A Review on the Role of Expert System in Nephrology

A Review on the situation of honor adequate to(p) ashes in NephrologyMr. Sagar S. Mali, Dr. R. V. KulkarniAbstract intellectual musical arrangement refers to office of the machine to collect data, coiffureing operations on that data, and provide the amend and accurate results. The Expert system brings the learning like the human intelligence which is embedded into them by the computer programs. The utilize of Expert system in Nephrology concerns itself with the study of normal kidney function, kidney problems, and the treatment of kidney problems by the aim of IT. There is drive to transformation of the human serious drive inledge to the machine. So that users of the system take away the quick study to the highest degree the particular sickness in the region of Nephrology. The many researchers want to develop the system by using the blurred sets and aflutter computing. Author wants to present the exhaustive review on the function of expert system in Nephrology wi th special reference to kidney functions, kidney problems and kidney problem solutions done expert system.Keywords Expert System, NephrologyINTRODUCTIONThe human body is the made up of the versatile parts. To take c be of it the health check experience exists from thousands of years and festering of its growing tremendously. It includes the various branches like biochemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, microbiology, neuroscience, physiology, nutrition, vision science and bio checkup technology etc. In the recent era the use of IT for the medical science guides the precious contri providedion for the systematic development.The Medical Expert helps for diagnosing the medical complaint that suggest to tolerants for about their health problems. plainly due to new amendments use of expert system is must. The Medical experts / doctors saltation treatment to patients with their experience and judgment. But any(prenominal)times he/she fails to treat the patient if t he correct diagnosis is not made on patient malady or due to lacunas of expert Knowledge in the respective field. So it is the study problem for the junior doctors to learn new things and to patients also to know about their health problems because they cant make experiment in reality because life is the very important. Another major problem is that the experient Doctors/ Experts cannot always teach to junior or cannot tell to individual patients about their disorder due to geographical location problems. It may require potty of cost and time for doctors and patients also.EXPERT SYSTEMExpert system refers to the implement which has the capability of collecting core data, exploit on it, analyze, make synthesis, perform operations, and provide the correct and accurate results which help to any individual or to any organization to take their best decisions. It is the specialized branch of maudlin Intelligence.no(prenominal) days in various areas the expert system is function al just like the medical, space research, security department, in banks and so on. The major use of the expert system to reduce the technical error cerebrate to business processing, logic processing and data processing. Expert systems are widely used in the field of medical to diagnose the patient disease. object lensTo take the review on the role of expert system in Nephrology with special reference to kidney functions, kidney problems and kidney problem solutions through expert system.REVIEW OF publicationsLaith R. Fleaih, in his composition Expert system for Diagnosing kidney diseases stated that the neural computing system designed to support the medical decision process using medical imaging databases and creating the optimal systems for ministry of the health to help the medico to making the correct decision with high certainty also give suitable medical device and can use for training the medical stuff easily. Main aim of the proposed system is the ability to diagnose of the kidney disease by in hospital or in the clinical center.Pornpimol Meemasuk and Chantana Chantrapornchai, presented paper On the Development of Nutrition Information Systems for Kidney Disease Patients focuses on the use of reading system to aid kidney disease patients. There are various kinds of kidney diseases. Each of them requires the certain limitation of food nutrition, especiall(a)y, sodium, potassium, protein, etc. In some situation, the protein may need to increase while in some result the protein needs to be decreased.Sandeep Soman, Gerard Zasuwa, Jerry Yee in the paper Automation, Decision support and expert system in Nephrology presented that increasing data suggest that errors in treat occur frequently and result in substantial harm to the patient. clinical decision support systems (cdsss) are active knowledge systems that use 2 or more items of patient data to generate case particular recommendations. This article describes how automation, templating, and cdss improve efficiency, patient care, and safety by reducing the relative frequency and consequences of medical errors in nephrology.M.Surendra Prasad Babu, L. Sreedhar, Dr. K. Rammurthy, in the paper Hematology Expert System Using direct Based Mechanism stated The Hematology information system helps the people to know about the information about the various aspects of Hematology. The Hematology Advisory system helps the patients to get the required advices about the diametrical diseases attacked to them due to their blood disorders. System is developed using JSP and MySQL.Wim Van Biesen, Guido Sieben, Norbert Lameire and Raymond Vanholder In their paper stated that the patients as having glomerular or tubular disease with a high sensitivity and predictive value. The rule-based system performs worse than the neural networks. The most adequate results were obtained with the hybrid system. They used Kohonen map is cap able of classifying the patients.Miroslave ivandic, walter hofmann and walter g guder, in his paper Development and evaluation of a pee protein expert system developed expert system that describes use of DSS for medical assessment of urine protein differentiation provides a standard of high and continual quality. A graduated and transparent decision process is implemented in the hybrid knowledge base that uses both production rule and nonrepresentational distance classification as complementary method of knowledge representation.da Vinci F. Duarte said in his research paper Expert System for diagnosis and treatment of diabetes that intelligent system gives diagnosis and steps to follow in order to achieve optimum health status for the patient.FINDINGSThere is Expert system for Nephrology but all the aspects are not covered colligate to the nephrology.No fully implemented expert system is available which outspoken source.The system is not used by the patients only doctors or experts are using it for diagnosis purpose in their clinic or hospita ls.No web based full-fledged implementation.SUGGESTIONSExpert System in Nephrology which includes collection of disease data in well from and then it will make diagnosis. overly system should provide the suggestion for food nutrition to the kidney patients according to their jump on group.System will be heart-to-heart source which will be used by anybody across the world.System will provide the drugs information and exercise information to the patients also depending on their type and stage of kidney disease. net REMARKAlthough the literature presents that researches are made in the field of Nephrology but whole areas of it is not taken into consideration for developing the expert system. So author want to propose new research in all areas of Nephrology which includes diagnosis, suggestions, and food nutrition for the patients and system is developed by using open source platform.REFERENCES1 Laith R. Fleaih, Expert system for diagnosing kidney diseases, international journal of c omputers technology, Vol.14, No. 3, Page 5517,Dec. 2014.2 Pornpimol Meemasuk and Chantana Chantrapornchai, On the Development of Nutrition Information Systems for Kidney Disease Patients, international Journal of Database Theory and Application, Vol. 6, No. 3, June 2013.3 Sandeep Soman, Gerard Zasuwa, Jerry Yee, Automation, Decision support and expert system in Nephrology US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of health , 15(1)42-55, Jan 2008.4 M.Surendra Prasad Babu, L. Sreedhar, Dr. K. Rammurthy, in the paper Hematology Expert System Using Rule Based Mechanism, ISSN 2231-071 IJCSET April 2011 Vol 1, Issue 3,103-106.5 Miroslave ivandic, walter hofmann and walter g guder, Development and evaluation of a urine protein expert system, Clinical chemistry 42, No. 8, 1996.6 da Vinci F. Duarte said in his research paper Expert System for diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, spring 2003.7 http//www.kidney.nyc/kidney-disease/8 http//www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx9 htt p/en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephrology

Relationship Between Learning and Growth in Business

Relationship Between breeding and harvest in BusinessIntroductionThe introductory chapter begins with a description of the setting of the reconcile show and a paradeation of the cardinal consequence communicate in this verifiable investigating. The signifi idlerce of nonphysical additions in companionship date, objectives, ideaual instanceing and contri howeverion verse bug out of this teach is in addition addressed in this chapter.1.1 seek ContextThis section presents the broad context within which this experimental investigation is undertaken. The current problems and signifi hatfulce of nonphysical pluss in noesis era atomic number 18 explained.Traditionally, realise and loss figures in the balance sheet and annual fiscal reports argon utilizationd as the main pecuniary implementation indicators for the implement previous(prenominal)ly taken monitoring and crafting unequal marches strategies. invoice for nonphysical assets starts with docume nting the various categories of expenses. Pro sum (or loss) is derived from the pecuniary difference in the midst of gross revenue gross and operating cost. The costs include the expenses in tag building, client cultivationbase, training, crop victimization, information applied science, etc. These argon normally treated as dissipate of the operating cost and merchandiseing expenses. The investing of tangible assets such as equipment, machinery, building, etc. is also recorded in balance sheet. This straightforward explanation record mechanism is no wanter sufficient in the friendship based economy. There is no link get along with with long term strategies to argue with spherical competitors and survive in dynamic frugal. Since an increasing sh ar of grocery honour in this era is non think abouted by caudex or physical assets. Investments in nonphysical assets argon usually not documented in a proper systematic look beca use of goods and serve of select ive information non-availability. Consequently, reason able estimates of the in store(predicate) cognitive act potential of an constitution could not be provided to the trouble. It is intriguing to note that the cause- moment family kins betwixt trade, production and kind im maturatery and m unrivaledtary effect bring in not so far been make in operation(p). former to the association era, job lived in the world of tangibles, which worked well with the traditionalistic accounting practices. However, things argon different in todays world of impalpable assets. Modern heed mood and strategicalalalalal crafting befool adapted in response to global disputation and volatile frugal environment. The industrial age heed has been replaced by the association age prolongership, with corresponding transformational effects on the economy and study ( form 1.1). The guidance on tangible assets in the industrial age has skunked to nonphysical assets in the fe llowship age. This ikon shift move ons organisational employees to utilize their cognition in line with organizational goals. Globalization is the main driver of fellowship economy. Toffler (1990) proposed cognition as the happen upon success comp mavennt ploughsh be in the present competition. intimacy can be transferred by information flow from manufacturers to nodes. composition noesis could be frequently managed by well-organized people in organization. cognition and information technology form an important part of nonphysical asset assets. With the acknowledgement of this paradigm shift, issues c at one timerning nonphysical assets ar now more astray