if the voltage goes abnormal then it will switch off the motor until they are normal. All the conditions are displayed it over the LCD display. In our project we are using the popular 8 bit microcontroller AT89S52. It is a 40 pin microcontroller. 9. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED FASTEST FINGER FIRST: Useful for Quiz games, dumb charades. It displays the player no. along with the beep for seven players. 10. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED TEMPERATURE METER: It will display the room temperature on LCD and one can set the desired value to indicate the alarm or control at a desired temperature. It uses an ADC to interface with LM-35 sensor. 11. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED INFRARED REMOTE CONTROLLED SWITCH BOARD: One can operate (on/off) four electrical devices with TV remote synchronized with circuit independently. 12. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED RANK DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR RACE QUIZ COMPETITION WITH LCD: It can resolve the time difference (may be few milliseconds) and indicate the correct ranking between the individuals denoted A to H 13. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED AUTO SPEED LIMITER/GOVERNER WITH AUTO BREAKING: The project is to read the rpm of a automobile and according to that it limits the speed as Speed Governor. One can change the speed with variable control. 14. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED LINE FOLLOWER ROBOT: A Robotic car that follows the black line at the floor area based on IR sensors with transmitters and receivers. 15. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED YES MASTER FOLLOWER: A robotic car that follows his master who is sending an IR transmission always. 16. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED VOLTAGE/ POWER FACTOR / FREQUENCY METER: The project checks the electrical input factors as multifunction meter. 17. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C51 BASED RFID ATTENDENCE MONITOR: The project will show the names of person who had pressed the RFID key on LCD. One can use DATA encoder/decoder circuit. 18. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C2051 BASED FREQUENCY COUNTER USING LCD: The project will check the unknown frequency input up to 200 KHz. And display at LCD. 19. TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROL TRAFFIC MAN: It can actually control traffic with lights and humanoid robot police man rotating in all directions with hand movements for stop and go actions. This is a project comprises two stepper motors to perform the action. 20. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C2051 BASED IR WIRELESS FREQUENCY COUNTER: The project will check the unknown frequency input up to 200KHz. Coming from an IR source and display at LCD. 21. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C2051 BASED COUNTDOWN TIMER: The project performs the countdown operation for up to -99 minutes with two seven segments display showing actual time left to activate or de-activate the connected relay. 22. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C2051 BASED TEMPERATURE INDICATOR: The temperature of room can be displayed at LCD using a sensitive device DS 1621. 23. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C2051 BASED ALARM CLOCK: The unit display the time in Hr. Min. and one can set the alarm also for a desired time at Seven segment display. 24. MICROCONTROLLER AT-89C2051 BASED VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER CUM ODOMETER: The project comprises a dc motor speed controller circuit with reed sensor. It is being detected by this and displays the same at LCD in form of speed KmHr. and also display the distance covered by the vehicle. DETAIL OF SOME APPLICATION Microcontroller based Electronic Governor and Control System of a Mini-hydro Power Plant:- This project is absolute requirement to develop small-scale power plants. The idea is described in the introduction. Then there are some details about the functionality of the system. That is described in both user aspect and technical aspect. The idea will lead to fully automated power plants with remote access, while it is lower cost. Some attractive future development proposals will be at the end of the technical details. INTRODUCTION In brief our project is an Microcontroller based Electronic Governor Control System for Mini Hydro Power Plant. The courses of selecting this project were the expanding the features of the presently available mechanical governor systems and improve the remote controllability of the system in user-friendly manner. In this invention we selected specific mini hydro plant to consideration because of several limitations. The governor of a mini-hydro power plant considers as a heart of the system. It controls the output power and makes the generator frequency up to the grid frequency by utilizing the available water supply to the turbine. Those operations are achieved by controlling the gate valves of the turbine. Almost all the turbine units use this method of control and it comprises of a mechanical actuator and electrical control device to give the desired command signals to the actuator to open or close valves appropriately. Commercially available electronic governors are very expensive. It is very difficult to find a suitable commercial product for a particular power plant and not easy to tune them to reach the best operating condition. Therefore our main focus was to implement an electronic governor system for a user specific circumstance. So the initial stage, we studied the entire control system of a mini-hydro power plant that is situated at Niriella. Then we decided to develop this electronic governor system using newly promoted micro-controller technology. Other than the basic governor operations we impl emented several new features. To interact with the micro-controller some of the electronic devices were re-implemented. BASIC OPERATION Although its called an Electronic governor control system, it consists of some plant automating functions as well. All those functions can be categorized as follows. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Starting and shutting down sequences of the plant. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Frequency controlling until the generator is synchronized with the national grid. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Manual and automatic control of the power output. