UK Precious and Non-ferrous Metals Market Size

UK Precious and Non-ferrous Metals Market Size BASIC PRECIOUS AND NON-FERROUS METALS IN UK – ANALYSIS Headlines Basic precious and non-ferrous metals market size in the UK contracted by 7% in 2013 due to decrease in aluminium, gold, silver, platinum and copper prices 51% increase in industry’s turnover was driven by the growing demand from automotive industry accounting for 14% of B2B purchases and aircraft and spacecraft industry accounting for 8% In 2013 a new Scrap Metal Dealers Act has been introduced implementing more effective licensing for scrap dealers and extending the ban for buying scrap for cash in order to decrease the level of metal theft Basic precious and non-ferrous metals production in the UK is expected to grow by marginal less than 1% over 2013-2019 due to growing volumes of precious metals and increasing prices of platinum and palladium Market Trends The basic precious and non-ferrous metals market in UK contracted by 7.3% in 2013 to  £12.9 billion. The market shrunk due to the declining global prices of basic metals including aluminium, copper and precious metals. Motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers accounted for 14% of purchases in industry in 2013. The latter share experienced a 17% growth over 2013. In 2013 UK car production increased by 5% whereas sales grew by 10% respectively.[1] Higher vehicle production and increasing use of aluminium determined that aluminium accounted for the largest share – 32% of the UK market in 2013 totalling in  £4.1 billion. Its share increased by 22% over the year. Automotive industry gained from lower aluminium prices as it decreased by 8.7% to a US$1,847 per metric ton in the end of 2013[2]. Decline was experienced due to the surplus of global production as demand for aluminium in China and Eurozone has slowed down.[3] Market structure of metal ores has been changing permanently as demand of aluminium in UK automotive industry continued to increase. Automotive companies have been looking into ways to reduce CO2 emissions in order to comply with new EU standards. Aluminium is a solution to reduce vehicle weight and improve emissions. As a consequence in 2013 Land Rover announced construction of new plant for production of aluminium chassis that will cost GBP1.5 billion signalling new era for automotive industry raw material suppliers. Growing automotive industry in UK has positively affected the demand for platinum and palladiums as these precious metals are used in production of auto catalysts. The global price of the platinum declined by 10% due to the surplus in the market.[4] Palladium global price increased by 2% as palladium experienced a 7th year of deficit in the market.[5]Due to the improving economic performance in the UK and increasing customer trust, precious metals recorded a 36% drop in the value of its market size. Growing strength in equities decreased the demand for precious metals that has been viewed as a reliable substitute for the investment earlier.[6] Global price of gold bullion decreased by 26% to US$1,235 per troy ounce. The silver was no exception as the price fell by 36%[7] and reached US$19.6 an ounce.[8] Copper’s market size in UK dropped by 11% accounting for 15% of the total market size of the industry in 2013. Its value stood at  £1.9 billion. The fall was driven by the decline in international copper price that dropped to US$7,332 per metric ton in December 2013 recording a decline of 7.9%.[9] This was due to the slowdown in China’s economy and growing stocks of copper which reached their peak since 2003 in London’s Metal Exchange.[10] Aircraft and spacecraft industry accounted for 8% of the purchases in the industry after increase of 14%. The UK is the second largest civil aerospace sector in the world after the US exporting approximately 75% of its production.[11]Aerospace industry contributes 8% to the UK’s GDP on average. Therefore, in 2013 the Government announced a funding of  £2.1 billion towards saving over 100,000 workplaces in the aerospace sector boosting the aerospace industry and demand of metals generated by it.[12] In 2013 industry’s imports accounted for 86% of the UK’s basic precious and non-ferrous metals market. The value of imports grew by 26% and totalled to  £17.3 billion over the year. Precious metals accounted for 41% of imports and made largest share after a 51% growth over 2013. The main reason for growth was soaring 11 times higher exports of gold to Switzerland and China.