inquiryed and practiced. find 1.1 The shift in way style from industrial age to the knowledge age impalpable assets argon of increasing importance for the corporate respect invention borderes of all kinds of organizations. In 1978, nonphysical assets were determined to constitute alone 5% of all assets, co mposition they become 78% of all assets today. some(a) 50 to 90 percent of the think of created by a blotto in todays economy is estimated to come from the management of the sloppeds expert detonating device alternatively than from the use and production of material goods (Guthrie and Yongvanich, 2004). virtually public and private ara organizations do not attempt to incorporate the value of nonphysical asset asset asset assets. Sonnier et al. (2007) examined cl advanced technology companies and lay down that management may want to make out the train of disclosure to conceal sensitive strategic information in ready to maintain a militant proceeds. As such, management report and financial statements pass on become increasingly irrelevant as a shaft of light supporting meaningful decision making. Forward-thinking management has to ensure that intangible assets are place, monitored, built and leveraged. Financial profit alone could not stock-purchase warrant t he long term survival of companies. To be sustainable, companies need to understand and be able to manage intangible factors, including organizational eruditeness and harvest-time, natural member and foreign grammatical construction. Management that aspires for sustainable melodic line offset and industrial take oners in the twenty-first century has to focus on superior management skills and knowledge under limited imaginativenesss.Augier and Teece (2005) and Johanson (2005) reported that benevolent jacket crown, knowledge and other(a) intangible assets acquit emerged as let on to occupancy action in the sparing systems. The intangible assets are the private-enterprise(a) edge everyplace competitors. Srivastava et al. (1998) suggested the theoretical account linking commercialize-based assets to careholder value which could be considered as the subset of present study. The market investment in brand and node-profile databases leads to cash flows via a combi nation of price and component part premiums, accelerated market penetration, reduced distri moreoverion, sales and proceeds costs, and amplificationd inscription and storage. Brands are economic assets which are to create value shareholders and receive competitive advantage (Doyle, 2001). During the last trio decades, brand is fullly recognized as contend the key role in caper. Brands enchant customer choice, but the influence varies depending on the market in which the brand operates. Ittner (2008) suggested several previous studies that provided at least some evidence that intangible asset metre is associated with high slaying. Several previous studies are limited by over-reliance on perceptual felicity or outcome variables, inadequate controls for contingency factors, simplex variables for capturing involved streakment practices, and the lack of data implementation practice.In this study, the balance bill of fare outline map (Kaplan and Norton, 2004) is chos en to provide a mannikin to ornament how schema links intangible assets to value creating make fores. The reasons for choosing equilibrize S spiritcard as the stage to build the framework for the present interrogation are as follows First, equilibrize card is a practical approach to ginmill the intangible assets that has been widely apply in a var. of organizations over the bypast deuce decades. Second, by means of the strategy map conceit, match menu provides the gene linkage the relationship among intangible assets and commerce work including the interrelation amid intangible assets cistrons 1) cultivation and result affect familiar influence 2) inner serve up affects remote structure 3) External structure affects crease instruction execution. The measures in the four perspectives are linked in concert by cause-effect relationships. The familiarity builds the core competency and training to support the essential work. The inner(a) passage creat es and delivers the customer value proposition. When the customers are satisfied, the sales and profit are delivered in term of financial performance which is the key measure of line of products performance.1.2 enquiry ObjectivesSince actual economies have become knowledge-based and technology intensive, view of the firm has operatively changed and intangible assets have become fundamental determinants of value and control. There are three fundamental elements of intangible assets which are tuition and growth, cozy process and external structure (Sveiby, 1997 Kaplan and Norton, 2004). The ultimate goal of firm is to maximize the credit line performance (financial performance, sales performance and customer fulfillment).This study aims to establish by trial and error the cause-effect relationship amidst eruditeness and growth, internal process, external structure and contrast performance, including the interrelationships in the midst of the elements leading to business performance.1.3 Expected Contributions of the StudyThere are 2 key areas of evaluate outcomes of the study. First, the opposition of intangible assets on business performance is judge to be observationally established. In particular, the cause-effect relationship amid tuition and growth, internal process and external structure would be identified and analyzed. This is so that the detail underlying the relationships can be implemented in practice.Second, it is expected that the effect of business size, business sector and asylum age on the causal links between intangible assets and business performance would be established. As there are various types of firms business (service and non-service), sizes of business (large and SME), establishment age in the application, this study would provide the pattern of cause-effect relationships between intangible assets and business performance in to each one business characteristic. give the expected outcomes, the expected academic fu nctions of the present study would be to encourage alike(p) studies to establish the causal links between intangible assets and business performance in other types of economies. The study would also provide the unveiling for the sphere of influence of intangible asset managementFor business practitioners, top management ordain benefit from the understanding of cause-effect relationship and the realization of the importance of intangible assets ( development and growth, internal business process and external structure) and business performance. With the clearer understanding, proper cypher apportioning and intangible assets management volition be more mightily focus and controlled to increase sustainable competitive advantage. The intangible assets are the strategic key to a sustainable competitive advantage and future economic profit.1.4 abstract FrameworkDuring last decade years, intangible assets are widely expand and researched. The value of intangible assets is likely to grow over time if the firm undertakes successful intangible assets management. The intangible assets in each fundamental element ( nurture and growth, internal process and external structure) are selected and classified as shown in get across 1.1. More detail explanation is accustomed in Chapter 2. knock back 1.1 Framework of intangible assets indicatorsThe cause-effect relationship is covered in strategic social function (Kaplan and Norton, 2004). There have also been several studies, e.g. Huselid and Becker (1997), Hitt et al. (2001), Liu and Tsai (2007), that examined the relationship between learning and growth and business performance as explain in more detail in Chapter 2. The main hypotheses in the present study are shown in predict 1.2. pick up 1.2 Research hypotheses testing mannikinH1 Learning and product is confirmatoryly related to to versed treatH2 Internal Process is exactingly related to External social structureH3 External expression is decreedly re lated to Business PerformanceH4 Learning and Growth is positively related to Business Performance1.5 Outline of MethodologyThe research hypotheses theorise in this study were tested in the mail survey or questionnaire of registered come with at the Thai Chamber of Commerce. The sign step in the depth psychology of the data collected focuses on examining the frequency distribution and the mean and amount deviation for each item or variable considered in this research. The following(a) step in data analysis is to assess the rigor of measures. hither the study uses item-total correlation, confirmatory factor analysis and the Cronbach alpha coefficient. The initial data analysis, and reliability and correlation analyses are performed employ the SPSS statistical package. Furthermore, the structural equivalence forgeing (SEM) EQS weapons platform (Bentler, 1995) is used to perform the confirmatory factor analysis, discriminant hardness tests and testing of the structural model . The entire step-by-step model fit process from data sight by field survey questionnaires is shown in Figure 1.3. More details of research methodology are provided in Chapter 3.1.6 body structure of the ThesisThe thesis is structured on the basis of fivesome chapters, which represent the different stages that are involved in the overall research process. Chapter 1 has covered the research context, current problems, intent and expected contribution of the studies.Chapter 2 provides an extensive critique of definition of intangible assets, intangible assets value and the Balanced notice strategic mapping. This detail provide support to fancyual model of the study and the set of research hypotheses of the study which links learning and growth, internal process and external structure to business performance through cause-effect relationship.Chapter 3 presents the step-by-step research methodology used to conduct the study. It illustrates a trudge of important methodological iss ues including the research design, sampling, questionnaire development process, data collection and mensuration of model variables. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique is soon explained.Chapter 4 provides results of validity testing of the constructs and hypotheses of the present study by using EQS program for SEM technique and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program. not all the results of the main research hypotheses testing model, but also other executable models are explored.Chapter 5 presents a summary of the major findings and conclusions of the study. It also suggests the semipermanent strategic implications of the study finding for top management. Finally, consideration is given to the limitations of this empirical investigation and suggestions are make for potential directions and strategies for future research. literature examineThis chapter reviews the definition of intangible assets and its value. The previous correlation empirical resea rch between intangible assets and performance are reviewed.2.1 IntroductionThere have been a large number of studies in intangible assets during the last two decades (see Figure 2.1). intangible asset assets are involved in the customers, external structure, human resources, and internal process. The intangible assets are defined as non-financial assets without physical sum that are held for use in the production or supply of goods or function or for rental to others, or for administrative purpose (Epstein and Mirza, 2005). impalpable asset is an accounting term, but knowing groovy is a noun used in the management field. They both refer to the same thing. Therefore, Edvinsson and Malone (1997) and Tseng and Goo (2005) pointed out that intangible assets and adroit capital are synonyms. intangible asset assets are placeable and controlled by the enterprise as a result of past events, and from which future economic benefits are expected to flow.Figure 2.1 Research development on intangible assets2.2 Intangible Asset Element ClassificationSeveral studies have variously attempted to categorize intangible assets as summarized in remit 2.1. Some compartmentalisations are in more common use than others. hold over 2.1 Approaches for the categorization of intangible assetsThe purpose model of the higher up intangible assets researchers is summarized by Bontis (2000) in send back 2.2.Table 2.2 Purpose of intangible modelIn Table 2.1 and Table 2.2, there are the intangible elements correspond in each study. Wingren (2004) proposed that framework the correspond to