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Quick safety actions in fatal faulty conditions. FUNCTIONAL UNITS The entire system is an integration of several functional units. The system software controls those units. 1. Generator Frequency Counter 2. Grid Frequency Counter 3. Water Level Sensor 4. Valve Position Sensor 5. Stepper Motor Driver 6. Emergency Circuit Breaker unit 7. Main Board LCD interfacing with Microcontrollers Introduction The most commonly used Character based LCDs are based on Hitachis HD44780 controller. In this we will discuss about character based LCDs, their interfacing with various microcontrollers, various interfaces (8-bit/4-bit), programming, special stuff and tricks you can do with these simple looking LCDs which can give a new look to your application. Pin Description The most commonly used LCDs found in the market today are 1 Line, 2 Line or 4 Line LCDs which have only 1 controller and support at most of 80 charachers, whereas LCDs supporting more than 80 characters .Most LCDs with 1 controller has 14 Pins and LCDs with 2 controller has 16 Pins (two pins are extra in both for back-light LED connections). Keypad circuit diagram Usually these days you will find single controller LCD modules are used more in the market. So in the tutorial we will discuss more about the single controller LCD, the operation and everything else is same for the double controller too. Lets take a look at the basic information which is there in every LCD. LCD Initialization Before using the LCD for display purpose, LCD has to be initialized either by the internal reset circuit or sending set of commands to initialize the LCD. It is the user who has to decide whether an LCD has to be initialized by instructions or by internal reset circuit. We will discuss both ways of initialization one by one. Initialization by instructions Initializing LCD with instructions is really simple. Given below is a flowchart that describes the step to follow, to initialize the LCD. LCD initialization flow chart Figure 8: Flow chart for LCD initialization As you can see from the flow chart, the LCD is initialized in the following sequence 1) Send command 0x30 Using 8-bit interface 2) Delay 20ms 3) Send command 0x30 8-bit interface 4) Delay 20ms 5) Send command 0x30 8-bit interface 6)Delay 20ms 7) Send Function set see Table 4 for more information 8)Display Clear command 9) Set entry mode command explained below The first 3 commands are usually not required but are recommended when you are using 4-bit interface. So you can program the LCD starting from step 7 when working with 8-bit interface. Programming example for LCD Initialization CODE: LCD_data equ P2      LCD Data port LCD_D7    equ P2.7   LCD D7/Busy Flag LCD_rs    equ P1.0   LCD Register Select LCD_rw    equ P1.1   LCD Read/Write LCD_en    equ P1.2   LCD Enable LCD_init:               mov    LCD_data,#38H   Function set: 2 Line, 8-bit, 57 dots               clr    LCD_rs                           clr    LCD_rw            We are writing in instruction register               setb   LCD_en                        clr    LCD_en               acall LCD_busy      Wait for LCD to process the command               mov    LCD_data,#0FH   Display on, Curson blinking command               clr    LCD_rs                           clr    LCD_rw            We are writing in instruction register               setb   LCD_en                        clr    LCD_en               acall LCD_busy          Wait for LCD to process the command               mov    LCD_data,#01H   Clear LCD               clr    LCD_rs                           clr    LCD_rw            We are writing in instruction register               setb   LCD_en                        clr    LCD_en               acall LCD_busy         Wait for LCD to process the command               mov    LCD_data,#06H   Entry mode, auto increment with no shift               clr    LCD_rs             Selected command register               clr    LCD_rw            We are writing in instruction register               setb   LCD_en                        clr    LCD_en               acall LCD_busy    Wait for LCD to process the command               ret                            Digital Countdown Timer (AT89C2051) A simple count-down LED timer that counts in minutes and seconds. Three buttons below the LED provide control of the unit, allowing you set the desired countdown time in minutes and seconds and a start/stop button. Completion of the countdown is indicated by an alarm that starts when the countdown has finished and the display reads zero. The alarm is stopped by pressing the start/stop button. Circuit diagram:- count AUTOMATIC SOLAR TRACKER AUTOMATIC SOLAR TRACKER starts following the SUN right from dawn, throughout the day, till evening, and starts all over again from dawn next day. On cloudy weathers, it remains still and catches the SUN again as it slips out of clouds. It does all this automatically, employs cheap and inexpensive components, and is very accurate. Let us see how it does all this. There are three Electronic Modules to be explained. First one is the HORIZONTAL SENSOR MODULE. It employs the timer 555 in the MONOSTABLE MODE. PIN 2(Trigger Pin of 555) is hooked up with a VOLTAGE DIVIDER NETWORK (PLEASE see FIGURE 2). PIN 4(Reset) is hooked up with ANOTHER VOLTAGE DIVIDER NETWORK.   Fig 1: Block diagram of the tracker following the sun all through  Fig 1: Block diagram of the tracker following the sun all through fig 4: Stepper motor control board  Fig: Stepper motor control board I have only shown the Horizontal Motor Control Circuit. The Vertical One uses a similar Decade Counter, NPN Transistors, and Diodes (to encounter BACK EMF of Power Transistors due to Fast Switching). I chose for a Steep Angle of 2 Degrees for the Unipolar Steppers. They are driven in a Normal 4 Step Sequence, first coil A is energised simultaneously with coil B, then coil C with coil D. Thus the Motors rotate by 2 degrees each time. The Charging Interval is almost in synchronism with the steps/second speed of the motors, to avoid false triggering. STEPPER MOTOR Introduction This section will explain you everything that you need to know about stepper motors. Stepper motors can be used in various areas of your microcontroller projects such as making robots, robotic arm, automatic door lock system etc. This tutorial will explain you construction of stepper motors, basic principal, different controlling types (Half step and Full step), Interfacing Techniques (using L293D or ULN2003) and programming your microcontroller in C and assembly to control stepper motor. Unipolar stepper motor The unipolar