[13] Production Trends Domestic production of basic and non-ferrous metals recorded a 51% growth over 2013 totalling to  £9.2 billion. Precious metals accounted for 44% of the turnover experiencing an astonishing 99% increase over the year. Aluminium also recorded a 30% growth in its turnover accounting for 18% of total industry’s turnover. Production of precious metals almost doubled and totalled to  £4 billion in 2013 due to the soaring exports of gold over 2013. In addition, the production was supported by growing automotive industry in UK and the world as platinum and palladium are used in production of auto catalysts. The growth of aluminium turnover was determined by increase in volume as prices of aluminium in global market declined by 8.7% in the end of 2013. The price decreased due to oversupply of aluminium as the demand growth in the main aluminium consumption markets, China and Eurozone, has slowed down. The increase was also driven by the growth of housing sector in the UK which in turn recorded an increase due to the government stimulus program and foreign investments. [14] UK’s metal recycling industry is the most advanced recycle segment in the country worth  £5.6 billion. Approximately 13 million tons of scrap metal is being processed annually[15]. In December, 2013 new Scrap Metal Dealers Act has been introduced replacing the one valid since 1964. According to it, more effective licensing for scrap dealers will be implemented and a ban to buy scrap for cash will be extended to decrease the level of metal thievery in the country.[16] Costs from mining of metal ore in the industry increased by 40% over 2013 reaching  £888 million. Costs grew due to surged demand of gold. Though electricity accounted for only 3% of the B2B costs in the industry, its share saw a 46% increase. As average price of electricity for industrial users grew by 4% over 2013, rise in costs was driven by higher quantity of metal refined. The average price grew by 6 cents (or 4 cents in real terms) accounting for 7.77 pence per kWh. From July to December the industrial price of electricity was the 4th highest in the EU15. [17] Labour costs accounted for a marginal 6% share of total costs in the industry after experiencing an increase of 17%. The increase was induced by the 12% increase in average annual wages in the industry as well as 5% increase in number of employees in 2013. Exports accounted for 85% of product output in 2013 and totalled to  £18.4 billion. It recorded an increase of 114%. The exports were concentrated with Switzerland being the main trade partner with 62% of total exports. The main reason for export growth was soaring 11 times higher exports of gold over 2013. [18] The main destination for gold was Switzerland where gold was exported to be re-melted and sold to consumers in Asia, namely China, India and UAE[19]. The industry of basic precious and nonferrous metals recorded a 126% increase in its profits which stood at  £537 million in 2013. The profitability stood at 6% of turnover. It was positively affected by increased gold exports. In addition, UK’s market players continued the reduction of their operational costs and improvement of competitiveness in the market through resource efficiency programmes and disinvestments in non-core businesses. Competitive Landscape The top 5 companies in the basic precious and non-ferrous metals industry accounted for 36% of total production in the UK in 2013. The leader was Johnson Matthey Plc – with 27% of production. The company was followed by other industry’s players accounting for a less significant share of production: Britannia Refined Metals Ltd (4%), VALE Europe Ltd (3%), Alcan Aluminum UK Ltd (1%), and KME Yorkshire Ltd (1%). Johnson Matthey Plc is a UK-based company that besides specialty in chemicals industry is engaged in recycling of precious metals, mainly platinum group. The company saw growth in all its divisions especially in department of emission control technologies as a new legislation to control emissions from heavy duty diesel vehicles has been introduced in Europe. Therefore, in 2013 the company expanded its production of diesel particulate filters in Royston, UK. Johnson Matthey Plc has also increased it manufacturing capacity of catalysts in Clitheroe, UK.[20] The company opened its new laboratory in Singapore as a part of strategy to expand its presence in Asia. As energy consumption increased by 6% over the financial year, by 2017 one of the company’s aims is to improve its resource efficiency. [21] Britannia Refined Metals Ltd, a subsidiary of Xstrata Plc, is a United Kingdom company engaged in lead and extensive range of lead alloys and silver production. Britannia Refined Metals Ltd facility is located 40 km east of London on the Thames estuary. Xstrata Plc completed the merger with Glencore International Plc in 2013. XstrataGlencore Plc future main projects are expected to be concentrated in segments of copper, nickel, zinc and lead thus providing the ability for volume growth in the upcoming years.[22] Vale Europe Ltd, a subsidiary of Vale SA, is a United Kingdom company engaged in the exploration and production of nickel in the United Kingdom. The company provides iron ores and pellets, copper, manganese, ferroalloys, aluminium, coal, fertilizers, cobalt, precious metals, and logistic services. In the United Kingdom Vale operates precious metals refinery in Acton, Greater London and nickel refinery in Clydach, Wales. In 2013 in order to improve its operations, the company started the partnership with geological research centre British Geological Survey.