Compare the theme of outsiders in Frankenstein Essay Example for Free

Compare the theme of outsiders in Frankenstein Essay D, so he wanted to join the terrorist group to seek revenge. In this respect Daz is similar to the monster, they are both willing to commit heinous crimes for vengeance. Del thats my brovver thay catch im raiding wiv Dred. Top him dont thay. This quote shows how Dazs brother was killing in a raid with Dred. After the night in the Blue Moon where he saved Zoe and her friends, Daz finds himself an outcast from two societies. He was still physically a chippy, which means he is not allowed in Silverdale; however, he helped out the enemy subbies which make him not an accepted chippy. After Daz and Zoe they contact each other through letters and finally when they meet, the reader recognise that Daz does not want to be a chippy. Throughout this novel we are constantly reminded of this forbidden love. I seen this Subby girl, our mam. Forget her, Daz. Not easy, our mam. Not easy. Daz is given a negative response from his mum, when he explains that he has met Zoe. However, once Daz meets Zoe he realises he does not want to be an outsider any longer, Dazs priorities and views of subbies change. Like Victor, Daz is very determined; he takes a lot of risks for Zoe and to make his life better. It appears to the reader that Zoe has the perfect life, money, nice houses, cars and good facilities. However it becomes evermore clear that Zoe feels trapped and unhappy. Zoe is an outsider because after she meets Daz, Silverdale citizens see her as a chippy lover. Thats why we have fences and lights and guards some kids get fed up being cooped up a suburbs a pretty nice place but any place with a fence aroundll get to you, eventually. This quote shows the reader how a Subby teenager can become fed up with the enclosed lifestyle. Zoe feels this because she is brainwashed into believing her existence is happy and enjoyable. Similar to Daz, when the two forbidden lovers meet her priorities changes. Zoe the loyal and hard working daughter rebels against her parents old fashioned and single minded views. Unlike Daz, Zoe is an outsider by choice. Her easiest option could have been to lead a normal life as a young, well-educated Silverdale resident. Nevertheless, Zoe decides to leave the suburb and live in the city, choosing to become an outsider from two societies. Zoe chooses to be an outsider and is similar to Victor; she sees that defending things that are important to her holds great risks. For the first time I contemplated the enormity of the step I had just taken This quote shows how Zoe realises that she has left her Subby life to live in the city; this is the first physical sign of her becoming an outsider. In Daz 4 Zoe Zoes Grandmother is not an obvious outsider. To begin with Grandma is not a visible outsider, although later we go on to find she is the founder of the illegitimate organisation. She is very similar to Robert Walton as they are both outsiders in their thoughts and views, however they are not outcasts. Grandma was part of an underground outfit called F. A. I. R, which stands for Fraternal Alliance for Integration through Reunification. Resembling Victor, Robert Walton and Zoe, she is an outsider through choice and these views influence Zoe. Daz 4 Zoe and Frankenstein both discuss outsiders in society, and how people can be born outcasts and how others chose to be secluded from society because of their ambitions, beliefs or interests. We read how Daz and the Monster we forced into seclusion, isolated from society. Also how Zoe, Victor, Grandma and Robert Walton choose to live their lives dangerously and even unhappily because of their thoughts. The nineteenth century literature and the contemporary novel are relevant to todays society. In the present culture we have different castes, religions, races even different accents, Daz 4 Zoe shows an extreme version of abused power and prejudice. Due to advances in medical science in the present day limbs can be sewn on, body parts reshaped new skin tissue be formed. Frankenstein again shows excessive power, since the novel was written we have had cloning and artificial body parts The two novels both are severe results of social issues we have today. I feel the moral of the two novels combined is that with no action, modern society could find themselves in these difficult situations. 1 Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Mary Shelley section. Download this essay Print Save Not the one? Search for

Ethical judgments limit knowledge in the arts and natural sciences

Ethical judgments limit knowledge in the arts and natural sciences Ethical judgments limit the methods available in the production of knowledge in both the arts and the natural sciences. The significance of ethics and interpretations people obtain about ethics can vary. Ethics comes from the Greek word â€Å"ethos† which means â€Å"character†.[1] Ethics refers to personal standards of what is right or wrong in terms of the well-being of individuals and society which concepts have been derived from religions, philosophies and cultures. In all cases we apply ethical judgments in determining if it is right or wrong. Why do we ethically judge situations? If ethical judgments are not made, there is fear that civilization, brought up by morals, may fall. When an action is judged as ethically wrong, consequences and penalties may result in order to prevent the action from happening again. There is reasonable basis for ethical judgments; on the other hand ethical judgments can limit the methods that can produce knowledge in both the arts and natural sciences. In Andres Serrano’s photograph â€Å"Piss Christ†, Serrano puts a plastic crucifix of Jesus in a container with his urine. Many Christian groups initially judged his photograph as unethical and disrespectful to Christianity; the response was triggered by the language used in the title and the materials. Due to my ideology and Christian background, the phrase â€Å"Piss Christ† and the use of urine in the artwork was offensive, because it associated a â€Å"divine† being with human waste. Unlike Serrano, most artists would prefer to stick to conventional and conservative methods and techniques to prevent backlash for original approaches viewed as disturbing and unethical. To what extent can an artist original approach be limited by ethical judgment? â€Å"The artist is the creator of beautiful things. To reveal art and conceal the artist is arts aim. The critic is he who can translate into another manner or a new material his impression of beautiful things .