stepper motor has five or six wires and four coils (actually two coils divided by centre connections on each coil). The centre connections of the coils are tied together and used as the power connection. They are called unipolar steppers because power always comes in on this one pole. Bipolar stepper motor The bipolar stepper motor usually has four wires coming out of it. Unlike unipolar steppers, bipolar steppers have no common centre connection. They have two independent sets of coils instead. You can distinguish them from unipolar steppers by measuring the resistance between the wires. You should find two pairs of wires with equal resistance. If youve got the leads of your meter connected to two wires that are not connected (i.e. not attached to the same coil), you should see infinite resistance (or no continuity). As already said, we will talk mostly on Unipolar stepper motors which is most common type of stepper motor available in the market. A simple example of 6 lead step motor is given below and in 5 lead step motor wire 5 and 6 are joined together to make 1 wire as common. Unipolar stepper motor coils Working of Stepper Motor Now lets discuss the operation principal of a stepper motor. When we energize a coil of Stepper motor, the shaft of stepper motor (which is actually a permanent magnet) align itself according to poles of energized coil. So when motor coils are energized in a particular sequence, motor shaft tend to align itself according to pole of coils and hence rotates. A small example of energizing operation is given below. working principal of stepper motor You can see in the example, when coil A is energized, A north-south polarity is generated at A+A as shown in the figure above and magnetic shaft automatically align itself according to the poles generated. When the next coil is energized the shaft again aligns itself and takes a step. Hence , the working principal. working principal of stepper motor We have seen that to make the stepper motor work, we need to energize coil in a sequence. The explanation and generation of the sequence is explained in the next section of the tutorial. Stepper Motor interfacing with Microcontrollers: Programming Stepper motor Programming Full step Sequence I am assuming that stepper motor is connected at Port 1.0 to Port 1.3. Adjusting the delay will increase or decrease the speed of the motor. Here just for demonstration i have taken some delay, you can change it as you want.    org 0H stepper equ P1 main:             mov stepper, #0CH             acall delay             mov stepper, #06H             acall delay             mov stepper, #03H             acall delay             mov stepper, #09H             acall delay             sjmp main delay:             mov r7,#4 wait2:             mov r6,#0FFH wait1:             mov r5,#0FFH wait:             djnz r5,wait             djnz r6,wait1             djnz r7,wait2             ret             end The working of the above code can be seen in the demo animation below. unipolar stepper motor in full step sequence Programming Half step Sequence Assembly Programming: Here also the main routine changes rest everything remains same. CODE: main:             mov stepper, #08H             acall delay             mov stepper, #0CH             acall delay             mov stepper, #04H             acall delay             mov stepper, #06H             acall delay             mov stepper, #02H             acall delay             mov stepper, #03H             acall delay             mov stepper, #01H             acall delay             mov stepper, #09H             acall delay             sjmp main The working of the above code can be seen in the demo animation below. unipolar stepper motor in half step sequence Water level indicator cum controller Water level indicator is which pumps water from the sump (unrepresented concept implements controlling of pump reground tank) to the overhead tank, using 8951 microcontroller. The control panel i.e. the main control unit of the system which consists of the primary control switches, pump indicator, siren and level indicators. The visual example of how switches. And the indicators can be placed as shown the figure below. Front view of the model Front view of the model In the figure shown above there are total of nine LEDs, four of which indicates the water level in the tank, another four indicates the water level in the sump and one LED indicates whether the pump is ON/OFF. It also consists of three switches. 1. Switch 1 is the main power switch which is used to activate the system. 2. Switch 2 is used to select whether to operate the pump in AUTO or MANUAL mode. 3. Switch 3 comes to picture only when the system is operated in MANUAL mode. It controls the direct activation of the pump. Description: This system is built around an 8951 microcontroller and the circuit diagram is as given below. Circuit diagram of Water level indicator cum controller As you can see in the above diagram, port 0 is exclusively used as an input port which takes the information regarding the water level in the sump as well as in the overhead tank. Port 1 is used as output port which is connected to the indicator that indicates the water level in both the tanks. Port 2 is used as in/out port, it takes the input from switch 2 and switches 3 and gives the output which is connected to pump indicator, siren and the relay which controls the switching of the pump. Working of the system: There are two modes of working for the system 1. Manual mode 2. Auto mode Manual mode: When the system is active and in manual mode, it only indicates the water levels in the tanks and it doesnt control any working of the pump. To activate the pump in manual mode switch 3 is used. In this mode the operator should manually control the working of the pump. As in case if the tank is full, operator should switch of the pump which is not the case when compared to auto mode. Auto mode: When the system is active and in auto mode, it only indicates the water levels in the tanks and it controls the working of the pump. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This is the easiest way to make the Host Computer to pin connection. The next step is actually using this connection to download programs to the internal memory and to receive debug information through the IC. Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, and toys. By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes. Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating analog components needed to control non-digital electronic systems.