[23] In addition, as of 2013, the company announced plans to expand its operations in Brazil by adding 160,000 jobs and investing USD63.5 billion by 2016. Alcan Aluminum UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto PLC is a United Kingdom company, which is engaged in production of aluminium. Rio Tinto PLC operates smelters located in the United Kingdom in Lochaber and Lynemouth. The company was active in its global cost reductions through disinvestments therefore underlying earnings grew by US$ 392 million over 2013. However, recent proposals for warehousing rules from LME are expected to put a pressure on company’s regional earnings.[24] It has also informed about plans to invest C$14.8 million in a smelting site in Quebec, Canada in September, 2014. KME Yorkshire Ltd is engaged in manufacturing of various copper tubes like plain, plastics coated and special finish. The company has sold copper plumbing tubes manufacturing business in Liverpool, UK for  £18 million to Mueller Europe Ltd in February, 2014. After the deal, KME Yorkshire Ltd is expected to continue to handle all commercial activities of KME Group in UK.[25] Prospects Basic precious and non-ferrous metals production in the UK is anticipated to increase by less than 1% over the period of 2013-2019. The growth will be mainly driven by 1% increase in production of precious metals. Anticipated growth of platinum and palladium prices is expected to boost the industry further. Production of precious metals will decline by 14% in 2014 as mainly production of gold stabilizes after a surge. The industry will revert back to normal level after a gold bullion demand shock originated in China. The decline will be reassured by 2.5% in gold price, 19% silver and 12% decrease in platinum price. Vehicle production is expected to grow by 2.6% in 2014 due to increase in quantity. Consequently, demand of metals will increase with aluminium in the lead. Growth of aluminium demand will also be driven by tightening CO2 emission requirements and increasing demand of fuel efficient vehicles. Though, demand of fuel economy might slightly decline as fuel prices decline in second half of 2014 but regulations will still require a decline of emissions. Automotive industry will slightly boost precious metals segment as demand for platinum and palladium grows. Aircraft industry in UK is expected to decline by 2.6% in 2014 causing lower demand of aluminium. The increasing use of composites instead of aluminium in manufacture of airplanes will further deteriorate aluminium market causing a total of 10% decline in aluminium production in 2014 despite increasing demand from automotive industry [1] [2] France 272 [3] http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-05-20/news/39393012_1_aluminium-production-tonnes-10-6-kg [4] http://www.kitco.com/news/2014-05-02/Platinum-Price-To-Average-1457Oz-In-2014-Palladium-793-GFMS.html [5] http://www.lppm.com/statistics.aspx?comm=ptt=dailyy=2013 [6] http://www.cnbc.com/id/101253055#. [7] http://www.marketwatch.com/story/gold-surges-20-silver-rebounds-after-dismal-2013-2014-01-02 [8] http://moneymorning.com/2015/01/02/silver-prices-this-year-fell-20-heres-why/?gated_signup=truegateType=2 [9] France 272 [10] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-30/copper-prices-falling-on-china-slowdown-europe-concerns-1-.html [11] http://www.theengineer.co.uk/aerospace/in-depth/reasons-to-be-cheerful-about-the-uk-aerospace-sector/1017274.article [12] http://www.greencarcongress.com/2013/07/apc-20130712.html [13] https://www.bullionvault.com/gold-news/uk-gold-exports-022020142 [14] http://www.out-law.com/articles/2014/january/uk-construction-industry-optimistic-of-growth-in-2014-but-experts-warn-of-unsustainable-recovery/ [15] http://www.local.gov.uk/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=7ca891f9-228e-47b9-a561-d6953d660597groupId=10180 [16] http://onlinenewsroom.co.uk/bmra/uncategorized/metals-recycling-industry-welcomes-%E2%80%98new-era%E2%80%99/ [17] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/296011/QEP_March_2014.pdf p.9,29, 34 [18] https://www.bullionvault.com/gold-news/uk-gold-exports-022020142 [19] http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/08/19/uk-gold-uk-exports-macquarie-idUKBRE97I0PQ20130819 [20] http://www.advfn.com/news_Johnson-Matthey-PLC-Half-Yearly-Report_60113845.html [21] http://www.matthey.com/documents/pdfs/2013_14/annual-report/jm-ar-2014.pdf p.3,4,12,13 [22] http://www.glencore.com/assets/investors/doc/reports_and_results/2013/GLEN-2013-Annual-Report.pdf p.198,46 [23] http://www.vale.com/en/aboutvale/across-world/pages/default.aspx [24] http://www.riotinto.com/annualreport2013/performance/aluminium.html [25] http://www.kme.com/en/pressrelease/detail/1030

Great Depression Essay -- essays research papers