†[2] According to Oscar Wilde, it is not the artist that brings about ethical judgments; it is the audience that chooses to do so. When an artist creates a work, he or she is not interested in addressing themselves to moral issues; the artist cares for the artistic production and message. When the audience ethically evaluates art, they present that the aesthetic value of art should be determined by, or reduced to, its moral value. In Serrano’s â€Å"Piss Christ†, Serrano’s message was to show how his relationship with Christ has improved, but the title and materials used in the artwork prevented some of the audience from seeking Serrano’s intention. When the audience ethically judges artwork, the artist motives may not be present due to judgment. This is important because artistic freedom may be limited in artwork which may prevent the artist to fully produce their message. When the audience finds out that while creating the artwork the artist has used methods that seem wrong in terms of the well-being of individuals and society were involved or assume that the work may be censored, not funded, and even banned like â€Å"Piss Christ† to protect viewers from difficult ideas and information. These restrictions can undermine the artist intention and the knowledge meant to be presented to the public. On the other hand, when some artistic methods are judged as crossing ethical boundaries, the production of knowledge may not be restricted by ethical judgments. [3] Piss Christ by: Andres Serrano When an artist creates an artwork, the artist has artistic freedom and style that can be exercised to the extremes even if deemed as unethical. When the audience interprets and artwork, the audience is free to make ethical judgments that may heighten pursue for knowledge. When ethical judgment is intended by the artist, the artist can use unconventional methods to heighten moral awareness especially even if the practice is ethically judged. The audience takes on an artistic attitude which allows them to think moral relevant thoughts about the artwork which may introduce awareness to the subject. In Marina Abramovic’s performance, Rhythm 0, Abramovic laid 72 objects some of which were objects that could give pleasure and others could inflict pain. The audience was allowed to use these objects and manipulate her body however they wanted. At the end of the performance, Abramovic was left with ripped clothes and injuries on her body. Abramovic’s intention of the artwork was to test the limits of the relationship between performer and audience, but her performance was ethically judged as unprincipled. The fact that Abramovic presented objects that could have harmed her caused outrage because the idea that someone dying. The audience and the artist learned that leaving artwork can kill the artist. If it were not for the ethical judgment or unconventional methods, the idea of an audience being morally corrupted in the performance would not have come about. Ethical judgment on art does not always prevent the artist from restricting their, but if it is intended by the artist, ethical judgments can introduce knowledge regarding morality. When Rhythm 0 was ethically judged, it was a direct response caused by the audience’s sense perception or emotion while viewing the work and methods. The judgment may not prevent the artist from limiting its methods in an artwork if intended to make an ethical statement. In the natural science in which the results ar en’t necessarily meant to heighten moral awareness, ethical judgments may undermine the results of a scientific finding causing an experimenter to follow ethical guidelines. Natural science has been a powerful tool for extraordinary achievement. It has allowed scientists to identify the components of DNA, discover planets outside of the solar system, and even clone animals. Despite all the achievements the sciences have brought us, it is not the only road to knowledge. Scientific claims and theories have continuously changed over time; due to the lack of certainty natural sciences bring to us, it is not hard for someone to dispute a scientific finding. Many disputes over the effectiveness of scientific findings and experiments may not have to deal with logical substance but the ethics of the claims. To what extent can ethical protocols undermine the effectiveness of a scientific study? Scientific results are not meant to bring across ethical judgments, but the methods used can. Many critics of science have brought to attention of the dangers of a scientific procedure which may weaken the scientific knowledge brought on by the finding. In 1932, â€Å"Phy sician Health Study† did a study to examine the progression of untreated syphilis in African Americans. The subjects were not debriefed before or after the study, none were informed of their condition, and none of them were treated for the disease. When the results of the experiment were published in 1972, the response was public outrage bringing the study to an end. The intent of the study was to record the record the natural history of syphilis in Black which it did, but the experiment was racially implicated and did not follow ethical protocols towards its participants. According to those who take the common good approach, interlocking relationships of society are the basis of ethical reasoning and that respect and compassion for all especially the vulnerable are requirements of such reasoning. Sciences and the methodology of research are often regulated and directed by factors other than the pursuit of truth. The Tuskegee is a prime example of a research which methods and approaches were not altered to meet ethical guidelines. Not doing so, this experiment was seen as not being effective even though it did present a finding. When ethical judgments are imposed on scientists or researches, an additional responsibility of ethics presented their voyage of knowledge. A few months ago, I was required to replicate an experiment called â€Å"the Stroop Effect†. Prior to actually doing the experiment, I noticed that rubric emphasized that I followed ethical guidelines, such as creating a consent form, providing a good testing environment, and debriefing the participants, in order to receive a passing grade. Knowing this, I focused mainly on trying to adhere to the ethical guidelines which made my experiment take longer. On the other hand, following the ethical guidelines did not limit my understanding of the experiment. Adhering to ethical guidelines did shape my methodology of the experiment, but did not limit the pursuit of knowledge. There is a controversial question of whether we should separate science and religion; religion can be substituted for ethics since it is derived from religion. Since scienc e does not solve ethical questions, why combine the two? This claim can be refuted since modern science is raising ethical questions about application of new technologies and even the research protocols themselves such as genetically modified organisms. Since science these raising these ethical issues, it is necessary for scientist to follow ethical guidelines. And for the experiments where the aim is not to raise ethical issues must have ethical methods to protect the well-being of individuals. Humans create ethical standards and we equate ethical judgments and concepts with our personal emotions, religion, law, or the social system. Ethical judgments have limited the methods used in the arts and sciences in order to enforce ethical guidelines. It is worth knowing the extent since some believe if we judge everything ethically, our knowledge will be limited. It is true that ethical judgments may cause an artist or scientist to manipulate their procedure to satisfy ethical demands, but this not limit the pursuit of knowledge especially if the artwork or experiments raises ethical issues. Bibliography Ethics. LII. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2013. http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/ethics>. Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. Gutenberg. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2013. http://www.gutenberg.org/files/174/174-h Piss Christ. Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2013. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/de/Piss_Christ_by_Serrano_Andres_(1987).jpg>. [1] Ethics. LII. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2013. http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/ethics>. [2] Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. Gutenberg. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2013. http://www.gutenberg.org/files/174/174-h [3] Piss Christ. Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2013. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/de/Piss_Christ_by_Serrano_Andres_(1987).jpg>.