What is inflation and how can it be controlled?

What is inflation and how can it be controlled? What is inflation? There are several meaning of inflation , we will discuss two definitions of it. First, The term inflation means a process with a continual increase in the general price level. As prices go up, individuals try to protect their purchasing power and take actions which inadvertently perpetuate the inflation. For example, employees may try to protect themselves from inflation by having their wages tied to the cost of living(Livingston, 2000) . As price rise, wages are forced up, which raises production costs, which raises selling prices, and so on, in a never ending cycle. Throughout history, inflation has occurred frequently. Second, Inflation is the term used to describe a rise of average prices through the economy. It means that money is losing its value. The underlying cause is usually that too much money is available to purchase too few goods and services, or that demand in the economy is outpacing supply(What is inflation, 2010) . In general, this situation occurs when an economy is so buoyant that there are widespread shortages of labor and materials. People can charge higher prices for the same goods or services. Brief history of inflation Increases in the quantity of money or in the overall money supply (or debasement of the means of exchange) have occurred in many different societies throughout history, changing with different forms of money used. For instance, when gold was used as currency, the government could collect gold coins, melt them down, mix them with other metals such as silver, copper or lead, and reissue them at the same nominal value. By diluting the gold with other metals, the government could issue more coins without also needing to increase the amount of gold used to make them. When the cost of each coin is lowered in this way, the government profits from an increase in seignior age (Kenneth, 1996) This practice would increase the money supply but at the same time the relative value of each coin would be lowered. As the relative value of the coins becomes less, consumers would need to give more coins in exchange for the same goods and services as before. These goods and services would experience a price increase as the value of each coin is reduced (Roger, 2002). From the second half of the 15th century to the first half of the 17th, Western Europe experienced a major inflationary cycle referred to as price revolution, with prices on average rising perhaps sixfold over 150 years. It was thought that this was caused by the increase in wealth of Habsburg Spain, with a large influx of gold and silver from the New World ( Walton 1994). The spent silver, suddenly spread throughout a previously cash starved Europe, caused widespread inflation ( Walton, 1994). Demographic factors also contributed to upward pressure on prices, with European population growth after depopulation caused by the Black Death pandemic. The adoption of fiat currency (paper money) by many countries, from the 18th century onwards, made much larger variations in the supply of money possible. Since then, huge increases in the supply of paper money have taken place in a number of countries, producing hyperinflations episodes of extreme inflation rates much higher than those observed in earlier periods of commodity money (Roger, 2002). The hyperinflation suffered by the Weimar Republic of Germany is a notable example. Causes of inflation There are many reasons that can cause inflation in goods and service. Based on the quality theory of inflation and quantity theory of inflation, inflation is a result of the amount of money people will be able to use that money to buy the goods they want and the amount of money supplied and exchanged. Another reason of inflation is Demand-pull inflation which means that the economy actual demands more goods and services than available. This shortage of supply enables sellers to raise prices until an equilibrium is put in place between supply and demand (inflation, 2010). For example, low employment rates against increase in demand. Secondly, The cost-push inflation also known as supply shock inflation( inflation, 2010). This Can take place when goods become harder to get the price increases as a result, people try to increase the amount of money they earn to maintain the change in price. Inflation can be made by the circulation of increase in the wages of employees and the increase in the producers cost which will lower the value of the money (Stiqall R. March 29, 2010). Effects  of Inflation The most immediate effects of inflation are the decreased purchasing power of the dollar and its depreciation. A second destabilizing effect is that inflation can cause consumers and investors to change their speeding habits. When inflation occurs, people tend to spend less meaning that factories have to lay off workers because of a decline in orders. A third destabilizing effect of inflation is that some people choose to speculate heavily in an attempt to take advantage of the higher price level. Because some of the purchases are high-risk investments, spending is diverted from the normal channels and some structural unemployment may take place. Finally, inflation alters the distribution of income. Lenders are generally hurt more than borrowers during long inflationary periods which means that loans made earlier are repaid later in inflated dollars (the effect of inflation on your money, March 19, 2009). Measuring inflation It is necessary to have some kind of an accurate measure of the increase in the price level. The most widely used statistic to measure inflation is known as the consumer price index (CPI). Other measurement is Producer Price Indexes (PPI), Commodity price indices and Core price indices. Consumer Price Index (CPI) A measure of price changes in consumer goods and services such as gasoline, food, clothing and automobiles. The CPI measures price change from the perspective of the purchaser. U.S. CPI data can be found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The three main CPI series are: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ CPI for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Chained CPI for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) According to (Dubai Statistics Center, 2010) Consumer Price Index was 114.63 in the first half of 2009, and in the first half 2010 it was 115.36. The formula for calculating the annual percentage rate inflation in the CPI is, 115.36 114.63 ÃÆ'- 100 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ = 0.64 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 114.63 Producer Price Indexes (PPI) Families of indexes that measure the average change over time in selling prices by domestic producers of goods and services. PPIs measure price change from the perspective of the seller. U.S. PPI data can be found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For instance, (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010) stated that the U.S Monthly percent changes in the Producer Price Index for Finished Goods which is finished food, finished energy and finished core for October 2009 October 2010 is shown in chart 1 However, the Monthly percent changes in the Producer Price Index for Intermediate Goods which is intermediate food, intermediate energy and intermediate, for October 2009 October 2010 is shown in chart 2 Commodity price indices Index or average, which may be weighted, of selected commodity prices, intended to be representative of the markets in general or a specific subset of commodities, e.g., grains or livestock. Core price indices A measure of inflation that excludes certain items  that face volatile price movements.  