The Great Depression began in late 1929 and lasted for about a decade. The economic depression that beset many countries in the 1930s was unique in its magnitude and its consequences. â€Å"At the depth of the depression, in 1933, one American worker in every four was out of a job. In other countries unemployment ranged between 15 percent and 25 percent of the labor force.† The great industrial slump continued throughout the 1930s, shaking the foundations of Western capitalism â€Å"an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods, characterized by a free competitive market and motivation by profit† and the society based upon it. Despite the seeming business prosperity of the 1920s, there were serious economic weak spots, a chief one being a depression in the agricultural sector. Also depressed were such industries as coal mining, railroads, and textiles. By 1928 the construction boom was over. The spectacular rise in prices on the stock market from 1924 to 1929 bore little relation to actual economic conditions. In fact, the boom in the stock market and in real estate, along with the expansion in credit (created, in part, by low-paid workers buying on credit) and high profits for a few industries, concealed basic problems. Thus the U. S. stock market crash that occurred in October 1929, with huge losses, was not the fundamental cause of the Great Depression, there was the trade barriers along with the unevenly distributed income w... Great Depression Essay -- essays research papers The Great Depression began in late 1929 and lasted for about a decade. The economic depression that beset many countries in the 1930s was unique in its magnitude and its consequences. â€Å"At the depth of the depression, in 1933, one American worker in every four was out of a job. In other countries unemployment ranged between 15 percent and 25 percent of the labor force.† The great industrial slump continued throughout the 1930s, shaking the foundations of Western capitalism â€Å"an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods, characterized by a free competitive market and motivation by profit† and the society based upon it. Despite the seeming business prosperity of the 1920s, there were serious economic weak spots, a chief one being a depression in the agricultural sector. Also depressed were such industries as coal mining, railroads, and textiles. By 1928 the construction boom was over. The spectacular rise in prices on the stock market from 1924 to 1929 bore little relation to actual economic conditions. In fact, the boom in the stock market and in real estate, along with the expansion in credit (created, in part, by low-paid workers buying on credit) and high profits for a few industries, concealed basic problems. Thus the U. S. stock market crash that occurred in October 1929, with huge losses, was not the fundamental cause of the Great Depression, there was the trade barriers along with the unevenly distributed income w...

The Statue Of Liberty Essay -- essays research papers

There are few objects that can be compared to the significance of the figure known as the Statue of Liberty. It is one of the greatest works of its time and still stands today as a meaningful entity of independence to the world. The statue is a great tribute to the concept of global freedom that had its roots in America. It was created to display the worldwide objective of peace and tranquility. The fact that another model of this icon stands today in a world capital shows the effect that this figure has inscribed upon the world. In addition, it represents the ideas that the United States was built upon and those that the people have lived by to this very day. Its most paramount features in its role through American history are its creation and history, the characteristics the statue possesses, and its symbolic relevance on the world. The creation of the statue was one of the most complex processes that she went through throughout her long life. The honor of the inception of the statue was given to Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor who specialized in the arts. Bartholdi acquired his success early in his life at the tender age of nineteen. He was often the subject of scorn and contempt by fellow artists, but never allowed himself to be put down by their petty insults. His true potential was indeed revealed through the creation of the statue. The statue was not a project without problems. It had a late start, considering that it was supposed to be completed in time for the one-hundredth birthday of the United States. A substantial number of delays also threatened the effectuation by the deadline. One of the more considerable problems was money. The Statue almost never lived to see New York harbor due to lack of fun... ...ction to this day was considered insignificant, as the entire country seemed to have lost their minds in anticipation for such an exciting event. Liberty was greeted with enthusiasm and exhilaration. The President himself had shown up for the joyous occasion. Congress had accepted the proposal to keep Liberty as a lighthouse and opened the treasury to New York. Many important people and dignitaries had turned up for the milestone moment. Furthermore, it was a distinguished historical occurrence, marking the 110th birthday since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. France was regarded as the United States? sister republic in the East. As President Grover Cleveland said to the people of America, ?Reflected thence and joined with answering rays, a steam of light shall pierce the darkness of ignorance and man?s oppression until Liberty enlightens the world.?