The Seismic Exploration Survey Information Technology Essay

The Seismic Exploration Survey Information Technology Essay Seismic surveys aims at measuring the earths geological properties employing various physics principles of electric, gravitational, thermal and elastic theories. It was first employed successfully in Texas and Mexico by a company named Seismos in 1924. Since then, many oil companies have used the services of seismology to forecast the presence of hydrocarbon. Major oil companies have actively researched in the seismic technology and this has also found applications in various other researches by scientists around the world. Seismic exploration surveys are method employed in exploration geophysics that uses principles of reflection seismology to estimate the subsurface properties. The method requires a controlled source of energy that can generate seismic waves and highly sensitive receivers that can sense the reflected seismic waves. The time delay in sending and receiving signals can optimally be used to calculate the depth of the formation. Since different formation layers have different densities, they reflect back seismic waves at different velocities. This aspect can be used to estimate the depth of the target formation, usually shale or other rock formations that can form a cap rock or contain oil. Seismic surveys form a part of the preliminary exploration surveys and form the basis for further study of the area under consideration. Seismic waves are a form of elastic waves. When these waves travel through the medium, it creates impedance. The impedance generated between two layers will be different due to density contrast and thus at boundaries, some waves are reflected while other travel through the formation. For this reason, seismic exploration surveys require optimum energy waves which can penetrate through kilometers deep inside the earth to gather data. Hundreds of channels of data are recorded using multiple transmitters and reflectors spread over thousands of meters. Each seismic survey uses a specific type of wave and its arrival pattern in multichannel record. Seismic waves are categorized as : Body waves P-waves S-waves Surface waves Rayleigh wave Love wave For seismic survey, S-wave or the shear wave is the main concern. Seismic waves can be generated by Vibroseis. It employs the use of heavy damping of weight on the surface that generate seismic waves in the subsurface. Alternatively explosives can also be used that can be dug inside the surface to a few meters. The explosion can generate seismic waves. In marine acquisition, streamers are used to gather data. Coil shooting is employed by streamers to gather data. Seismic acquisition has evolved over time and with better technologies in place, the reliability of seismic surveys has been increasing. The 4-D seismic technology being the newest addition to the seismic technology is based upon time varying solutions to the data gathered. The better the acquisition, better are the correspondence analysis. The various seismic acquisition techniques apply to where the survey is being carried out. Surveys have effectively been carried out on land, seas or transition zones. The various techniques applied are : 2-D Seismic Survey they employ the use of seismic maps based on time and depth. Various group of seismic lines are acquired at significant gaps between adjacent lines. 3-D Seismic Survey a cubical arrangement of different slices that is arranged using computer algorithms and can be viewed on software. For a 3-D survey, different surveys are carried out at closely spaced line locations over the area which can be combined to form a cube. 4-D Seismic Survey a relatively new technology, which is an alteration to the 3-D survey. It takes into account the changes happening in the subsurface strata over the production years. Thus it takes into account time as the fourth dimension. This can be very beneficial while determining the well locations in field development. Processing of seismic data is the most important aspect since it undermines the potential of the interpretation process. Processing has mainly been done through various analysis that are majorly mathematical functions fed into computers. A major part of processing is done simultaneously along with acquisition. The data collected can be demultiplexed, convoluted or deconvoluted. This has been dealt with further in the project. Seismic data processing uses the concepts of geometrical analysis and powerful techniques of fourier analysis. The digital filtering theory and practical applications of digital techniques to enhance the images of subsurface geology can virtually be applied to any information sampled in time. The basis aspects of processing is to recognize and remove noise from the signal, correct the Normal Move Out (NMO), and stacking of data to form a chart of seismic image that can be used for further study. Interpretation follows exploration and processing of data. The structural interpretation of seismic images determines all decisions in hydrocarbon exploration and production. Since drilling a well for exploration proves costly, maximum information is derived from the seismic data to establish an opinion about the probability of finding petroleum in the structures. However, drilling is required to verify whether the structures are petroleum rich or not. Thus the main challenge is to establish a model which includes geologically reasonable solutions. Computer-aided seismic interpretation has been of much interest in the later years. The use of unique and highly complicated software has been recommended by various petroleum organizations, which can serve high reliability. However, automating the whole seismic process is an impossible job due to high heterogeneity and varying contrasts between data sources in different parts of the world. Horizon tracking and autopicking is gaining interest among various researchers and developers. This has successfully not been sought as yet. This project is aimed to study the various problems faced in horizon tracking while trying to execute an automated seismic interpretation process. Horizon tracking is basically carried out through autotrackers which are either feature based or correlation based. Feature based looks for similar configuration while the correlation method is more robust and less sensitive to noise. However, tracking across discontinuities is a difficult job. Thus the project is aimed at finding a way to track horizon across fault lines. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW SEISMIC EXPLORATION SURVEY Seismic exploration surveys in the field of oil and gas are an application of reflection seismology. It is a method to estimate the properties of the earths surface from reflected seismic waves. When a seismic wave travels through the rock surface it creates impedance. A wave travels through materials under the influence of pressure. Because molecules of the rock material is bound elastically to one another, the excess pressure results in a wave propagating through the solid. A seismic survey can reveal pockets of lower density material and their location. Although this cannot be guaranteed that oil can be found in these pockets, since the presence of water is also possible. Acoustic impedance is given by :- Z = pV ,where p density of the material and V acoustic velocity of wave Acoustic impedance is important in :- the determination of acoustic transmission and reflection at the boundary of two materials having different acoustic impedances. the design of ultrasonic transducers. assessing absorption of sound in a medium. Thus the acoustic impedance of each rock formation in the subsurface will be different due to different densities. This density contrast is helpful in tracking the waves in the subsurface and an acoustic impedance chart is obtained which is known as a seismic chart. However, the impedances recorded by the instruments on the surface is not correct due to noise and other factors that change the impedance factor of the wave. When a seimic wave is reflected off a boundary between two materials with different impedances, some energy is reflected while some continues through the boundary. The amplitude of this wave can be predicted by multiplying the amplitude of the incoming wave by the Seismic Reflection Coefficient, R. ,where Z1 and Z0 are impedances of the two rock formations. Similarly the amplitude of wave travelling through the formation can be determined using the Transmission Coefficient, T. ,where Z1 and Z0 are impedances of the two rock formations. By noting the changes in strength of the wave, we can infer the change in acoustic impedances and thus conclude the change in density and elastic modulus. This change can be used to notify the structural changes in the subsurface and thus predict the formation based upon impedances. It might also happen that when the