Core inflation eliminates products that can  have temporary price shocks because  these shocks can diverge from the overall trend of inflation and  give a false  measure of inflation. Core inflation is most often calculated by taking the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and excluding certain items from the index,  usually energy and food products. Core inflation is thought to be an indicator of underlying long-term  inflation.   The challenge of measuring inflation There is no internationally agreed standard methodology of measuring inflation since such indices are generally used for national purposes, such as wage arrangements and price stabilization policies, and are frequently subject to heated discussions and social and political negotiations. Countries measure their rate of inflation in different ways, and include different components. This can make it problematic to make international comparisons. For instance, the European HICP differs from the US CPI in two major respects. First, the HICP includes the rural population. Second, and probably more importantly, the HICP excludes owner-occupied housing, mainly because the methods used to measure price changes for this component are controversial and difficult to calculate. Besides, in using CPI the purchasing habits of different people will vary greatly. For example, the purchasing of a family with children will be very different from that of an elderly couple or a single person with no chil dren. And this may not be an accurate reflection for a particular area. Furthermore, if the national average is used as the basis for wage negotiations or pension changes, then these might not accurately reflect the price changes for a particular group. Errors in collecting data could be very important because it reflects the accuracy of the results. For instance, it would be difficult to obtain the prices of all the goods bought by the household so it is necessary to take a sample item and measure it. Thus, sampling is likely to lead to some degree of inaccuracy. (Donald G. Jerome P. Ted G., 2004) How to Control Inflation Economists offer several ways to control or limit inflation.   The methods are primarily through setting monetary policy and price controls, though there are some less popular theories on stopping inflation. Those who suggest using monetary policy to stop inflation place an emphasis on the role of the central bank, like the U.S. Federal Reserve System, in setting that policy.   The Federal Reserve can use traditional methods such as setting high interest rates, using unemployment and declining production to slow or stop rising prices.  Ã‚   Even among those that believe monetary policy should be used to stop inflation, various theories abound as to how the policy should be wielded (Federal, 2010).   For instance, those who subscribe to Neo-Classical monetary theory want to see the money supply decreased, while Neo-Keynesians would rather reduce the overall demand through fiscal policy like higher taxes or lower government spending.   Neo-Keynesians focus on monetary policys role, especially as it relates to basic commodities inflation as outlined by Robert Solow.   Finally, supply-side economists believe that the exchange rate needs to be fixed so that the exchange rate is tied to a reference currency (gold, for instance).   They also believe that, in a floating currency regime, that there can be a reduction in marginal tax rates to that capital formation is promoted. Yet there is even a philosophical difference between those running the various central banks.   For instance, at the European Central Bank, the target is to control inflation when it gets too high rather than using symmetrical inflation as other central banks do.   The result is that the European Central Bank has come under great criticism for increasingly high unemployment rates. While some believe that changing monetary policy is the way to control or stop inflation, a few others subscribe to the idea that controlling prices is the best method.   Also, price supports are used to set minimum prices.   The price supports help to prevent deflation and to allow for the continued production of certain goods.   However, not many economists subscribe to the idea of using price controls as a way to control inflation, as there are many counterproductive effects. Using price controls to stop or control inflation means that shortages are created.   When shortages happen, the quality of production decreases and black market operations increase.   Also, price controls only work as long as they are in place, and when they are removed inflation often moves at an accelerated rate.  Ã‚   The exception to the criticisms of price controls is during times of war, when shortages are bound to happen anyhow.   The government needs to borrow more money at lower rates during wartime, and profiteering needs to be discouraged.   In World War II, price controls were used effectively both during and after the war to control inflation.   Yet sometimes the wartime price controls are continued too long after the end of the war, so people will over-consume the things that have price controls imposed.  Ã‚   A common example of price controls is rent controlled buildings.   These rent-controlled areas tend to remain so for decades, which allows owners to control the new building rate.   It maintains capital parity, and since inflation lowers the burden of a fixed rental price, allows renters to gain a net reduction in rental costs.  Ã‚   However, sometimes price controls do make a recession more efficient.   The recession and prices controls both complement one another, because the recession prevents the distortion of high demand while price controls lower the need to increase unemployment. The solution? In my opinion, there is no easy, painless solution. Those who bought houses they couldnt afford will lose those houses. The banks who end up with those houses will either go under (forcing the government to print money to cover the deposits lost), or will get bailed out (Bear Sterns). In about 3 or 4 years, the loans made at the peak will be done resetting, those homes that cannot be afforded will be lost, and stability will slowly return. The only thing that will muck up that return to stability is if we spend a lot of money helping people to stay in houses they cannot afford. If we really try to help them, they will end up bleeding the system until they cant bleed it any more, then they will lose their house. If we try to bail them out, we will ease the pain, but prolong the disease.