intangible assets framework presented by Sveiby (1997) and Kaplan and Norton (1992) in Figure 2.2.Wingren (2004) mentioned that the Balanced placard is generally animate being for internal development and evaluating the market value of the company for long run. Bose and doubting Thomas (2007) implemented the concept of Balanced scorecard to a company and they claimed that the formulating of Bala nced carte fits the strategic use up of the organization to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. The Balanced Scorecard encapsulates the short and long-term strategies. The motivation and evaluation of employee to achieve goal in BSC is kind of than using it just as a measuring bill.When intangible assets are addressed and defined, there are four practical approaches to measure the intangible assets (Luthy, 1998)1. Direct Intellectual Capital Method (DIC)Estimate the value of intangible assets by identifying its various components. Once these components are identified, they can be outright evaluated, either individually or as an aggregated coefficient.2. foodstuff capitalization Method (MCM)Calculate the difference between a companys market capitalization and its argumentholders equity as the value of the mind capital or intangible assets.3. Return on Asset Method (ROA)Average pre-tax mesh of a company for a period of time are divide by the reasonable tangible asse ts of the company. The result is a company ROA that is then compared with its industry fairish. The difference is multiplied by the companys average tangible assets to forecast an average annual earning from the intangibles. Dividing the above value of average earnings by the companys average cost of capital or an provoke rate once can provide an estimate of the value of its intangible assets or intellectual capital.4. Balanced Scorecard Method (BSC)The various components of intangible assets or intellectual capitals are identified and indicated. Indices are generated and reported in scorecards or graphs. Wingren (2004) has chosen to use the BSC concept because BSC contains outcome measures and the performance driver of outcomes, linked together in cause-effect relationships. There are linkages between customer, internal process and learning/growth with financial performance. The financial performance is the outcome and visible to the observers.2.3 Intangible Assets in Balanced ScorecardAmong the above four approaches, the Balanced Scorecard is by far the most well-known, although its original intent was not meant to be the measure for intangible assets, as discussed by Marr and Adams (2004) and Mouritsen et al. (2005). The Balanced Scorecard may be used to measure all the intangible assets in Table 2.1. Bose and Thomas (2007) recently applied the Balanced Scorecard in an empirical study of the Foster Brewing Group. The formulating of a scorecard that best fits the strategic interest of the organization is considered vital. In their view, the Balanced Scorecard is never genuinely fatten out because the business environment (new competitors, changing customer demand, etc.) is dynamic and endlessly evolving.As is already well-known, the Balanced Scorecard was introduced by Kaplan and Norton (1992) as a tool to link financial performance with non-financial performance dimensions learning and growth, internal process and customer perspectives. Linkages and relationships between customers, internal process and learning/growth with financial performance are shown in Figure 2.3. The Balanced Scorecard acts as a quantity system, a strategic management system, and a conversation tool. Seggie et al. (2007) made an argument for the Balanced Scorecard to be the measurement tool in marketing to measure non-financial assets and provide the organization with a long-term perspective. The Balanced Scorecard is at least partially forward-looking and partially geared toward the long-term performance of the firm. The Balanced Scorecard concept has been examined the performance measurement of bonus plan in major financial services firm. Ittner et al. (2003) recommended that the future research on Balanced Scorecard bankers acceptance and performance consequences must move to encompass the entire implementation process..The concept of cause-effect relationship separates the Balanced Scorecard from other performance management systems. The measures be on the scorecard should be linked together in a series of cause-effect relationships to tell the organizations strategic story. Increasing promotional expenses will lead to the increase in brand value. Increased brand value will lead to higher sales revenueThe investment of human capital will create the continuous learning and growth in the organization. When the employees have more experience and knowledge, they can create the internal process which serves and fulfills customer satisfaction. The profit and revenue are the final outcomes of this causal chain.Heskett et al. (1994) explained that the linkage of the above model that investment in employee training leads to improvement in service quality. conk out service quality lead to higher customer satisfaction. high customer satisfaction leads to increase customer committal. Increased customer fealty generates increased revenues and margins.The following are five principles of successful Balanced Scorecard users (Kaplan a nd Norton, 2004)1. circle change through executive leadership2. Translate the strategy into operational term3. Align the organization to the strategy4. Make strategy everyones transmission line5. Make strategy a continual processIntangible assets can be considered very much part of the Balanced Scorecard. Intangible assets are linked mainly to the marketing and human resources. Following is the review of intangible assets in Balanced Scorecard by Kaplan and Norton (1992) and intangible asset monitored by Sveiby (1997) are reviewed. By using the categories developed by third house (1993), Sveiby (1997), Shaikh (2004) and Roos et al. (1997) reviewed and classified the intangible assets into a framework of internal structure, external structure, and employee competence as shown in Table 2.3.Table 2.3 Framework of intellectual capital/ intangible assets indicatorsFrom the above table, the intangible assets are reviewed as follows.1. Learning and GrowthThe learning and growth is the c apacity of employee to act in a wide variety of situations. Employee is the most valuable asset of the company in the exceedingly competitive market. It is the one asset that creates uniqueness to the company and differentiates the company from the competitors. Sveiby (1997) forceful employee mental ability as a key asset for organization growth. Employee satisfaction refers primarily to job and what employees perceive as offerings. Employee satisfaction is positively related to organizational commitment. There are several studies mentioned that human resource is effect to business performance. Huselid (1999) and Hand (1998) have reported the existence of a positive and hearty relationship between investments in human resources and the market value of companies. Huselid and Becker (1997) appoint that there is a strongly positive relationship between a high performance human resource systems and firm performance. Bontis et al. (2000) found that human capital had positive effect on customer retention and loyalty regardless of industry type. Hitt et al. (2001) and Hurwitz et al. (2002) found that human capital has a positive effect on performance. Also, human capital is shown to have apply cause-effect relationships with strategy and firm performance. Moon and Kym (2006) confirmed that human capital, structural capital and relative capital have direct impact on intellectual capital. Liu and Tsai (2007) surveyed 560 managers from major Taiwanese hi-tech companies and found that knowledge management has a positive effect on operating performance. Lin and Kuo(2007) also investigated that human resource management influences operational performance indirectly through organizational learning and knowledge management capability.Knowledge is one of learning and growth perspective. In knowledge era, the knowledge management has been widely studies. The knowledge is lost by the organization when the employees leave the firm (Ordonez de Pablos, 2004). McKeen et al.( 2006) founded that knowledge management was positive solid to overall organization performance (product leadership, customer intimacy and operational excellence) which is part of internal and customer perspectives in Balanced Scorecard. Organization performance was significant to financial performance. There was no significant direct relationship between knowledge management and financial performance. The knowledge sharing is a key issue in order to enhance the innovation capability that is one of internal process (Saenz et al., 2009). There is also the linkage of learning and growth and internal process. Forcadell and Guadamillas (2002) studies a firm used knowledge management to develop a process of continuous innovation which is in the internal business process perspective.2. Internal ProcessThe internal process includes patents, concepts, models, information technology systems, administrative systems and organizational culture (Aaker, 1991). Such leading companies as GE, Sony, IBM, or carrefour used to cover a wide variety of products, but afterwards finding that they could not sustain all product lines, they switched to selective products, while improving the intangible factors, quality and innovation. Deng et al. (1999) suggested that patent attributes are statistically associated with stock return and market to book ratio. Research and Development is one of intangible assets which is the most importance performance. Chu et al. (2008) founded that the valuation of assets and long-term focused in operation of US ICs firms are higher than the firms in Taiwan.3. External StructureThe external structure includes relationship with customers and suppliers. The Balanced Scorecard is concerned completely customer value proposition, but the external structure covers supplier. The external structure also encompasses brand-names, customer loyalty, customer satisfaction and the companys reputation or goodwill.In the brand valuation terminology, brand is a large bundle of trademarks and associated intellectual stead rights. Cravens and Guilding (1999) reported that brand valuation is one of the most good marrow for business to bring accounting and marketing closer for the purpose of strategic brand management and effective means of communication between marketing and accounting. A branded business valuation is based on a discounted cash flow analysis of future earnings for that business discounted at the appropriate cost of capital. The value of the brand business is made up of a number of tangible and intangible assets. There are 2 brand evaluation models 1) research-based approaches measure consumer behavior and attitudes that have an impact on the economic performance of brands. No financial value on brands is in this model 2) purely financially driven approaches.Relationship Between Learning and Growth in BusinessRelationship Between Learning and Growth in BusinessIntroductionThe introductory chapter begins with a description of the context of the present study and a presentation of the fundamental issue addressed in this empirical investigation. The significance of intangible assets in knowledge era, objectives, conceptual framework and contribution value of this study is also addressed in this chapter.1.1 Research ContextThis section presents the broad context within which this empirical investigation is undertaken. The current problems and significance of intangible assets in knowledge era are explained.Traditionally, profit and loss figures in the balance sheet and annual financial reports are used as the main financial performance indicators for the action previously taken monitoring and crafting short term strategies. Accounting for intangible assets starts with documenting the various categories of expenses. Profit (or loss) is derived from the financial difference between sales revenue and operating cost. The costs include the expenses in brand building, customer database, training, product development, information technology, etc. These are usually treated as part of the operating cost and marketing expenses. The investment of tangible assets such as equipment, machinery, building, etc. is also recorded in balance sheet. This simple accounting record mechanism is no longer sufficient in the knowledge based economy. There is no linkage with long term strategies