seismic wave hits the boundary between two surfaces it will be reflected or bent. This is given by Snells Law. The reflection and transmission coefficients are found by applying the appropriate boundary conditions and using Zoeppritz equations. These are a set of equations which determine the partitioning of energy in a wavefield at a boundary across which the properties of rock or the fluid changes. They relate the amplitudes of P-waves and S-waves at each side of the surface. Zoeppritz equations have been useful in deriving workable approximations in Amplitude versus Offset (AVO). These studies attempt with some success to predict the fuid content in the rock formations. The parameters to be used for each seismic survey depends on various variables, including whether the survey is being carried out on land or a marine environment. Other geophysical issues such as sea depth, terrain also play a big role. Safety issues are also important. A Seismic Exploration Survey is broadly divided into three steps :- Seismic Data Acquisition Seismic Data Processing Seismic Data Interpretation Each step in the survey needs high reliability and complicated equipments that can deliver the best results. More often, based on these results, the drilling of exploration wells is based. Since drilling can prove costly, thus capital investment is one of the major concern of every company. The Seismic Exploration Survey can be shown as :- SEISMIC DATA ACQUISITION Seismic data acquisition refers to collection of seismic data. The acquired data is further sent to a computer network where processing of data takes place. With better technologies, the prospect of better acquisition surveys have come into place. A generation and recording of seismic data requires :- Receiver configurations includes geophones of hydrophones in the case of marine acquisition. Transmitter configurations includes laying of transmitter as according to the survey configuration predecided. Orientation of streamers in case of marine surveys. Proper computer network to carry the information from receivers to the programming network. When a survey is conducted, seismic waves generated by dynamite or vibrators travel through the subsurface strata, which are in turn reflected or refracted. These reflected waves and their time to complete one interval is noted by the receivers. The receiver configuration has to be well determined so that maximum data can be collected over an area. ACQUISITION ON LAND In a typical land seismic acquisition process, the survey is planned in an attempt to minimize the terrain constraints. It basically includes the sensor layout scheme and the source development scheme. The source development scheme is used to configure the number of transmitters being used to send the signal down the surface. One or more transmitters can be used based on the programme employed. Similarily one or many receivers can be employed to collect the reflected waves data. The receiver configuration is an important aspect. The configuration can be in such a way that the closest receiver gathers only the high amplitude wave on the first line of receivers or it can be different based on the signal strength and seismic line survey. The data collected through receiver or geophones is converted to binary data that can is further handed over to the computer network for processing. MARINE ACQUISITION Marine acquisition involves processes such as :- Wide-Azimuth Marine Acquisition Azimuth surveys provide a step-change improvement in imaging of seismic data. These surveys provide illumination in complex geology and natural attenuation of some multiples. Azimuth shooting illustrates the acquisition of data in all directions. This acquisition technique can help in generating 3-D models. Coil Shooting this technique acquires marine seismic data while following a circular path by improving upon multi and wide azimuth techniques. This includes vessel steering, streamers and sources in a fashion which delivers greater range of azimuths. Sometime single-sensor recording while steering the vessel in different directions has proved to be more beneficial in case of noise attenuation and signal fidelity. Different seismic surveys can be classified as :- Two-dimensional Survey Three-dimensional Survey Four-dimensional Survey TWO DIMENSIONAL SURVEYS In such a survey seismic data is acquired simultaneously along a group of seismic lines which are differentiated with some gaps, usually 1 km or more. A 2-D survey contains many lines acquired orthogonally to the strike of the geological structures with a minimum number of lines acquired parallel to geological structures to allow line-to-line tying of the seismic data and interpretation and mapping of structures. This technique generates a 2-D cross-section of the deep seabed and is used primarily when initially reconnoitering for the presence of oil and gas reservoirs. THREE DIMENSIONAL SURVEYS Multiple streamers shoot on closely spaced lines. The seismic data gathered on close spacing, the 3-D seismic cube can be formed. This innovation requires use of high performance computers and advanced data processing techniques. The computer generated model can be analyzed in greater detail by viewing the model in vertical and horizontal time slices, or even an inclined section can be viewed. In a standard 3-D seismic survey, the streamers are placed at about 50-150 meters apart, each streamer being 6-8 kilometers long. Airguns are fired every10-20 seconds. However, many other objectives and economical constraints determine the specific acquisition parameters. FOUR DIMENSIONAL SURVEYS The 4-D survey is also called the time-lapse survey. It involves processing of repeated seismic surveys over an area of reservoir under production. The changes occurring in the reservoir due to production and injection can be determined overtime which further helps in field development of the reservoir. One important aspect of a 4-D survey is that there should be minimum difference in the position of the seismic lines when a repeated survey is done after sometime. Significant cost savings can be done by the use of 4-D surveys due to better planning and understanding of reservoir characteristics. DIFFERENT SHOT METHODS The common shot gather uses one transmitter source (vibroseis or explosives) and many receivers (geophones) places at some distance from the source. They geophones are placed at equal spacings from each other. Commom midpoint gather is the most widely used survey technique. It uses one transmitter placed at the midpoint exactly above the formation area to be surveyed. Receivers are set in all the directions surrounding the transmitter. Common offset gather uses multiple shot and receiving technique. Common receiver position gather, as the name states, has only on receiver. While the many shots are employed, the various seismic waves reflecting back to the receiver have different amplitudes and frequencies, thus can be varied and collected differently. COMMON MIDPOINT METHOD It was discovered that relection seismic sections can be improvised by repeated sampling of the subsurface formations using different travel paths of the seismic waves. This can easily be achieved by using commom midpoint method which states that increasing the spacing between source and receiver about a commom midpoint and generating duplicated data of the subsurface coverage. The processing of a common midpoint gather system requires sorting of data from the Commom Shot Gather into a Commom Midpoint Gather. The data collected is usually in the form : In this method, the inclination of the data occurs since the wavefronts reaching out to the receivers are at an inclined angle, this results in much larger raypath than the corresponding receiver placed close to the shot point. In order to use the recordings to a common depth point, one needs to correct the data for all the time travel distances. This is known as Normal Moveout Correction (NMO). After NMO, the summation of various wavepaths gives us a horizontal section at time travel equal to zero. This is known as time stacking procedure. After NMO correction the data is shown as :- SEISMIC DATA PROCESSING A reference seismic processing sequence is applied to input raw gathers to obtain reference seismic output data. A series of test seismic processing sequences are applied to the input raw gathers to obtain test seismic output data. The RMS value of the test seismic output data is normalized to that of the reference seismic output data on a trace by trace basis. The normalized difference between the test and the reference seismic output data is calculated on a sample by sample basis in the time domain and are displayed on color coded plots in the time scale format over the CDP range. Linear regression is performed for each CMP gather to obtain the stack and the zero offset calculated for each time index and the difference is recorded. The normalized differences between the error for the test and the reference sequences are calculated and displayed on color coded plots. The order of sensitivity for each processing step in the reference processing sequence is determined. If necessary, a ny processing step is rejected and the reference processing sequence is revised. 