The Flaw of Hamlets Antic Disposition Essay -- essays research papers

Hamlet's antic disposition of pretending to become crazy so that he can take revenge of his father's death was a bad plan. The situations in the play that prove that Hamlet's antic disposition was a bad plan are the death of his friend Ophelia, his fighting with his mother, trying to fool the King and Polonius, his own downfall and finally his death. All this situations illustrate why Hamlet?s antic disposition was a bad plan. Hamlet?s antic disposition was the main reason why Ophelia committed suicide and why Hamlet fought with his mother. Hamlet believed that if he showed no more feelings for Ophelia and showed hatred and cruelty for his mother, people and particularly the King and Polonius would believe that he has truly gone crazy. He shows that he has no feelings for Ophelia when he says to her "You should not have believed me, for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it. I loved you not.? At the time of Ophelia?s burial, Hamlet jumps in Ophelia?s grave saying, "I loved Ophelia. For thousand brothers could not with all their quantity of love Make ...

George Gordon Byron Essay -- George Gordon Byron Essays Biography

George Gordon Byron   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Their are many different opinions on the written works of George Gordon Byron which could include one very big question. Was he a natural born poet or simply a product of abuse and mental illness. His writings may have been more a way to ease his pa and suffering rather than a natural talent. Perhaps his writings were a form of self therapy? Throughout his writings and life history there is much evidence to suggest that his poetry was being greatly influenced by his mental instability. I have l rned much on this great poet and I too believe that his writings were influenced greatly because of the pain and abuse he suffered in his youth. I will attempt to point out the many possibilities to this.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  George Gordon Byron was known as Lord Byron during his lifetime. Byron was born in 1788 and died at the early age of thirty-six in the year 1824. His handsome face, riotous living and many love affairs made Byron the most talked-of man of his day. H was known as a romantic, fascinating figure to his fellow Englishmen. In our current century his reputation has dwindled to merely being known as a poet. His childhood was colorful to say the least. There is much evidence to suggest mental instabilit was inherent in his family. Byron was born on Jan.22, 1788 in London. His great-uncle from whom he inherited the title, was known as â€Å"wicked Lord Byron†; his father army officer, was called â€Å"mad Jack† Byron. This wealth and the nick names of the Byron en went back to at least as far a Lord Byron’s’ Grandfather, a Vice Admiral, known as â€Å"Foul Weather Jack†. He was giving this name as he had a reputation of attracting storms. These titles given to his family only adds to the evidence of mental insta lity. Here’s an interesting note: (His family had a long tradition of marrying its cousins, consequently, there were some oddities among their ancestors. Byron’s grandfather â€Å"Foul Weather Jack† hated his sons and spent a great deal of time trying to destroy their estate, Newstead. He hoped to leave nothing for his sons, so he encouraged swarms of crickets o run throughout the house.) (His Life www.edenpr.k12.mn.usephs/ArcadiaWeb)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Born with a clubfoot, he was sensitive about it all his life. When he was just three his father died, leaving the family with nearly nothing to survive on. His parents, Catherine Gordon Byron (of the ... ..., self-sacrificing, and accepting of her ate to the point of victimization. In the early episode, Donna Julia breads somewhat out of this role by being the older (23 years old!) married woman and not the innocent girl. Byron thus somewhat reverses gender roles and has the sexually mature woman take a m e active role in seducing the naive and innocent young man. (Don Juan, Canto I http://citd.scar.untoronto.ca/English/ENGBO2Y/DonJuan.html).  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I believe that Lord Byron was expressing is own pain of the sexual abuse he endured b May Grey at school in his earlier childhood in the character Donna Julia. So in my opinion of all I have discovered about this literary poet is that Lord Byron was not born with a talent for writing poetry. He however did write from his own heart. Wh h is what a truly brilliant poet must do. Had he not have been exposed to physical and sexual abuse in his youth. I feel there is a good possibility he would have never written a single poem He would have had a different profession altogether along w h an entirely different life style. The world was blessed with the many poems of Lord Bryon but only through the suffering of another human being.