to compete with global competitors and survive in dynamic economic. Since an increasing share of market value in this era is not represented by inventory or physical assets. Investments in intangible assets are usually not documented in a proper systematic manner because of data non-availability. Consequently, reasonable estimates of the future performance potential of an organization could not be provided to the management. It is intriguing to note that the cause-effect relationships between marketing, production and human resource and financial performance have not so far been made operational.Prior to the knowledge era, business lived in the world of tangibles, which worked well with the traditional accounting practices. However, things are different in todays world of intangibles. Modern management style and strategic crafting have adapted in response to global competition and volatile economic environment. The industrial age management has been replaced by the knowledge age leadership, with corresponding transformational effects on the economy and workplace (Figure 1.1). The focus on tangible assets in the industrial age has shifted to intangible assets in the knowledge age. This paradigm shift encourages organizational employees to utilize their knowledge in line with organizational goals. Globalization is the main driver of knowledge economy. Toffler (1990) proposed knowledge as the key success factor in the present competition. Knowledge can be transferred by information flow from manufacturers to customers. Organization knowledge could be frequently managed by well-organized people in organiz ation. Knowledge and information technology form an important part of intangible assets. With the realization of this paradigm shift, issues concerning intangible assets are now more widely researched and practiced.Figure 1.1 The shift in management style from industrial age to the knowledge ageIntangible assets are of increasing importance for the corporate value creationprocesses of all kinds of organizations. In 1978, intangible assets were determined to constitute only 5% of all assets, while they become 78% of all assets today. Some 50 to 90 percent of the value created by a firm in todays economy is estimated to come from the management of the firms intellectual capital rather than from the use and production of material goods (Guthrie and Yongvanich, 2004). Some public and private sector organizations do not attempt to incorporate the value of intangible assets. Sonnier et al. (2007) examined 150 high technology companies and found that management may want to reduce the level of disclosure to conceal sensitive strategic information in order to maintain a competitive advantage. As such, management reporting and financial statements will become increasingly irrelevant as a tool supporting meaningful decision making. Forward-thinking management has to ensure that intangible assets are identified, monitored, built and leveraged. Financial profit alone could not guarantee the long term survival of companies. To be sustainable, companies need to understand and be able to manage intangible factors, including organizational learning and growth, internal process and external structure. Management that aspires for sustainable business growth and industrial leadership in the twenty-first century has to focus on superior management skills and knowledge under limited resources.Augier and Teece (2005) and Johanson (2005) reported that human capital, knowledge and other intangible assets have emerged as key to business performance in the economic systems. The intangib le assets are the competitive edge over competitors. Srivastava et al. (1998) suggested the framework linking market-based assets to shareholder value which could be considered as the subset of present study. The market investment in brand and customer-profile databases leads to cash flows via a combination of price and share premiums, faster market penetration, reduced distribution, sales and service costs, and increased loyalty and retention. Brands are economic assets which are to create value shareholders and develop competitive advantage (Doyle, 2001). During the last three decades, brand is widely recognized as playing the key role in business. Brands influence customer choice, but the influence varies depending on the market in which the brand operates. Ittner (2008) suggested several previous studies that provided at least some evidence that intangible asset measurement is associated with higher performance. Several previous studies are limited by over-reliance on perceptual satisfaction or outcome variables, inadequate controls for contingency factors, simple variables for capturing complex measurement practices, and the lack of data implementation practice.In this study, the Balanced Scorecard strategy map (Kaplan and Norton, 2004) is chosen to provide a framework to illustrate how strategy links intangible assets to value creating processes. The reasons for choosing Balanced Scorecard as the stage to build the framework for the present research are as follows First, Balanced Scorecard is a practical approach to measure the intangible assets that has been widely used in a variety of organizations over the past two decades. Second, through the strategy map concept, Balanced Scorecard provides the linkage the relationship between intangible assets and business performance including the interrelationship between intangible assets elements 1) Learning and growth affect internal process 2) Internal process affects external structure 3) External structure affects business performance. The measures in the four perspectives are linked together by cause-effect relationships. The company builds the core competence and training to support the internal process. The internal process creates and delivers the customer value proposition. When the customers are satisfied, the sales and profit are delivered in terms of financial performance which is the key measure of business performance.1.2 Research ObjectivesSince developed economies have become knowledge-based and technology intensive, view of the firm has importantly changed and intangible assets have become fundamental determinants of value and control. There are three fundamental elements of intangible assets which are learning and growth, internal process and external structure (Sveiby, 1997 Kaplan and Norton, 2004). The ultimate goal of firm is to maximize the business performance (financial performance, sales performance and customer fulfillment).This study aims to establish empiricall y the cause-effect relationship between learning and growth, internal process, external structure and business performance, including the interrelationships between the elements leading to business performance.1.3 Expected Contributions of the StudyThere are two key areas of expected outcomes of the study. First, the impact of intangible assets on business performance is expected to be empirically established. In particular, the cause-effect relationship between learning and growth, internal process and external structure would be identified and analyzed. This is so that the detail underlying the relationships can be implemented in practice.Second, it is expected that the effect of business size, business sector and establishment age on the causal links between intangible assets and business performance would be established. As there are various types of firms business (service and non-service), sizes of business (large and SME), establishment age in the industry, this study would p rovide the pattern of cause-effect relationships between intangible assets and business performance in each business characteristic.Given the expected outcomes, the expected academic contributions of the present study would be to encourage similar studies to establish the causal links between intangible assets and business performance in other types of economies. The study would also provide the foundation for the field of intangible asset managementFor business practitioners, top management will benefit from the understanding of cause-effect relationship and the realization of the importance of intangible assets (learning and growth, internal business process and external structure) and business performance. With the clearer understanding, proper budget allocation and intangible assets management will be more properly focused and controlled to increase sustainable competitive advantage. The intangible assets are the strategic key to a sustainable competitive advantage and future ec onomic profit.1.4 Conceptual FrameworkDuring last decade years, intangible assets are widely expanded and researched. The value of intangible assets is likely to grow over time if the firm undertakes successful intangible assets management. The intangible assets in each fundamental element (learning and growth, internal process and external structure) are selected and classified as shown in Table 1.1. More detail explanation is given in Chapter 2.Table 1.1 Framework of intangible assets indicatorsThe cause-effect relationship is covered in strategic mapping (Kaplan and Norton, 2004). There have also been several studies, e.g. Huselid and Becker (1997), Hitt et al. (2001), Liu and Tsai (2007), that examined the relationship between learning and growth and business performance as explain in more detail in Chapter 2. The main hypotheses in the present study are shown in Figure 1.2.Figure 1.2 Research hypotheses testing modelH1 Learning and Growth is positively related to Internal Proce ssH2 Internal Process is positively related to External StructureH3 External Structure is positively related to Business PerformanceH4 Learning and Growth is positively related to Business Performance1.5 Outline of MethodologyThe research hypotheses formulated in this study were tested in the mail survey or questionnaire of registered company at the Thai Chamber of Commerce. The initial step in the analysis of the data collected focuses on examining the frequency distribution and the mean and standard deviation for each item or variable considered in this research. The next step in data analysis is to assess the validity of measures. Here the study uses item-total correlation, confirmatory factor analysis and the Cronbach alpha coefficient. The initial data analysis, and reliability and correlation analyses are performed using the SPSS statistical package. Furthermore, the structural equation modeling (SEM) EQS program (Bentler, 1995) is used to perform the confirmatory factor analy sis, discriminant validity tests and testing of the structural model. The entire step-by-step model fit process from data collection by field survey questionnaires is shown in Figure 1.3. More details of research methodology are provided in Chapter 3.1.6 Structure of the ThesisThe thesis is structured on the basis of five chapters, which represent the different stages that are involved in the overall research process. Chapter 1 has covered the research context, current problems, purpose and expected contribution of the studies.Chapter 2 provides an extensive review of definition of intangible assets, intangible assets value and the Balanced Scorecard strategic mapping. This detail provide support to conceptual model of the study and the set of research hypotheses of the study which links learning and growth, internal process and external structure to business performance through cause-effect relationship.Chapter 3 presents the step-by-step research methodology used to conduct the st udy. It illustrates a range of important methodological issues including the research design, sampling, questionnaire development process, data collection and measurement of model variables. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique is briefly explained.Chapter 4 provides results of validity testing of the constructs and hypotheses of the present study by using EQS program for SEM technique and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program. Not only the results of the main research hypotheses testing model, but also other possible models are explored.Chapter 5 presents a summary of the major findings and conclusions of the study. It also suggests the long-term strategic implications of the study finding for top management. Finally, consideration is given to the limitations of this empirical investigation and suggestions are made for potential directions and strategies for future research.Literature ReviewThis chapter reviews the definition of intangible assets and its value. The previous correlation empirical research between intangible assets and performance are reviewed.2.1 IntroductionThere have been a large number of studies in intangible assets during the last two decades (see Figure 2.1). Intangible assets are involved in the customers, external structure, human resources, and internal process. The intangible assets are defined as non-financial assets without physical substance that are held for use in the production or supply of goods or services or for rental to others, or for administrative purpose (Epstein and Mirza, 2005). Intangible asset is an accounting term, but intellectual capital is a noun used in the management field. They both refer to the same thing. Therefore, Edvinsson and Malone (1997) and Tseng and Goo (2005) pointed out that intangible assets and intellectual capital are synonyms. Intangible assets are identifiable and controlled by the enterprise as a result of past events, and from which future economic benefits are e xpected to flow.Figure 2.1 Research development on intangible assets2.2 Intangible Asset Element ClassificationSeveral studies have variously attempted to categorize intangible assets as summarized in Table 2.1. Some categorizations are in more common use than others.Table 2.1 Approaches for the categorization of intangible assetsThe purpose model of the above intangible assets researchers is summarized by Bontis (2000) in Table 2.2.Table 2.2 Purpose of intangible modelIn Table 2.1 and Table 2.2, there are the intangible elements correspond in each study. Wingren (2004) proposed that framework the correspond to intangible assets framework presented by Sveiby (1997) and Kaplan and Norton (1992) in Figure 2.2.Wingren (2004) mentioned that the Balanced Scorecard is primarily tool for internal development and evaluating the market value of the company for long run. Bose and Thomas (2007) implemented the concept of Balanced Scorecard to a company and they claimed that the formulating of Balanced Scorecard fits the strategic interest of the organization to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. The Balanced Scorecard encapsulates the short and long-term strategies. The motivation and evaluation of employee to achieve goal in BSC is rather than using it just as a measuring tool.When intangible assets are addressed and defined, there are four practical approaches to measure the intangible assets (Luthy, 1998)1. Direct Intellectual Capital Method (DIC)Estimate the value of intangible assets by identifying its various components. Once these components are identified, they can be directly evaluated, either individually or as an aggregated coefficient.2. Market Capitalization Method (MCM)Calculate the difference between a companys market capitalization and its stockholders equity as the value of the intellectual capital or intangible assets.3. Return on Asset Method (ROA)Average pre-tax earnings of a company for a period of time are divided by the average tangible ass ets of the company. The result is a company ROA that is then compared with its industry average. The difference is multiplied by the companys average tangible assets to calculate an average annual earning from the intangibles. Dividing the above value of average earnings by the companys average cost of capital or an interest rate once can provide an estimate of the value of its intangible assets or intellectual capital.4. Balanced Scorecard Method (BSC)The various components of intangible assets or intellectual capitals are identified and indicated. Indices are generated and reported in scorecards or graphs. Wingren (2004) has chosen to use the BSC concept because BSC contains outcome measures and the performance driver of outcomes, linked together in cause-effect relationships. There are linkages between customer, internal process and learning/growth with financial performance. The financial performance is the outcome and visible to the observers.2.3 Intangible Assets in Balanced S corecardAmong the above four approaches, the Balanced Scorecard is by far the most well-known, although its original intent was not meant to be the measure for intangible assets, as discussed by Marr and Adams (2004) and Mouritsen et al. (2005). The Balanced Scorecard may be used to measure all the intangible assets in Table 2.1. Bose and Thomas (2007) recently applied the Balanced Scorecard in an empirical study of the Foster Brewing Group. The formulating of a scorecard that best fits the strategic interest of the organization is considered vital. In their view, the Balanced Scorecard is never really complete because the business environment (new competitors, changing customer demand, etc.) is dynamic and constantly evolving.As is already well-known, the Balanced Scorecard was introduced by Kaplan and Norton (1992) as a tool to link financial performance with non-financial performance dimensions learning and growth, internal process and customer perspectives. Linkages and relation ships between customers, internal process and learning/growth with financial performance are shown in Figure 2.3. The Balanced Scorecard acts as a measurement system, a strategic management system, and a communication tool. Seggie et al. (2007) made an argument for the Balanced Scorecard to be the measurement tool in marketing to measure non-financial assets and provide the organization with a long-term perspective. The Balanced Scorecard is at least partially forward-looking and partially geared toward the long-term performance of the firm. The Balanced Scorecard concept has been examined the performance measurement of bonus plan in major financial services firm. Ittner et al. (2003) recommended that the future research on Balanced Scorecard adoption and performance consequences must move to encompass the entire implementation process..The concept of cause-effect relationship separates the Balanced Scorecard from other performance management systems. The measures appearing on the s corecard should be linked together in a series of cause-effect relationships to tell the organizations strategic story. Increasing promotional expenses will lead to the increase in brand value. Increased brand value will lead to higher sales revenueThe investment of human capital will create the continuous learning and growth in the organization. When the employees have more experience and knowledge, they can create the internal process which serves and fulfills customer satisfaction. The profit and revenue are the final outcomes of this causal chain.Heskett et al. (1994) explained that the linkage of the above model that investment in employee training leads to improvement in service quality. Better service quality lead to higher customer satisfaction. Higher customer satisfaction leads to increased customer loyalty. Increased customer loyalty generates increased revenues and margins.The following are five principles of successful Balanced Scorecard users (Kaplan and Norton, 2004)1 . Mobilize change through executive leadership2. Translate the strategy into operational term3. Align the organization to the strategy4. Make strategy everyones job5. Make strategy a continual processIntangible assets can be considered very much part of the Balanced Scorecard. Intangible assets are linked mainly to the marketing and human resources. Following is the review of intangible assets in Balanced Scorecard by Kaplan and Norton (1992) and intangible asset monitored by Sveiby (1997) are reviewed. By using the categories developed by Hall (1993), Sveiby (1997), Shaikh (2004) and Roos et al. (1997) reviewed and classified the intangible assets into a framework of internal structure, external structure, and employee competence as shown in Table 2.3.Table 2.3 Framework of intellectual capital/ intangible assets indicatorsFrom the above table, the intangible assets are reviewed as follows.1. Learning and GrowthThe learning and growth is the capacity of employee to act in a wide va riety of situations. Employee is the most valuable asset of the company in the highly competitive market. It is the one asset that creates uniqueness to the company and differentiates the company from the competitors. Sveiby (1997) emphasized employee capability as a key asset for organization growth. Employee satisfaction refers primarily to job and what employees perceive as offerings. Employee satisfaction is positively related to organizational commitment. There are several studies mentioned that human resource is effect to business performance. Huselid (1999) and Hand (1998) have reported the existence of a positive and significant relationship between investments in human resources and the market value of companies. Huselid and Becker (1997) found that there is a strongly positive relationship between a high performance human resource systems and firm performance. Bontis et al. (2000) found that human capital had positive effect on customer retention and loyalty regardless of industry type. Hitt et al. (2001) and Hurwitz et al. (2002) found that human capital has a positive effect on performance. Also, human capital is shown to have moderate cause-effect relationships with strategy and firm performance. Moon and Kym (2006) confirmed that human capital, structural capital and relational capital have direct impact on intellectual capital. Liu and Tsai (2007) surveyed 560 managers from major Taiwanese hi-tech companies and found that knowledge management has a positive effect on operating performance. Lin and Kuo(2007) also investigated that human resource management influences operational performance indirectly through organizational learning and knowledge management capability.Knowledge is one of learning and growth perspective. In knowledge era, the knowledge management has been widely studies. The knowledge is lost by the organization when the employees leave the firm (Ordonez de Pablos, 2004). McKeen et al.(2006) founded that knowledge management was p ositive significant to overall organization performance (product leadership, customer intimacy and operational excellence) which is part of internal and customer perspectives in Balanced Scorecard. Organization performance was significant to financial performance. There was no significant direct relationship between knowledge management and financial performance. The knowledge sharing is a key issue in order to enhance the innovation capability that is one of internal process (Saenz et al., 2009). There is also the linkage of learning and growth and internal process. Forcadell and Guadamillas (2002) studies a firm used knowledge management to develop a process of continuous innovation which is in the internal business process perspective.2. Internal ProcessThe internal process includes patents, concepts, models, information technology systems, administrative systems and organizational culture (Aaker, 1991). Such leading companies as GE, Sony, IBM, or Ford used to cover a wide variet y of products, but after finding that they could not sustain all product lines, they switched to selective products, while improving the intangible factors, quality and innovation. Deng et al. (1999) suggested that patent attributes are statistically associated with stock return and market to book ratio. Research and Development is one of intangible assets which is the most importance performance. Chu et al. (2008) founded that the valuation of assets and long-term focused in operation of US ICs firms are higher than the firms in Taiwan.3. External StructureThe external structure includes relationship with customers and suppliers. The Balanced Scorecard is concerned only customer value proposition, but the external structure covers supplier. The external structure also encompasses brand-names, customer loyalty, customer satisfaction and the companys reputation or goodwill.In the brand valuation terminology, brand is a large bundle of trademarks and associated intellectual property r ights. Cravens and Guilding (1999) reported that brand valuation is one of the most effective means for business to bring accounting and marketing closer for the purpose of strategic brand management and effective means of communication between marketing and accounting. A branded business valuation is based on a discounted cash flow analysis of future earnings for that business discounted at the appropriate cost of capital. The value of the brand business is made up of a number of tangible and intangible assets. There are 2 brand evaluation models 1) research-based approaches measure consumer behavior and attitudes that have an impact on the economic performance of brands. No financial value on brands is in this model 2) purely financially driven approaches.