2 WELL-DRIVEN SEISMIC Integrating well data throughout the seismic workflow for superior imaging and inversion   Well-Driven Seismic (WDS) is the integration of borehole information throughout the surface-seismic workflow to provide better seismic images, more reliable stratigraphic interpretation, and greater confidence in global reservoir characterization. Wireline logs (compressional, shear, and density), VSPs, and surface-seismic data represent the elastic response of the earth at various resolution scales. A principle of the Well-Driven Seismic concept is that these data should be processed with respect to their mutual consistency, i.e., that the seismic data must tie with logs and VSPs in time and depth. The aim of the Well-Driven Seismic method is to involve all the available borehole information to optimize the entire seismic workflow to deliver seismic images of superior resolution (in time or depth) and calibrated prestack seismic amplitudes that are suitable for inversion and detailed seismic reservoir description.   Earth properties from logs, VSPs, and surface-seismic data   The Well-Driven Seismic workflow invokes new proprietary software and analysis techniques from WesternGeco and Schlumberger to derive an earth property model from the integrated analysis of wireline logs, VSPs, and surface-seismic data. The property model includes compressional and shear velocities, attenuation (Q) factors, VTI anisotropy parameters, and interbed multiple mechanisms, and is derived at the well location (or locations) and extended across the survey area in 3D. The 3D model is applied in the seismic processing sequence for true amplitude and phase recovery, deconvolution, multiple attenuation, anisotropic prestack time and depth imaging (including of converted-wave data), AVO analysis, and 4D processing.   WELL DATA FOR HIGH RESOLUTION SEISMIC IMAGING Well information can improve many key stages of the conventional seismic processing sequence. VSP data provide excellent discrimination of primary and multiple events, and are used to guide surface-seismic multiple attenuation processes. Furthermore, interbed multiple mechanisms identified in separated VSP wavefields are used as input to data-driven multiple attenuation processes, such as the WesternGeco Interbed Multiple Prediction (IMP). Inverse-Q operators derived from VSP data (and new methods for walkaway VSP data) can significantly improve seismic resolution. WesternGeco employs a proprietary deconvolution process that is constrained by the signal-to-noise level in the seismic data and by the well reflectivity to enhance further the seismic resolution. The calibrated anisotropic velocity model is vital for prestack time and depth migration (including of converted waves) to improve steep-dip imaging, lateral positioning of reflectors, signal-to-noise ratios, and seismic resoluti on.   OPTIMIZED WELL TIES The Well-Driven Seismic method optimizes the processing sequence and the processing parameters within that sequence to tie the seismic data to the wells. Attributes based on the well tie and on the quality of the extracted wavelets are used for deterministic seismic processing decisions. Space-adaptive wavelet processing corrects 3D seismic data to true zero phase between well locations, and stabilizes residual spatial wavelet variations.   BOREHOLE CALIBREATED SEIMIC INVERSION The Well-Driven Seismic approach provides greater sensitivity to seismically derived reservoir attributes through calibrated AVO or acoustic impedance inversion. The well data are particularly important for successful processing of seismic data for inversion. Compensation for the offset-dependent effects of Q, geometric spreading, transmission losses, and anisotropy are essential for processing data over very long offsets (where the strongest AVO expression of the reservoir may be visible). The method calibrates the AVO signatures in the prestack seismic data with the offset-dependent amplitude response synthesized from well logs and/or the response expressed in the walkaway VSP to provide assurance of the seismic processing sequence.   With the seismic processing sequence optimized for resolution and consistency with the well data, Well-Driven Seismic processing is a vital prerequisite for acoustic impedance or AVO inversion and subsequent reservoir characterization. AVO AND INVERSION Amplitude variation with offset (AVO) has been used extensively in hydrocarbon exploration over the past two decades. Traditional AVO analysis involves computation of the AVO intercept, gradient, and higher-order AVO term from a fit of P-wave reflection amplitude to the sine square of the angle of incidence. This fit is based on the approximate P-wave reflection coefficient formulation in intercept-gradient form, given by Bortfeld (1961) and Shuey (1985) among others. Under the assumption of a background PS velocity ratio, the AVO intercept and gradient values can also be combined to obtain additional AVO attributes such as pseudo-S-wave data, Poissons ratio contrast, and others. AVO intercept and pseudo-S-wave data are also used in conjunction with prestack waveform inversion (PSWI) in a hybrid inversion scheme. Hybrid inversion is a combination of prestack and poststack inversion methodologies. Such a combination allows efficient inversion of large data volumes in the absence of we ll information. Amplitude Variation with Offset (AVO) inversion is a prestack technique that is readily applied to seismic gathers but which is still largely under-utilised in the exploration community despite its ability to effectively discriminate between fluid and lithology effects. AVO inversion is equally applicable to both 2D and 3D seismic data in time or depth providing that sufficient care has been taken to preserve amplitudes during processing. A reliable velocity model is also a critical component of the AVO process as accurate angle information is a prerequisite for AVO inversion. The more accurate the angles, the better the partitioning of amplitudes to P-wave and S-wave reflectivities. In addition, both angle and ray path information can be incorporated in a variety of model based amplitude corrections that are preferable and often more accurate than scalars derived from empirical equations. The inversion process is then performed, completing in about the same time as a conventional stack. The resulting outputs are a series of AVO reflectivity sections or volumes that are determined by the Zoeppritz approximation used. Fluid Factor is one of the most useful attributes derived from AVO inversion due its ability to make such distinctions and directly identify hydrocarbons. Multi-Measurement Reservoir Definition workflows include the following components: Reservoir Synthetic Modeling Forward modeling to generate pre-stack synthetics from geological models Anivec (prestack elastic modeling) Prestack Waveform Inversion (PSWI) Full waveform prestack inversion is a non-linear inversion process that estimates elastic model (Vp, Vs, and density) from prestack seismic data using a genetic algorithm. AVO Modeling and analysis AVO Conditioning Conditions angle band stacks prior to performing AVO analysis AVO Inversion Elastic impedance modeling and inversion from angle band cubes Space-adaptive Inversion Space adaptive wavelet processing and inversion to relative seismic impedance Elastic Impedance Inversion Combining low frequency trends with seismic relative inverted impedance cubes to generate absolute impedance Integrated Rock Physics Modeling Fluid and rock property analysis, modeling and substitution Rock Property Calibration Generating rock properties from seismic using transforms derived from petrophysical analysis of well data. The outputs are high-resolution absolute acoustic and shear impedance and density volumes consistent with the seismic data and the well-log data. The inverted elastic parameter volumes are used for detailed interpretation of lithofacies and pore-fluid content in the subsurface. Combined with rock physics modeling and rock property mapping through lithology classification and joint porosity-saturation inversion, the method provides a powerful tool for quantitative reservoir description and characterization. The results are the most-probable litho-class, porosity, and saturation with uncertainties of prediction at every sample point in the 3-D volume. SIGNAL PROCESSING Some elements of the seismic data processing sequence are virtually universal regardless of whether the intention is to perform  time  imaging,  depth  imaging,  multicomponent  