Roman propaganda vs. Todays propaganda :: essays research papers

Propaganda is when someone uses allegations, ideas, or rumors to further their own cause and hurt someone else. I do believe that the Romans used this method to make themselves and their empire look better. The Romans might have been some of the first rulers to use propaganda, but since their time we have seen many political leaders use the same methods to make themselves achieve a higher level of affection from the people under them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first sign to me of their propaganda was their architecture. First, I believe the gigantic statues and buildings represent the idea that the Romans had wealth because they could afford to build and decorate such an extravagant thing. Second, I think they were also supposed to portray that they had high intelligence because they could create the architectural wonders that had never been done before. Lastly, I think that they wanted every one to believe their army was undefeatable because most of their statues or monuments portrayed massive victories in battle.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I think that the characteristics that they portrayed helped them in their propaganda by making the people think that the leaders must be worthy because they were able to have all of these things. In my opinion, they built these structures not only to try to make the roman people believe they had all these characteristics, but also for other societies to hear about or see and be either intimidated or astonished by their empire.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In today’s society, the politicians in the United States do not build elaborate buildings as propaganda. I think the main reason for this is all the architecture of the government was built long before they came into office. For example, the White House in Washington D.C. was built long before President Bush came into office and it was never meant to be changed. Even though they do not build architecture, I do believe they use it when it comes to buildings that are already there. I took notice that when the President addressed the nation during the first few hours of the War he was sitting in his office not in the pressroom. Looking back to me it was as if he wanted to give the impression that it was just another obstacle and he was calm and working in his office at home. Even though the White House is equipped with many offices and people, it is still called the â€Å"White House,† so when the T.

Healthcare Management Essay

When creating a strategic business plan, one of the most important analysis tools that can help management identify areas that need improvement and the areas that are strong and already beneficial to the company is a SWOT analysis. Using this tool management can determine the parts of a business that may need more of their time and resources in order to outcome obstacles that may prevent growth. In this paper, we will create a SWOT analysis for our fictitious company Vandalay Healthcare Inc. Strategic Healthcare Plan A SWOT analysis is a tool that can be used by management to measure or audit the organization as a whole. SWOT is an acronym for the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats by internal and external that can effect and hinder a company in various ways. Using the SWOT analysis a company can learn to identify the parts of a business that are helping the business grow and the same analysis can identify areas where the business can make improvements (Marketing Teacher, 2012). The greatest distinguished features that management should include when creating a SWOT analysis is, where the business is today and where it hopes to be in the future, and the analysis should be subjective and specific, the most effective analysis are short and direct. The SWOT that was created for the fictitious company, Vandalay Healthcare Inc., is as follows: SWOT Analysis Vandalay Healthcare Inc. The goals for Vandalay Healthcare Inc., as defined in the company’s mission and vision statements is to become one of the most successful company’s in the field of Certified Life Care Planning, and also to build the company to maintain a certain level of integrity. The external and internal environments that would directly affect this company can possibly cause the company to become in financial trouble at some point, since the knowledge of the field is expanding and the threats of medical advancements could hinder the need for this type of business, the company can be tempted to cut corners. However, by instilling the vision and mission statement the company was founded and expanded on, the possibilities to allow this type of behavior can decrease by over 75%. A continuous improvement plan is defined as a process that continues to bring gradual change to a business (O’Hara, 2012). In the development of the continuous improvement plan the company must first decide where they plan on going in the future. For Vandalay Healthcare Inc., the company has already established the desire to be one of the best CLCP types of companies in existence. The best way to achieve this is by evaluating the outcome measures for the company. The outcomes are specifically the results achieved by the interaction of the patient/client and the business (Mireles, n.d.). To measure the outcomes Vandalay Healthcare Inc., will provide survey cards to be completed by clients, which will be done on an anonymous basis. By allowing the clients/patients to complete the surveys on an anonymous basis, the company can indicate the areas in the service sector that may have issues as well as eliminate any gaps that can occur in the performance areas of a business. The vision and mission statements for Vandalay Healthcare Inc. are as follows: In the next few years, Vandalay Healthcare Inc. will have succeeded in establishing a name for itself within the field of Certified Life Care Planner by being an honest organization that focuses 100% on patient care. And the mission statement for Vandalay Healthcare Inc., is: âž ¢Patient Care Mission – to provide the best care to every patient regardless of the ethnic, cultural, or demographic background âž ¢Community Mission – provide support within the community by providing honest medical care âž ¢Economic Mission – operate and grow the organization at a profitable rate through sound economic decisions The SWOT analysis and the continuous improvement plan are both focusing on the constant improvement of patient care. Our company’s mission and vision statements are both also directly focused on the patient care. The company’s service strategy is related to the environment of the facility itself. The environment includes the employees, having