Diversity in Human Services

Diversity in mankind workPeople argon both akin(predicate) and different mixture is the recognising and valuing difference. Diversity relates to distinction much(prenominal) as gender, age, religion, race, grow, education, occupation, language, attractiveness, health, physical appearance. Cultural renewing is one aspect of diversity with a multitude of differences which come from our cultural heritage. Every aspect of lifespan is touched by culture, culture affects how plenty perceive things, and it influences how hatful connect meaning to talk. When cultural discourse systems ar unknown or ignored, messages ar exchangeablely to be misinterpreted resulting in ramparts to parley. To ensure effective confabulation forgiving Services proles require awargonness of and sensitivity to cultural differences to enable them to success entirey serve a different mountain range of people. This seek examines effective scratch cultural colloquy for the Human Services work er, as culture refers to the language, knowledge, rituals, set that connect any group of people, in the scope of this essay the consideration of cultures is that from different countries. Firstly, it odours at some of the differences and problems when communicating cross(a) cultur in ally. Then the essay proposes solutions to reduce communion restraints and, finally proposing principles merciful service agencies should adopt to arouse communication.Working cross culturally the tender-hearted service worker faces galore(postnominal) challenges to effective communication because of the interlinking nature of culture, intercultural behaviours, core values and fashion provide much possibility for misunderstanding. According to Fouad Arredondo communication patterns, styles, symbols and gestures are super culture bound and unconsciously scripted. (Fouad Arredondo 2007 p42). Several variables can be considered to take care in the understanding of cultural differences to iden tify why problems arise, individualism versus communism is one variable. Individualistic cultures are where emphasis is on individual proceeding as contrasted to collective cultures where importance is on what is best for the group. Counselling it self-importance is a culturally specific activity having evolved from a Western philosophy of individualism, postulation a client from a collective culture to focus on hyperintrospection and hyperindividualism will not resonate result in a wooly-minded opportunity. Whilst not speaking the very(prenominal) language is a more evident barrier to communication, consider the communication barrier created when a client for whom face is a second language is expected to verbalise highly complex emotions. (Wheeler 2006 p150)Cultures can as well be distinguished as having low scope or high condition communication, in low context cultures such Australia or America communication is rent, the meaning is in the message. Asian, Mediterranean and Arab cultures are high context where communication is indirect and it is equally important to look at the implicit meanings and body language. Misunderstandings arise when there is a privation of awareness in the different style of communicating. For example, natal Australians would consider it raw to directly aim a question and instead hint (Mundine 1999, p. 1). This is similar to Asian concept of saving face indirect communication is utilise to prevent discomfort for either party. In some Asian cultures this is all-embracing to some not disclosing physical abuse for fear of losing face or embarrassing the family (Devito 2009, p. 281), however withholding such information creates a barrier to communication for the human work worker.Non verbal communication is an another(prenominal)(prenominal) compute which in which meaning differs between cultures, and if these differences are not understood leads to communication breakdown. In some cultures nodding the head means no, or the nod of a head from a Chinese person does not implicitly mean that they agree. In Western culture direct nitty-gritty watch is considered a sign of honesty, in cultures such as Japan however, direct eye gaze is a sign of disrespect. De Vito (2009, p. 133) concludes try visualising the potential for misunderstandings that eye communication alone could create.A Human Services worker lack awareness of cultural-based norms, such as family structure and gender rules, risks violating these rules, their behaviour barricadeing trust and confidence. For example, married Muslim women cannot touch a man other than their husband. Lack of awareness or sensitivity to these norms creates conflict and a befogged opportunity for engagement. Another barrier to communication results where the Human Service worker consider their own culture to be superior to others cultures. pretend and Gamble conclude that ethnocentrism is key to failed intercultural communication efforts. (Gamble Gamble 2 009, p.27).Finally, cultural stereotyping is a barrier to effective cross cultural communication, whilst it is necessary to group people to simplify understanding differences, it is problematic perceive that all are the same. For example, to believe that all immigrants from the Middle East are unable to assimilate into Australian cabaret is cultural stereotyping. Stereotyping demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of diversity leadership to a breakdown in communication. This paper has looked at some cross cultural communication differences and problems that arise that can be covered in the scope of this essay, the paper now proposes solutions to enhance communication and reduce communication barriers.To enhance communication and reduce barriers in cross cultural communication the Human Services worker develops knowledge and skills. Integral to this is self awareness, organism aware of and challenge ones perceptions and bias. Workers must to increase intercultural communi cation competence by developing knowledge of different cultural differences, Gamble Gamble stand it is vital to make the unknown known we need to conduct ourselves in a manner designed to reduce the strangeness of strangers that is, we need to diffuse ourselves to differences by adding to our storehouse of knowledge, by subscribe toing to cope with uncertainty and by developing an appreciation of how increasing our cultural sensitivity positively affects our communication competence (Gamble Gamble 2009, p. 30). It would however be uninformed to believe that a person can ever completely understand another culture making it necessary for Human services workers to be comfortable dealing with ambiguity. As important as it is to be familiar the difference in culture conversely it is important not to provide cultural traits to hinder understanding nor to focus excessively on differences. Clients are individuals human services workers serve a person, not a culture (Egan 2006).Empathy listening skills are integral to effective communication and equally so when communicating interculturally. The Human services worker should put themselves in their clients shoes to imagine what is like from his or her world view point. Listening skills and careful observation of cues such as non verbal signals should be taken into account interpret full meaning, particularly when communicating with a person from a high context culture. To enhance communication the human services worker should also regularly seek confirmation of understanding. A deeper level of trust and confidence may need to be built with people from some cultures before they snap off emotional or what they consider to be shameful. To enhance communication with these people it may take patience, time and also an appropriate level of self disclosure on the workers part. To reduce communication barriers the worker may ask permission before asking sensitive a sensitive question. Workers should also be aware and se nsitive to taboo subjects, in some Indigenous primeval communities it is shameful to talk about mental illness, to reduce communication barriers workers would avoid using certain words or lables (XXXXX). Working with people who speak English as a second language poses another set of challenges in communication, to reduce barriers workers should speak slowly, be patient and allow pauses, alternatively an interpreter could be offered. (Kenny 2009).To reduce communication barriers for their diverse range of stakeholders it is vital for Human services agencies should foster their own culture where diversity is embraced and celebrated. A philosophy of respect of individuality and uniqueness which commitment to self development and ongoing learning is promoted. This philosophy should be brought to life by encourage a diverse range of workers with difference backgrounds and experience. A culturally specific approach to training programmes, developing intercultural communication competenci es when working and human services workers be regularly reviewed against competencies identifying areas for development.Culture influences everything about people, including the meaning attributed to communication, this poses challenges for the human services worker when working cross culturally. This essay has considered some of the communication differences and issues that Human Services workers face working interculturally, it has also looked at ship canal to enhance communication and also principles agencies should adopt to reduce communication barriers. The inwardness however is that ultimately no two people even those from the same culture are the same, innumerable differences makes each person unique. Human Services workers require cross cultural competency to effectively communicate with the diverse range of people that they meet the most fundamental of these abilities being willingness to learn and respect of all individuals.BiblographyDeVito, J 2009, The interpersonal com munication book, 12th edn, Pearson Education, Boston, USA.Egan, G 2006, Skilled helping around the world addressing diversity and multiculturalism, Thomson Higher Education, Belmont.Fouad, NA Arrendondo, P 2007, Becoming culturally oriented practical advice for psychologists educators, American mental Association, Washington.Gamble, TK Gamble, M 2009, Communication works, 10th edn, McGraw Hill, new-made York.Kenny, S 2006. Developing communities for the future, third edn, Cengage Learning, South Melbourne.Mundine, J 1999 Face to face communication protocols, viewed 12 opulent 2010, http//www.nipaac.edu.au/Face2Face_CommnProtocols.pdf.Wheeler, S (ed) 2006. Difference diversity in counselling contemporary psychodynamic perspectives, Palgrave Macmillan, New York.Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid Training and explore program. Cultural considerations communication techniques Guidelines for providing mental health first Aid to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. Melbourne Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, University of Melbourne and beyondblue, the matter depression initiative 2008Viewed 20 August 2010http//www.mhfa.com.au/documents/guidelines/8307_AMHFA_Cultural_guidelinesemail.pdf