imaging, or  reservoir  studies. Data conditioning and signal processing form the foundation of the seismic processing workflow. Signal processing encompasses a wide variety of technologies designed to address numerous challenges in the processing sequence: from data calibration and regularization through to noise attenuation, demultiple, and signal enhancement techniques. It includes Multiple Attenuation Signal Enhancement Data caliberation and regularization Noise Attenuation TIME PROCESSING Prestack time migration (PSTM) may not be the most sophisticated imaging method available, but it remains the most commonly used migration algorithm in use today. Kirchhoff PSTM combines improved structural imaging with amplitude preservation of prestack data in readiness for AVO, inversion, and subsequent reservoir characterization. Advances in this field also mean that time imaging, more than ever before, is an ideal first step in a  Depth Imaging  workflow, reducing the number of velocity model building iterations and decreasing overall turnaround time. It includes Imaging: Regularization, migration and datuming techniques   Statics portfolio   Velocities and moveout Enhanced Migration Amplitude Normalization DEPTH PROCESSING Depth Imaging is the preferred seismic imaging tool for todays most challenging exploration and reservoir-delineation projects. In areas of structural or seismic velocity model complexity, many of the assumptions underpinning traditional time-domain processing are invalid and can produce misleading results. Typical situations might be heavily faulted sequences or salt intrusions. In these cases, only the careful application of 3D prestack depth imaging can be relied on to accurately delineate geological structure, aiding risk assessment and helping operators to improve drilling success rates. TECHNOLOGY   From a technology perspective, high quality depth imaging has two main aspects: the ability to build detailed and accurate velocity models, coupled with a superior imaging algorithm. VELOCITY MODEL BUILDING Velocity Model Building is a key critical element in imaging the Earth. Tomography provides the best high resolution calibrated velocity and anisotropic Earth Models, powerful refraction tomographies detect shallow velocity anomalies. All those algorithms work with any acquisition configuration and can be applied to any geological setting. Also, these computer intensive algorithms are integrated with an interactive graphics environment for rapid and accurate quality control of the interim and final results. VECTOR PROCESSING Conventional seismic recording uses a single scalar measurement of pressure or vertical displacement throughout the 2D or 3D survey to derive images and models of the subsurface. Subsequent processing and inversion steps can be linked to the relative shear-wave contrasts in the subsurface using rock property relationships. However, sometimes it is impossible to meet a surveys seismic imaging or reservoir definition objectives using compressional (P) waves alone. SEISMIC DATA INTERPRETATION Computer aided interpretation is the mainstay of 3D seismic interpretation as the amount of data used is voluminous. The important services are:   IIWS (Intergrated Intelligence Workstation) based interpretation of 2D, 3D data     Structural mapping     Integrating seismic attributes with wireline, core and reservoir data for reservoir characterisation     Seismic modeling   3D visualisation and animation     Palinspastic restoration   Structural restoration is an established method by which to validate seismic interpretations. In addition, palinspastic reconstruction can help identify potential reservoir depocentres, enable the measurement of catchment areas at the time of hydrocarbon migration and lead to an improved understanding of complex hydrocarbon systems such as those in the deepwater. Restoration is achieved by the sequential backstripping of the present day depth model. Upon removal of each successive layer, the remaining surfaces within the model are adjusted to accoun

Hegel: Reason in History Essay -- Philosophy History Essays

Hegel: Reason in History The second chapter of the Introduction to the Philosophy of History bears the title "Reason in History"; however, careful study reveals that it could just as aptly been dubbed Reason is History or better, History is Reason. Although Reason exists in a finite form within the human being, the whole—infinite Reason—is necessarily greater than the sum of its parts—the sum of finite Reasons. Hegel's Reason is the infinite material of all reality—the substance, form, and power. History is the increasing self-consciousness of the Spirit i.e. Reason; that is, a progressive increase of Reason within the world. This relationship between history and Reason is expressed by Hegel's agreement with Leibniz that this is the best of all possible worlds. In other words, everything is as it should be. In fact, Hegel makes strong assertions along just these lines, "that [Reason] reveals itself in the world, and that nothing else is revealed in the world but that Idea itself, its glory and majesty (12-13)." It is from this idea that Hegel derives the point that "Re... Hegel: Reason in History Essay -- Philosophy History Essays Hegel: Reason in History The second chapter of the Introduction to the Philosophy of History bears the title "Reason in History"; however, careful study reveals that it could just as aptly been dubbed Reason is History or better, History is Reason. Although Reason exists in a finite form within the human being, the whole—infinite Reason—is necessarily greater than the sum of its parts—the sum of finite Reasons. Hegel's Reason is the infinite material of all reality—the substance, form, and power. History is the increasing self-consciousness of the Spirit i.e. Reason; that is, a progressive increase of Reason within the world. This relationship between history and Reason is expressed by Hegel's agreement with Leibniz that this is the best of all possible worlds. In other words, everything is as it should be. In fact, Hegel makes strong assertions along just these lines, "that [Reason] reveals itself in the world, and that nothing else is revealed in the world but that Idea itself, its glory and majesty (12-13)." It is from this idea that Hegel derives the point that "Re...

Biomass as an Alternative Energy Essay -- Power Global Warming Climate

Biomass Abstract: The current use of energy in the United States, especially California, is foreshadowing catastrophe in our environment. Due to high demand of fossil fuels, the air is filled with more pollution every day. In addition to, it can increase the chances of having global warming. Since fossil fuels are generated from raw materials which are easy and cheap users are becoming extremely dependent on them. The main problem with fossil energy is that the supply of fossil fuels is not continuous. However, alternative energy is continual and harmless to the environment. Biomass does not pollute the atmosphere as much as natural gas. One of the most convenient alternative energies that are currently used for minor purposes is biomass. From the significant results of recent and past use of biomass, it can be considered trustworthy as the main source of energy in the future. Introduction: The energy that we use presently has raised numerous questions, whether or not it would bring us danger. Thus, scientists tried to find new types of energy that we can use in the future that would not increase the chances of having global warming for other environmental crises. Renewable energy has been examined and tested for many years; and, it [has been proven that it is much better than fossil fuels. Types of renewable or alternative energy include wind power, solar power, and geothermal energy (About, Alternative Energy Resources 2007). Particularly, biomass, â€Å"in the energy production industry, refers to living and recently dead biological material which can be used as fuel or for industrial production. Most commonly, biomass refers to plant matter grown for use as biofuel, but it also includes plant or animal matter used for pr... ...w.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/biomass.html Biomass (2007). EduGreen. Retrieved July 24, 2007, from vvvvvvhttp://edugreen.teri.res.in/explore/renew/biomass.htm Biomass (2007). Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved July 21, 2007, from vvvvvvhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biomass Biomass Energy Basics (2007). NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.nrel.gov/learning/re_biomass.html Biomass Energy Vol.3 (2007). Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. John Wiley & Sons Biomass 9 Ramamurthi, R., Kastury, Satish, & Smith, Wayne H. (2000). BIOENERGY vision for the new millennium. Enfield, NH: Science Publishers. Renewable Energy Technologies and their Pros and Cons, Biomass (2007). Loma Prieta. Retrieved July 23, 2007, from http://www.lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/greenpower/renewabletech.htm#Biomass