the proper training and the company being adequately staffed to accommodate clients in a timely and professional manner. And the setting and following guidelines set forth by government agencies to ensure the moral and ethical standards of the company are higher then the others, as to set Vandalay Healthcare Inc. on a different level then similar companies within the same industry. By adhering to each of these goals, such as the mission statement, the vision statement and the intended service strategy, Vandalay Healthcare Inc. can set new standards within the healthcare industry, and this can be beneficial to the healthcare organization as a whole be causing other agencies to also raise the quality of care their patients may currently receive. Reference: Marketing Teacher. (2012). SWOT Analysis. Retrieved on July 8, 2012, from http://www.marketingteacher.com/lesson-store/lesson-swot.html Mireles, Sandra. (n.d.). How to Measure Outcomes & Evaluations. Retrieved on July 8, 2012, from http://www.ehow.com/how_6578817_measure-outcomes-evaluations.html O’Hara, Jane. (2012). How to Develop a Continuous Improvement Plan. Retrieved on July 8, 2012, from http://www.ehow.com/how_8054214_develop-continuous-improvement-plan.html

Blade Runner

Texts offer insights into the human experience by conveying the values and attitudes predominant in society at the time. The context in which a text is composed affects the ideas that are explored and how they are presented. Invariably, texts from differing contexts cause the composers to have different intents and present different notions due to the change of audience and the difference in values and attitudes they hold. However, some issues remain universal issues that transcend time. The human experience is how humanity perceives and conducts themselves, and the values and attitudes that are predominant in their nature at the time. These values and attitudes change in accordance to context, due to the ever evolving nature of the environment around us and humanity itself. Examples of issues that have changed in value over time are the ideas of nature and the environment, and the concept of science and religion. These notions are explored and can be compared and contrasted in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (The Director’s Cut) and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The 19th century was a period of upcoming scientific & technological advancement, due to prominent scientists proposing controversial ideas, which defied the strict religious conventions of the period. Scientists such as Luigi Galvani, Giovanni Aldini and Erasmus Darwin put forth theories that placed man in the perceived almighty position of God, which in turn questioned the authenticity of the religious beliefs that society held. These theories, such as Galvanism, are evident in Shelly’s work, most prominently in the animation of Frankenstein’s monster. This allusion to Giovanni Aldini’s public experiments, where he manipulated electricity to cause corpses to move, conveys to the responder a similar message to which Aldini did. Both Shelley and Aldini cause the society in which they were in to question the source of life, by presenting the notion that electricity was the â€Å"spark of life†. However, this idea was perceived as work against God, as shown in Frankenstein through the quote â€Å"the beauty of my dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart†. The juxtaposition of the positive and negative connotations of â€Å"beauty† and â€Å"disgust† convey to the responder that the theories which catalysed the Scientific Revolution were initially considered beneficial to society, however, due to the controversy it caused, it was also considered blasphemous, and to an extent, the work of the devil. It is through this that an insight into the human experience is gained, an insight which reveals the value humanity placed on religion at the time and how the questioning of these values were becoming increasingly common. Blade Runner Texts offer insights into the human experience by conveying the values and attitudes predominant in society at the time. The context in which a text is composed affects the ideas that are explored and how they are presented. Invariably, texts from differing contexts cause the composers to have different intents and present different notions due to the change of audience and the difference in values and attitudes they hold. However, some issues remain universal issues that transcend time. The human experience is how humanity perceives and conducts themselves, and the values and attitudes that are predominant in their nature at the time. These values and attitudes change in accordance to context, due to the ever evolving nature of the environment around us and humanity itself. Examples of issues that have changed in value over time are the ideas of nature and the environment, and the concept of science and religion. These notions are explored and can be compared and contrasted in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (The Director’s Cut) and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The 19th century was a period of upcoming scientific & technological advancement, due to prominent scientists proposing controversial ideas, which defied the strict religious conventions of the period. Scientists such as Luigi Galvani, Giovanni Aldini and Erasmus Darwin put forth theories that placed man in the perceived almighty position of God, which in turn questioned the authenticity of the religious beliefs that society held. These theories, such as Galvanism, are evident in Shelly’s work, most prominently in the animation of Frankenstein’s monster. This allusion to Giovanni Aldini’s public experiments, where he manipulated electricity to cause corpses to move, conveys to the responder a similar message to which Aldini did. Both Shelley and Aldini cause the society in which they were in to question the source of life, by presenting the notion that electricity was the â€Å"spark of life†. However, this idea was perceived as work against God, as shown in Frankenstein through the quote â€Å"the beauty of my dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart†. The juxtaposition of the positive and negative connotations of â€Å"beauty† and â€Å"disgust† convey to the responder that the theories which catalysed the Scientific Revolution were initially considered beneficial to society, however, due to the controversy it caused, it was also considered blasphemous, and to an extent, the work of the devil. It is through this that an insight into the human experience is gained, an insight which reveals the value humanity placed on religion at the time and how the questioning of these values were becoming increasingly common.