DNA Fingerprinting for Identification of Plant Species

deoxyribonucleic acid Fingerprinting for Identification of Plant SpeciesABSTRACTConservation of congeal resources prevents the loss of expensive put species in the past centuries. Many species alike that of wild Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius , Japonica ar menace and requires restoration. Its unseemly impact on environmental and socioeconomic surveys has triggered the studies on de margeine transformation. It is seen that subdue identification and characterization of determine materials is essential for the preservation of fructify resources and to realise their sustainable use. Molecular tools developed in the past fewer years provide easy, less laborious means for assigning know and un cognise plant taxa. These proficiencys answer umpteen new developmentary and taxonomic questions, which were not previously possible with only phenotypic systems. Various techniques such(prenominal)(prenominal) as desoxyribonucleic acid bar coding, random amplified polymorphic deoxyribonucleic acid (RAPD), microsatellites, amplified segment length polymorphism (AFLP) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have recently been utilize for plant variety studies. Sequencing base molecular techniques provide let on closure at intra-genus. Whereas information from markers such as random amplified polymorphic deoxyribonucleic acid (RAPD), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and microsatellites provide the means to classify some nonp areil medicine. In addition desoxyribonucleic acid methods atomic itemize 18 reliable approaches towards authentication of Chinese medicinal materials. For future reference, it is necessary to compile library of Chinese medicines which entangle patrimonial cultivation, especially for endangered species and those with in luxuriously spirits market value and or with possible poisonous adulterants which jakes affect quality of medicine.INTRODUCTIONFor the sustainable development and for improvement and maintenance of agricultural and forestry production there is a use for preservation of plant ingredienttic resources. The objective of plant comp unmatchednttic resources conservation is to preserve as broad a sample of the existent patrimonial mixture of target species as is scientifically and economically feasible, including soon recognized divisors, traits and genotypes 1. Genetic renewing finds its immanent resources in wild species for which it is primary(prenominal) to find turn out the amount of transmittable variability by the focussing of morphological, biochemical and molecular markers, besides some vexing physiological turns. portraiture of conversion is based on morphological traits. However, it is seen that morphological variability is denouncely restricted, characters may not be obvious at all stages of the plant development. Identification plays a very important role in diversity studies. Accurate classification of individuals is essential for evalu ation of species diversity. The identification of taxonomic units and endangered species, whose heritable constitution is distinct from their to a greater extent abundant relatives, is important in the development of appropriate conservation strategiesNowadays, a variety of different patrimonial markers has been proposed to assess genetic variability. Molecular tools provide valuable selective information on diversity through their ability to detect variation at the desoxyribonucleic acid levelCONSERVATION OF PLANT GENETIC RESOURCESEffective conservation of plant genetic resources requires a full complementary approach which makes use of both(prenominal) ex situ and in situ conservation methods to maximize the genetic diversity lendable for use.ex situ conservationThe objective of ex situ conservation is to maintain the portals without change in their genetic constitution 1. The methods that be designed argon such that put up of tail be utilize to minimize the possibility o f mutation, random genetic drift, natural selection or contamination. It is seen that storing of seeds at low temperatures and humidities crapper bring long term ex situ conservation. But there be many clonally propagated species, such as banana and potato, fag endnot be conserved in this way, and many species, incidently tropic forest tree species, produce seeds that are recalcitrant and cannot be stored. These species can only be maintained ex situ in field gene lingos as growing sights of plants, or in vitro using tissue culture or cryopreservation 2.In situ conservationIn situ conservation is considered to be the method of choice for conserving forest species and wild crop relatives and there is increasing interest in the use of in situ conservation for crops themselves (on-farm conservation) 3. In situ conservation allows evolution to continue, increases the amount of diversity that can be conserved, and strengthens links amid conservation workers and the communities who have traditionally maintained and used the resources.All genetic resources conservation activities require characterization of the diversity present in both the gene pools and the gene banks. Molecular genetics has an important role to play in many aspects of conservation such as characterizing plant genetic diversity for purposes of improved acquisition, maintenance and use. A number of different techniques are functional for identifying genetic going aways between organisms. The choice of technique for any one particular(prenominal) use will depend upon the material being studied and the personality of the questions being addressed. Protein polymorphisms were the first markers used for genetic studies. However, the number of polymorphic loci that can be assayed, and the level of polymorphisms observed at the loci are oft low, which greatly limits their application in genetic diversity studies. With the development of new technologies, desoxyribonucleic acid polymorphisms have become the markers of choice for molecularbased surveys of genetic variation. deoxyribonucleic acid markers are useful in both basic (e.g. phylogenetic summary and search for useful genes) and applied research (e.g. marker assisted selection, paternity testing and food traceability). A number of markers are now available to detect polymorphisms in nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid 4. Properties desirable for ideal deoxyribonucleic acid markers acknowledge highly polymorphic nature, co dominant, frequent occurrence in the genome, selective neutral behavior, easy access, easy and fast assay and high reproducibility 5.NEED FOR GENETIC RESOLUIONIt is a duty of Gene bank managers and conservationists c at one timerned with both in situ and ex situ care to conserve as much as possible the extinct genetic diversity of the species with which they work. The authority with which they do this depends to a large extent on the genetic information available on the germplasm with which th ey work. Molecular markers provide genetic information of channel value in key areas of conservation both ex situ and in situ.For ex situ conservation the key issues areAcquisition Data on the diversity of existing collections can be used to plan collection and exchange strategies. In particular, calculations of genetic distances based on molecular data can be used to identify particular divergent subpopulations that mightiness harbour valuable genetic variation that is under-represented in current holdings alimentation Genetic data are essential to identify duplicate accessions in order to ensure best use of available resources. Genetic markers are in any case needed to monitor changes in genetic bodily structure as accessions are generated. Molecular markers provide markers suitable for both of these.Characterization The genetic diversity within collections must be assessed in the context of the join available genetic diversity for each species. Existing passport data documen t the geographic location where each accession was acquired. However, passport records are often missing or incorrect. Molecular markers may extend and complement characterization based on morphological or biochemical descriptions, providing much accurate and detailed information than classical phenotypic data.Distri only whenion to users Users of collections utility from genetic information that allows them to identify valuable traits and types quickly. On a more fundamental level, molecular marker information may lead to the kick upstairs identification of useful genes contained in collections. Molecular data on diversity may provide essential information to develop core collections 6 that accurately represent the entire collection.Molecular markers may therefore be used in quadruplet types of measurements needed for effective ex situ conservation, all of which are useful in resolving the numerous operational, logistical, and biological questions that face gene banks managers 7. These areidentity the intention of whether an accession or individual is catalogued correctly, is honest to type, maintained properly, and whether genetic change or erosion has occurred in an accession or population over timeSimilarity the degree of law of similarity among individuals in an accession or between accessions within a collection. complex body part the partitioning of variation among individuals, accessions, populations, and species. Genetic structure is influenced by in situ demographic factors such as population size, reproductive biology and migration.Detection the comportment of particular allele or nucleotide sequence in a taxon, gene bank accession, in situ population, individual, chromosome