Borgmann’s Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life :: Philosophy Religion Essays

Borgmann’s Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate Borgmann’s theory of focal things in application to Tai Chi, as well as propose the opposition to it with an exercise machine as a device in the context of Borgmann’s Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life. In addition, I will try to argue that the resolution to the bifurcation between things and devices is a specific kind of equilibrium. First, Tai Chi, the old Chinese art that is a culmination of martial art and a form of exercise for both body and mind, fits into Borgmann’s definition of a focal thing. He states that focal things are â€Å"inconspicuous and humble,† â€Å"scattered and of yesterday,† and they â€Å"flourish at the margins of public attention,† (199). Tai Chi is humble, in that its chief focus is not self-defense, but a fortification of the body’s general well-being. It is inconspicuous because it is not something that people boast about, and it is not something which is as widely known of; while at the same time being something which is practiced by many, in small groups, or in privacy, or at hours during which the technological world is quiet. Thus, it is also scattered, as it is practiced by people al lover the world, and in the most mundane of times and places. Tai Chi is of yesterday, as it is an art which has its origins hundreds of years ago, and only t hose who have come to a maturity of thought within them see the true value in it and have the patience to do it. The practice is not glamorized by the entertainment industry, and is not a high point of controversial debate. It is not in the focus of the media, and so it is at the margins of public attention. Also, Borgmann goes further to say that things â€Å"neither rival nor deny technology,† and that they â€Å"attain a new splendor in today’s technological context,† (200). So too, the art of Tai Chi does not impose a new system of rules for technology to function under, and so does not rival it. It has no statement to the negativity of technology, in which it does not deny it. The practice â€Å"attains a new splendor in today’s technological context,† in that it provides respite from a technologically stressful existence, and promotes one’s well-being (200).

DBQ Essay: Green Revolution Essay

The researches that formed and became the Green Revolution changed the agricultural technologies of many places and peoples. The Green Revolution was an introduction of a new technology of scientifically bred crops that went worldwide. In 1945 the Green Revolution started as leaders addressed the issues of hunger and starvation with the Green Revolution as the solution, and although it helped many people at the time, the Green Revolution is debated today whether it environmentally crushed many societies or was a worldwide helpful event. The Green Revolution was caused by the people seeing their need to overcome starvation and advance technologically within their communities. In document 3 Harry Truman addresses the issue of poverty and starvation in other countries. He talks to the people that the United States should help them realize their aspirations for a better life through technological knowledge. This document is taken from Harry Truman’s inaugural address in Washington D.C., in 1949. His speech provides an insight into Truman’s deep concern for the people of the world and the evident need for a change. In document four Dr. Norman states that hunger is a serious issue and vital attribute to a country’s survival, and that the new technology of the Green Revolution could be the solution. This document is taken from the point of view of Dr. Norman Borlaug, a United States scientist involved in Green Revolution research, who is a Nobel Peace Prize winner at a Nobel Lecture in 1970. Dr. Norman is a very creditable source with his first hand knowledge of the Green Revolution. In document five Chidambaram, India’s minister for food and agriculture from 1964-1967, describes in his interview the farmers in Punjab and their role in starting the revolution there in attempt to save their people. The world at this time was desperate for a solution to their starvation problems and the Green Revolution was the solution. The Green Revolution obtained many beneficiaries of its easy and productive style. When examining the charts in documents one and two, coming from the very reliable source of Food and Agriculture Organizations of the Untied Nations (FAO), you see the substantial growth of wheat yields in India and Mexico, and the populations along with the food supply index. In document 6 there is  a conversation about the Mexicans and how they have chosen to use their riches benefitted from the Green Revolution. This document is written from Mrs. Dula’s opinionated point of view, a wife of a Mexican agricultural official. She condescendingly makes a remark about how the Mexican woman love to save the money, only to go out once a month to spend it all shopping in Tuscon. In document nine taken from the Human Development Report issued by the State of Punjab, India in 2004, it shows us the positive social effect that occurred there because of the Green Revolution. The caste system disappeared as the middle and peasantry classes arose because of farming. Also within the Punjab communities, the new lifestyle attained from the Green Revolution produced a more nuclear and close-knit family that benefited Punjab. The Green Revolution saved many from starvation, increased success in various places, and positively affected the societies. Alongside many benefits of the Green Revolution, some documents conclude many problems that negatively affected people who participated in the Green Revolution. In document seven, taken from the FAO newsletter circa 1987, the role of women is clearly shown to change within the household. Women now had to be forced into low paid or unpaid agricultural labors because of the increased needs for cash incomes. In document eight Dr. Vandana Shiva wrote in her article about how Punjab has suffered from the Green Revolution. Although Punjab is known as one of the most successful places because of the Green Revolution, she explains how two decades of the revolution have left them with conflict over diminishing wate r sources and indebted and discontented farmers. In document 10 the Mayans are largely saddened by the misuse of their precious seeds. The Green Revolution sterilized and contaminated the seeds that were a proud aspect of Mayan heritage, leaving the Mayans unhappy after standing firm defending the seeds after five thousand years. These negative effects of the Green Revolution stay with some places still today and are considered to have altered beautiful farming lands. The documents given gave an insight far into the Green Revolution and what really happened within the areas it took place, although other additional documents would be helpful as well. A document of a letter or interview of the farmers in Punjab at the time of the revolution would be helpful to clarify how the farmers felt about the work of the Revolution, if it was strenuous or simple. This would allow an accurate idea of how the revolution affected the people who made it  possible. Another document of journal or interview of an impoverished person within the places that starvation took hold would be helpful. This would allow insight on whether the countries really wanted the help of the Green Revolution, not just the acknowledgement by other countries, like in document three, of their impoverished state. The documents given about the Green Revolution provide evidence about the truth of the causes and consequences of it. The Green Revolution began in 1945 because of our realization of the issues that prevented countries from aspiring to their true potential, and with that acknowledgement the Green Revolution came into play as a hug advancement in agricultural technology that helped many people as it also negatively affected others. Whether the Green Revolution was good or bad for the areas it took hold in, its effects can be seen today and analyzed.