Group Dynamics Essay

‘Hundreds of fish swimming together is called a school. A pack of foraging baboons is a troupe. A half dozen crows on a telephone wire is a murder. A gam is a group of whales. But what is a collection of human beings called? A group’. (Forsyth, 2006 P.2) A group can consist of two or more people interacting. Bruce Tuckman and Meredith Belbin both devised theories relating to the interactions and dynamics of groups, whilst Tuckman concentrated on the group as a whole, Belbin focused on the roles individuals played within a group. ‘For centuries, sages and scholars have been fascinated by groups – by the way they form, change over time, dissipate unexpectedly, achieve great goals, and sometimes commit great wrongs’ (Forsyth, 2006 P.2) While roots of group dynamics go back to the late 1800s, group dynamics gained prominence as a field of study in the early 1940s. ‘During World War II, Americans needed a better understanding of how democratic organi zations could be made to function more effectively.’ (Levine, R. Rodreges, A. Zelezny, L. 2008 p.1). Tuckman believed that a group moved through several stages which he referred to as; forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning. Forming, he felt, was the initial founding of the group when there was a high dependence on a leader for guidance and direction, whereas storming was the period of adjusting and adapting to group roles and dynamics where team members vie for position as they attempt to establish themselves in relation to other team members, the norming stage he believed was when everyone had found their place within the group, which was when performing would start to happen and lastly adjourning, when the group finally disseminated. Whereas, Belbin focused on each individual within a group/team and the role they played ‘A team is not a bunch of people with job titles, but a congregation of individuals, each of whom has a role which is understood by other members. Members of a team seek out certain roles and they perform most effectively in the ones that are most natural to them’(Belbin, 2014, p1). Belbin believed that there were nine role types spilt into 3 categories- cerebral, action orientated and people orientated. In the first category he placed plant, specialist and monitor evaluator. In the second category he placed implementer, shaper  and completer finisher and in the last category he grouped team-worker, co-ordinator and resource investigator believing that each person in the group would fit into or identify with one or more roles. He devised ‘The Belbin Test’ in which is a series of statements grouped into categories and a points system which will determine which of the nine role types people doing the test would fit into. When completing ‘The Belbin Test’ myself, using the two groups I am apart of (the larger counselling group and the small research group that we were split into for this units task) I emerged as a ME (Monitor Evaluator). According to Belbin the characteristics for this role are; sober, unemotional and prudent and I would definitely agree with prudent and sober however, I would strongly disagree with unemotional although, I do feel that in certain situations I can separate emotion, behaviour and so I can stand back from raw emotion. They are slow deciders who weigh up the pros and cons of options which describe me very well. He talks about the strengths of a Monitor Evaluator’s strengths as being- judgment, discretion and hard-headedness, the latter, in regards to me, I would disagree with. Belbin also thought that their allowable weaknesses were, lack of inspiration or the ability to motivate others, which I feel from doing the research task I have learnt about myself. Whereas, in Tuckman’s ‘Teamwork Survey’ our research group scored as follows; 23 froming,20 storming, 16 norming and 19 performing, which according to Tuckman our team is still in the forming stage but he felt that if the scores were all fairly lose together then the group has no clear perception of the way the team operates. Judging by this I would say that from my perspective that Tuckman is correct because I feel that we weren’t a team at all, we didn’t really work together. One contributing factor I feel was that one member of our group was absent for the first session and was also absent for the first part of the following session and another member of the group went for a short break leaving two of us to discuss what we were going to do. I felt at this point that w e were wasting valuable time because decisions couldn’t be made without others present. There was no plan or real discussion, the most vocal of our group decided what she was going to do and asked if there were any objections and I had already analysed where my strengths lay and decided to voice that opinion too and although another member also expressed an interest, I decided that I would prudently push for  the task of designing the PowerPoint slides. On reflection, when the names were being drawn out of a hat in order to decide on members for the research groups, I felt fairly nervous because there were two members of the group that, given a choice, I wouldn’t have chosen to work with, one because I have had the least social interaction with so far and the other because I find her slightly overbearing in her demeanour, although I do feel that her manner maybe due to insecurity rather than disrespect. There are many different types of groups, such as planned groups, which are deliberately formed, concocted groups i.e. military units or sports teams, founded g roups- for instance, study groups or clubs, emergent groups such as smoking groups, circumstantial groups for example audiences or crowds and self-organising groups for instance, regular customers in a bar or friendship cliques in the workplace. Groups can be brought together for many different reasons which can be split into four categories, intimacy groups (families), task groups (teams), weak associations (crowds) and social categories (women or doctors etc.) There are thirteen people in our student group, comprising of eleven females and two males and the one thing we all have in common is our goal of reaching the end of the two year course which will enable us to work as qualified counsellors. There are also many other similarities but there are also many differences. In therapy ‘early forms of group work were pioneered by Moreno with psychodrama, by Lewin through his invention of T-groups’ and by Bion in his psychoanalytic groups.’ (McLeod 1993, p.445) Carl Rogers coined the term, ‘The Basic Encounter’ Group to identify groups that operated on the principles of the person-centred approach. ‘The Basic Encounter Group is quite unique and, in fact, offers a different paradigm for gro up therapy.’ (The Basic Encounter Group 2014) And in 1968 Carl Rogers, along with Richard Farson, took part in a touching documentary/film of an encounter group, in which eight strangers were brought together in a room and permitted to explore their inner thoughts feeling openly which was facilitated by Rogers and Farson. After watching the video and order to get a flavour of how it felt to be a part of an encounter group, our counselling group set up an encounter group session where anyone could offer a thought or feeling they had about an issue that they didn’t mind disclosing to the rest of the group and other members could join in or just observe. For me it felt both heart-warming  and frustrating. Heart-warming because it felt as if there was a collective consciousness and genuine warmth towards each other, however there were times when I felt as if a few people were starting to give advice which I found frustrating because I felt as if they were trying to rescue people instead of listening without judgment. Although there are many advantages of working in groups therapeutically, such as, a feeling of shared experiences and unity, a sense of support and social aspects (meeting new people) there are also disadvantages such as, issues around confidentiality, concerns around emotions or people getting out of hand and feelings for some people of vulnerability amongst others. In the large counselling group, although I would describe myself as an introvert I don’t feel that I am too quiet and I wouldn’t describe myself as shy I feel that I contribute to the group and I definitely feel as if I am an fundamental member of the group. If I were to analyse my role(s) within the group according to Belbin, I would say that I am ‘Monitor Evaluator’ and a ‘Team Worker’ because I weigh things up before making a decision and look at all the options and I am interested in other peoples point of view as well as trying hard to be as versatile as possible but the down