Frankenstein/ Blade Runner Essay

Textual form is an issue which divide many critiques and audiences. Some view texts as a form being superior and more expressive, whereas others may view film as to be losing its credibility of expression. Never the less it is adamant that through a comparative study of two differing forms exploring similar ideas it becomes clear that one form isn’t always superior over another. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) and Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982) mirror this thesis. Whilst being composed more than a century apart, each explore similar ideas but approach them from different perspectives. Shelley’s epistolary novel reflects a period of Romanticism and Enlightenment through its glorification of nature, as well as its cautionary like tale of social responsibility and exploration of creator verse created. Scott’s science fiction film Blade Runner conveys the many fears surfacing from the United States in the 1980 by warning of the possible dangers associated with environmental deterioration, scientific advancements and genetic engineering. Scott scrutinizes such concepts as a world without true nature, and, like Frankenstein, the consequences of a lack of social responsibility. Shelley masterfully uses literary techniques to create her timeless classic. Similarly Scott achieves a similar prestige through his use of filmic techniques. Nature is a powerful idea explored in Frankenstein. The idea of sublime nature was embraced during Romantic period of the late 18th Century. It allowed an unrestrained emotional experience for the individual. In ‘Frankenstein’, descriptions of nature seem to appear repeatedly during emotional or significant moments in Victor’s life. Nature allows an outlet for Victor, it acts as his savoir. This connection is expressed where Victor travels back to Geneva to see his family. Here he witnesses the might of nature and its power. Such examples of this include the pathetic fallacy of ‘lightning playing on the summit of Mont Blanc’ with lightning being a recurring motif in the novel expressing how nature, whilst having to power of destruction, also has the power to illuminate and make clear. Nature also acts as a savoir to Victor in a time of sickness ‘bestowing’ on him the ‘most delightful sensation’ therefore conveying once more his connection and dependence with nature. Just as ‘Frankenstein’ glorifies nature, Blade Runner explores a world where nature has become virtually obsolete. This mirrors the public’s thoughts in the 80’s of a continued deterioration and the consequences of our overuse of nature. The opening scene of Blade Runner uses filmic techniques such as chiaroscuro to reflect the lack of nature present with the entire landscape being industrialised. The pollution of the city drowns out the suns’ light, meaning all present lighting is artificial, reflecting a world with no natural warmth or clarity. The close up fade of the eye expresses a fire burning within, a possible allusion to Hates and the underworld. The non-diegetic music played is synthetic sounding, providing an eerie setting, further enforcing a lack of nature. A lack of social responsibility is evident in Victor concerning the Creature setting up a creator verse created situation in Frankenstein. The monster reflects context of Tabula Rasa, he is a blank slate; completely innocent until experience creates perception. ‘Cursed, cursed Creator! Why did I live †¦ I know not: despair had not yet taken possession of me’. Shelley here uses rhetorical questions and emotive language to express the feeling of the Creature. The Creature believes that the blame for his suffering and pain lies with Victor’s cruelty and neglect of his creation rather than pain and anger being something innate in him. Victor through his lack of responsibility for this creation created an outcast of the monster leading to its pain. Shelley shows this in the biblical allusion ‘I ought to be thy Adam †¦I was benevolent and good: misery made me a friend’, once again strengthening the readers opinion that the creature’s suffering could have been avoided if Victor had shown sympathy towards him. Just as the monster confronts Victor in Frankenstein, Roy also confronts his creator Tyrell, in Blade Runner. Roy, being a result of genetic engineering, plays out the mindset of the public in the 1980s that eventually the birth of our advancing science may one day turn on us. The scene features shots filled with religious iconography with Tyrell draped in luxury with lit candles providing the only light in the room. The chess game which Tyrell and Sebastian are engaged in is a metaphor for the capturing of the king with the king being Tyrell and Roy achieving â€Å"checkmate†. The two shot of Roy and Tyrell during their confrontation is one of the few in the film and displays Roy as a dominant figure indicating a power shift in their relationship. Tyrell clearly acknowledges this shift when he backs away from Roy in fear. Roy is moved by this meeting as to him Tyrell is God, his creator, which is conveyed in the quote â€Å"it’s not easy to meet your maker†, a biblical allusion expressing the enormity of the meeting from Roy’s perspective. It is now clear, through the comparative study of ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Blade Runner’ that a comparative study of two textual forms only enhances our interest in discovering the parallels present between them. ‘Blade Runner’, being a film, has clearly shown to be able to explore similar ideas as ‘Frankenstein’, a novel. Each thoroughly explores nature and its influence on the public of their time as well as the lack of social responsibility each creator had towards his created, and the consequences of those actions. Thus it is evident that difference in textual form does not weaken the depth in which similar parallels can be explored.

Assessment Tool Analysis Essay

The purpose of this paper is to examine the tools that evaluate on-physical measures while applying Watson’s Theory of Human caring that integrates the mind-body-spirit dimensions to the three assessment tools chosen. In this paper, I will describe each tool and the population for which it might be useful, assessment tool data such as cost, length and each in using the tool. I will also discuss the population at which it is best designed, and the validity of information gained. In addition, how this tool could enhance the assessment phase of the nursing process and how it impact quality of health care delivered by the nurse will be discussed. These assessment tools will be applied to adolescent and teenage pregnancy chosen in Week Two in the Vulnerable Population and Self- Awareness assignment. Definition of Assessment Tools Assessment is the deliberate and systematic collection of data to determine the client’s current and past health status and functional status and to determine the client’s present and past coping patterns. Nursing assessment include two steps. The first step involves collection and verification of data from a primary source (the client) and secondary sources (e.g., family, health professionals, and medical record) (Potter & Perry, 2005). Assessment tools are the materials needed to establish data collection. Data collected may be subjective (client’s perception) or objective (data measured by collector). Example of objective data includes client’s body language, facial expression, vital signs e.t.c. The three assessment tools chosen for this paper are: Beck Depression Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale and Well-Being Picture Scale. Beck Depression Inventory There are many assessment and diagnostic tools that either measure  intelligence, aptitudes, achievements, and behaviors so it was no surprise when Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was created in 1961 by Aaron T. Beck, a pioneer in cognitive therapy, with the sole purpose of determining the severity and intensity level of the symptoms of depression. Depression Inventory is defined as a validated measure that has been instrumental in leading to numerous diagnoses due to its most recent revisions that more closely resemble the diagnostic criteria for depression (Farinde, 2013). The Beck Depression Inventory is a widely utilized 21-item self-report scale in both clinical and research studies. The most recent version; The Beck Depression Inventory-11 which is a completely self-administered format, is a depression rating that can be used in individuals that are ages 13 years and older, and rates symptoms of depression in terms of severity on a scale from 0 to 3 based on the 21 specific i tems. Patients that endorse multiple items on the questionnaire (i.e. sadness, pessimism, past failures, loss of pleasure, guilty feelings, punishment fears, self-dislike, and so forth) typically have higher scores with a maximum score of 63 compared to others. For the general population, score of 21 or greater is associated with depression but for individuals who have been clinically diagnosed, scores from 0-9 represent minimal depressive symptoms, scores of 17 to 29 indicate moderate depression, and scores of 30 to 63 indicate severe depression (Farinde, 2013). Perceived Stress Scale Stress has long been a major research concept in health science since it is linked to various health outcomes and illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis (Lee, 2012). The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is one of the more popular tools for measuring psychological stress. It is a self-reported questionnaire that was designed to measure â€Å"the degree to which individuals appraise situations in their lives are stressful.