side to that is that I find it hard to motivate others and have great difficulty making a quick decision. However, in the research group I feel that I did take more of a dominant role because there was no natural leader/organiser so after realising that I just naturally started to make suggestions and ask opinions. In my opinion I would agree with my results (when doing the Belbin test) of Monitor Evaluator and if I had to guess at the roles the other three members of our research group according to this test, I would say that LK was an ‘Implementer’ because she was disciplined, reliable, conservative and efficient but DJ played the role of ‘Team Worker’ because he was co-operative, mild perceptive and diplomatic, whereas LE’s role, in my opinion, was ‘Resource Investigator’ because she is extrovert, enthusiastic and communicative. The presentation I felt came together fairly well, although I feel it could have been more of a success if we had had more time for the group to develop and had discussed equally and openly our thoughts and feelings about the task ahead. Personally I felt that we wasted valuable time and avoided issues that may have caused conflict. Our group researched German-American psychologist Kurt Lewin who set up a Research  Cent re for Group Dynamics (RCGD) in the late 1930’s and 1940’s. The RCGD revitalized the empirical approach and, more important, created one that was different from anything in the past and that still defines the best of the field today’ (Levine, R. Rodreges, A. Zelezny, L. 2008). Our presentation mainly focused on his ‘Three Stage Model’ for change. Lewin recognised a ‘need to provide a process whereby the members could be engaged in and committed to changing their behaviour’ (Lewin, 2004 p. 983) His three stage process for change comprised of the principle of unfreezing, changing and refreezing. Using the analogy of an ice-cube, the first step is to unfreeze/melt the cube, the second stage is to change the shape of the liquid and the third stage was to refreeze it into a different shape. He believed that if there was good communication, rumours were dispelled, everyone was included and by praising people’s efforts, change could occur but it would take time. I like this model of change because I can relate to it and I have recently had experience of such a change because the school that I work in has just (on June 1st) become an academy. In conclusion, I feel that I identified mostly with Belbin’s theory of roles people play within groups because the results from the Belbin test, for me, fitted very well with how I worked within our research group, however, having frequently worked with groups of young people, I know that Tuckman’s theory can be useful in determining where a group is at in terms of effective performance and it would have been valuable in our research group if we had had more time to develop as a group. Lewin’s three stage model I feel would be effective when working in a team/company although I got a sense of how it worked within our whole counselling group when unforeseen circumstances meant that the group had to get used to a new tutor and teaching style.

A Performance Constraints of Thai Economy

It may be useful to put the discussion of performance constraints of the Thai economy briefly in perspective. Over the past 2 decades, the Thai economy has been one of the best performing economies in the world, characterized by sustained high growth rates, averaging 10. 3% 1985-90, and 8% in the years prior to the crisis (1990-96). This growth was accompanied by a dramatic decline in the incidence of absolute poverty, from 57% in 1962 to 14% in 1992, with per capita income increasing from $700 per annum in the late 1960s, to $2,700 in 1996. At the same time, rapid growth was accompanied by environmental degradation, resource depletion, and an increasingly unequal distribution of income and wealth. However, on balance a remarkable record of development. During this period of rapid growth and economic transformation, Thailand became increasingly integrated into the world economy through trade and investment flows, and production linkages. As the economy expanded rapidly and became more complex in structure, it posed more and new types of strains and challenges to economic management or â€Å"governance† systems at both the macro (i. . public policy) and micro (enterprise) levels. As the relative role of the private sector increased in the economy, the importance of enterprise management and performance correspondingly increased. Looking more deeply at Thailand†s performance, manufactured exports grew by about 23% per year between 1980 and 1995, almost doubling during 1992-1995. However, in 1996 export growth fell practically to 0 per cent, with labor-intensive exports usually identified as the main culprit. Certain factors are generally cited as responsible for this abrupt and dramatic decline: External factors cited included the emergence of new competitors, with the coming on stream of new production facilities in lower income/lower wage countries such as China, Indochina, Philippines, further complicated by the30% devaluation of the Chinese yen in 1994;  · Domestic factors cited generally relate to rising wage rates and overvalued exchange rates. Domestic wage rates during 1991-95 rose about 11%, on average or about 5% increase in real wages per year, cited as the key factor in the slowdown in growth of labor intensive exports. The real effective exchange rate of the baht is estimated to have appreciated by about 15% during 1995-97, primarily because of the linkage to the US$, which appreciated against the yen. While the above factors suggest that Thailand was losing its edge in low cost, labor intensive exports, these are at best partial explanations for the overall decline in export performance. The impact of rising wages should not have come this suddenly and pervasively, given that wages were rising for some time, with no significant impact on xport performance. For example, textiles, gems and jewelry, which are not particularly labor intensive declined significantly in the 1996 crunch, as did many technology intensive products. 5 Similarly, the timing and size of the real exchange rate appreciation is not sufficient to explain the sudden, dramatic drop in export performance. If the â€Å"usual suspects† are not sufficient to explain the export slowdown, then could this be primarily a â€Å"cyclical† downturn, e. g. the result of short-term, mainly external, adverse factors? There is some support for this being a factor. There was a global slowdown in world trade in 1996, with the growth rate of world manufactured exports dropping from 8. 6% p. a. during 1990-95, to 2. 1% in 1996 6 . All countries in Asia were hit, with Korea and Thailand the worst affected. If the basic problem of export performance could be seen as cyclical, then in terms of the main focus of this paper, the management of the economic crisis perhaps can indeed focus on the financial sector. That is, the â€Å"real sector† will realign itself, as the financial crisis begins to be resolved, and the â€Å"cycles† will at some point, begin their upswing though the global economic outlook looks less than optimistic at this time. Although cyclical demand factors seem to be relevant, they are only partly helpful in understanding the performance of the Thai (real) economy prior to the crisis. There seems to be more to the story. For example, industry-specific factors may have also been at work: a rapid rise in US sourcing of garments from Western Hemisphere producers such as Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador, led to a relative loss of US market share by Asian exporters, including Thailand, among others. It is not clear whether this shift in sourcing is a â€Å"cyclical† factor, or a â€Å"structural† shift in the basis of competitive advantage (e. g. relating to NAFTA; relating to the increasing role of time or order cycle as a competitive actor, an issue touched on in section III). A fundamental question that emerges from the perspective of the present economic crisis relates to the performance of the corporate sector prior to the crisis, a performance which was then further aggravated by the financial devastation of corporates by the crisis. In particular, were there clear signs of deterioration in performance, especially at the micro (enterprise) level prior to mid-1997, masked by rapid (export) growth? If yes, then resolving the present crisis in terms of restoring the Thai economy†s performance is likely to require a focus on the â€Å"real sector† simultaneously with addressing the problems of the financial sector. This is likely to be especially important for Thailand†s economic renewal and sustainable growth, given expectations of a global economic environment over the medium term characterized by slow growth and increasing competition for both markets and capital.