† The Perceived Stress Scale items evaluate the degree to which individuals believe their life has been unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded during the previous month. The assessment items are general in nature rather than focusing on specific events or experiences (Lee, 2012). According to Lee (2012), the original instrument is a 14-item scale (PSS-14) that was developed in English, with 7  positive items and 7 negative items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Five years after the introduction of PSS-14, it was shortened to 10 items (PSS-10). A four-item PSS (PSS-4) was also introduced as a brief version for situations requiring a very short scale of telephone interviews and the PSS is currently translated into 25 languages other than English. The criterion validity of the PSS was evaluated only in a few studies; the criteria used were all questionnaires that showed a weak to moderate association, demonstrating unsatisfactory criterion validity (Lee, 2012). Well-Being Picture Scale The theoretical framework that has guided the investigation of well-being from a Rogerian perspective is based upon the observation and measurement of health-related variables that are unique to the Science of Unitary Human Beings. Rogerian-science derived principles and the concepts of well-being. The term well-being, as a measure of health, is compatible with the concepts and variables that are unique to the development of knowledge (Reis and Alligood, 2008). The Well-Being Picture Scale is a 10-item non-language based pictorial scale that measures general well-being within the unique human environment field process. Each item on the scale has a numeric value of I to 7, with 70 being the maximum score possible and 10 being the lowest score possible. Higher scores indicate higher well-being. Conceptually, the instrument appraises the energy field in regard to frequency and intensity of movement, awareness of oneself as energy, action emanating from the energy field, and power as kno wing participation in change within the mutual human and environmental energy field process. The WPS was reported by all participants to be easily understood (Reis and Alligood, 2008). This scale can be used by all individuals regardless of their ethnic groups. How these tools enhance the assessment phase and quality of health care Using the Beck Depression Inventory in the assessment phase of the nursing process will facilitate and aid the treatment of depression in all ages. This assessment tool will aid the early diagnosis of depression and reduce further complications of depression. Depression is common in Adolescents who are undergoing stress as a result of pregnancy, low self-esteem and diseases. The nurse can affect the quality of health care delivered to patients by reassuring them and referring them to  appropriate health care providers. Using Perceived Stress Scale in the assessment phase of the nursing process, the nurse is better able to identify patients at higher risk for stress, help these patients to identify and implement coping skills during difficult times. This process improves the quality of patient care and outcome. Pregnant adolescent undergoes a significant amount of stress and challenges as a vulnerable population. Using the Well Being Picture Scale in the assessment phase of the nursing process, the nurse is better able to detect a patient’s well-being and health. The nurse is able to detect if the patient is healthy or not. This is more of a primary prevention for patients of all ages. This assessment tool is mostly recommended for pregnant women. Health care providers are able to follow up with patients to monitor their wellness or impact of diagnosis on their general health. Application of tools to Adolescent pregnancy Adolescent girls face pressures that are unique to their population and make them especially vulnerable. Girls carry disproportionate domestic world burden and are denied leadership opportunities and active community affairs (Bailey, 2012). These factors made the life of adolescent girls stressful and complicated which could cause depression. Beck Depression Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale and Well-Being Scale are tools that can be used during the assessment phase of the nursing process in adolescents. Adolescent girls who become pregnant may develop depression while trying to balance school, child, work and relationships, thereby, making all three tools helpful to the nurse during initialInventory, Perceived Stress Scale and Well-Being Scale as assessment tools help facilitate better nurse-patient relationship and better care for our patients References Alligood, M. R., (2010). Nursing Theory: Utilization and Application. (4th ed.). Retrieved from University of Phoenix eBook database Collection. Bailey, L. D., (2012). Adolescent Girls: A Vulnerable Population. Journal of Advances in Neonatal Care, 12(2), 102-106. Retrieved from http://search.serialssolutions.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/?ctx_ver†¦.. Farinde, A., (2013). The Beck Depression Inventory. The Pharma Innovation Journal, 2(1), 56-58. ISSN: 2277-7695. Retrieved from http://www.thepharmajournal.com Lee, E. H., (2012). Review of the Psychometric Evidence of the Perceived Stress Scale. Journal of Asian Nursing Research, 6(4), 121-127. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/docview/1507280852?pq-origsite=simmon Potter, P. A. & Perry, A. G. (2005). Fundamentals of Nursing. (6th ed.). MO: Elservier Mosby Reis, P.J., and Alligood , M. R. (2008). Well-Being in Pregnancy: a plot study using the Well-being Picture Scale. Journal of Rogerian Nursing Science, 15(1), 8-17. Retrieved from http://av4kc7fg4g.search.serialssolutions.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/?ctx_ver†¦.