or cloned deoxyribonucleic acid segment.Those concerned with in situ conservation need to ensure that appropriate populations are identified and managed in such a way that they survive and continue to evolve. Their responsibilities can includeLocation the identification of populations which should be conserved based on the genetic diversity present as well as on the value of the resource and the threats to it. Crucial to this is knowledge of the extent and distribution of genetic diversity in species populations which should optimally include molecular data.Management the development of management plans to monitor the changes in target populations over time and ensure their proceed survival. The populations maintained in situ constitute part of ecosystems and both intra- and interspecific diversity must be maintained over time at appropriate levels.Accessibility in situ conservation is near usually of interest in forest genetic resources conservation and that of wild crop relatives but it is also of increasing interest for on-farm conservation of traditional cultivars. Genetic resources conserved in this way remain accessible to the communities who depend on them. Managers need to ensure they are also accessible to other users and that sufficien t genetic information is available to assist such users.Within the context of in situ conservation, therefore, identity, similarity, structure and detection are also important and can be usefully investigated using molecular techniquesBASIC GENETIC TOOLSDNA sequencingDNA sequencing is the determination of the precise sequence of nucleotides in a sample of DNA. The nucleotides bases are A (adenine), G (guanine), C (cytosine) and T (thymine)The conventional and next times sequencing techniques are thus been explained in detail.Conventional Sequencing Technique-Now days it is seen that dye-terminator sequencing technique is the exemplar method in automated sequencing analysis 8. And for majority of sequencing the dye-terminator sequencing method, along with automated high-throughput DNA sequence analyzers, is used.Dye-terminator sequencingutilizes labelling of the filament terminator dents, which permits sequencing in a single reaction, rather than four reactions as in the labelle d-primer method. In dye-terminator sequencing, each of the four di de-oxynucleotide chain terminators is labelled with fluorescent dyes, each of which emit light at different wavelengths. Owing to its greater expediency and speed, dye-terminator sequencing is now the mainstay in automated sequencing. The main advantages of this technique are its robustness, automation and high the true Its limitations include dye effects due to differences in the incorporation of the dye-labelled chain terminators into the DNA fragment, resulting in unequal peak heights and shapes in the electronic DNA sequence tracechromatogramaftercapillary electrophoresis. This puzzle has been addressed with the use of modified DNA polymerase enzyme systems and dyes that minimize incorporation variability, as well as methods for eliminating dye blobs.DNA barcoding of plants has now gained the interest of scientists with the set out to identify an unknown plant in terms of a known classification. DNA barcoding is a technique for characterizing species of organisms using a concise DNA sequence from a standard. DNA barcode sequences are thus shorter than the entire genome and can be obtained quickly 9. staple fibre Local Alignment Search animal (BLAST) was used for species-level assignment of plants and individual barcodes were obtained with matK (99%), followed by trnH-psbA(95%) and then rbcL (75%) 10. Recently, a collection of plant DNA barcode researchers proposed two chlorop dwell genes, rbcL and matK, taken together, as appropriate for bar-coding of plants 11.Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) is the basis of Molecular phylogenies in plants but the problems due to gene lean of cpDNA among closely related taxa, as well as the lack of phylogenetic outcome, triggered the development of new approaches based on nuclear DNA 13. The most common alternative corresponds to the sequencing of the ITS (internal transcribed spacer) of 18S-25S nuclear ribosomal DNA 14, 15. The failure of both cpDNA and I TS techniques to sequence, the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) approach has the potential to solve such difficulties, particularly among closely related species, or at the intra-specific level 16-18. Therefore, integration of recently developed bar-coding with the following techniques such as RAPD, AFLP, microsatellite and SNP seems to provide better resolution.Next Generation Sequencing TechniquesNext generation platforms do not bank on Sanger chemistry 19 as did the first generation machines used for the last 30 years. The first of this kind of 2nd generation of sequencing technique appeared in 2005 that was based on pyrosequencing 20, 21 Commercial 2nd generation sequencing methods can be distinguished by the role of PCR in library preparation. There are four main platforms all being working out-based (i) Roche 454 GS FLX, (ii) Illumina Genome Analyzer IIx, (iii) ABI SOLiD 3 Plus System and (iv) Polonator G.007 22 The single- element sequencing method (also known as 3rd generation or next-next generation) is independent of PCR 25,30. This mode of sequencing protocol was recently developed by Helicos Genetic Analysis System using the technology developed by Braslavsky et al. 23. Other 3rd generation sequencing systems are being developed by Life Technologies and Pacific Biosciences SMRT technology and may appear within one to two years.Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)The invention of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a milestone in the development of molecular techniques. PCR results in the selective enlargement of a chosen region of a DNA molecule. Random amplification of DNA with short primer by PCR is a useful technique in phylogenetics. The important point is the wading pattern seen, when the products of PCR with random primers are electrophoresed in a reflection of the overall structure of the DNA molecule used as the template. If the starting material is total cell DNA then the banding pattern represents the organization of th e cells genome. Differences between the genomes of two organisms can be measured with RAPD. Two closely related organisms would be expect to yield more similar banding patterns than two organisms that are far-flung in evolutionary terms 24. Moreover, this technique requires only small piece of animal tissue or blood, as the extracted DNA can be amplified million times using PCR.Basic protocolEXTRACTION OF super PURE DNAADDITION OF SINGLE ARBITARY PRIMERPOLYMERASE CHAIN answer (PCR)SEPARATION OF FRAGMENTS BY GEL ELECTROPHORESISVISUALIZATION OF RAPD-PCR FRAGMENTS AFTER EtBr detection UNDER UVDETERMINATION OF FRAGMENT SIZEThis technique has in the first place gained attraction as there is no requirement for DNA probes or sequence information for primer designing. There are also no blotting or hybridizing steps. This technique only requires the purchase of a thermo cycle machine and agarose gel apparatus and relevant chemicals, which are available as commercial kits and also it is a quick and simple technique. It is important to look that RAPD technique requires maintaining strictly consistent reaction conditions in order to hand reproducible profiles 25.The RAPD markers have been used for detecting genomic variations within and between varieties of sweet-flavored potato. A total of 160 primers were tested and eight showed consistent amplified band patterns among the plants with variations within and between varieties 26 of sweet potato.Restriction fragment length polymorphismAll organisms are genotypically different because they have had numerous differences in their genomic DNA. This difference results in a restriction fragment length polymorphism. Here the chromosomal DNA is first cleaved by restriction enzymes creating fragments and then these fragments are stranded by agarose gel electrophoresis. After it southern hybridization analysis is carried out using probe that spans the region of interest. The probe hybridizes to the relevant region, lighting up the appropriate restriction fragments on the resulting autoradiograph. If an RFLP is present then it will be clearly visible on the autoradiograph. Thus RFLP is used as a major tool to identify the genetic diversity within and between species 27.Basic ProtocolCHROMOSOMAL DNACleave with Restriction enzymesDNA FRAGMENTSSEPARATE FRAGMENTS BY AGAROSE GEL ELECTROPHORESISDENATURE DNA AND enrapture TO NITROCELLULOSERadiolabelled DNAprobeINCUBATE WITH PROBEEXPOSE X-RAY FILM TO radicalAmplified fragment length polymorphismAFLP analysis is able to detect high levels of polymorphism and has high repeatability and speed of analysis. AFLP technique as being based on the detection of restriction fragments by PCR amplification and argued that the reliability of the RFLP technique is combined with the power of the PCR technique. Firstly extraction of highly purified DNA then restriction endonuclease digestion of DNA followed by ligation of adapters. After this amplification of these fragments is make by two primers, and then gel electrophoresis and analysis of fragments by automated sequencing machines.The advantage of this technique is that it is applicable to all species and unlike RAPD this technique is highly reproducible as it combines restriction digestion and PCR. However, AFLP requires more DNA (300-1000 ng per reaction) and is more technically demanding than RAPD 4.AFLP markers in surveys of plant diversity are discussed in a review published by Mba and Tohme 28. Recently, Jatropha curcas 29 and Rhodiola rosea 30 have been characterized by AFLP in germplasm collection. The wild populations of Agave angustifolia in the desert was studied by Teyer et al. 31 using AFLP to measure the genetic variability within and between natural populations. AFLP markers have been extensively used for phylogenetic analysis and determining the genetic diversity for conservation of endangered plant species 32-36. isolation OF GENOMIC DNABasic protocolDIGESTION WITH ONE OR MORE pa rapet ENZYMESLIGATION OF RESTRICTION HALF-SITE limited ADAPTORS TO ALL RESTRICTION FRAGMENTSAMPLIFICATION OF THESE FRAGMENTS WITH TWO PCR PRIMERS THAT HAVE CORRESPONDING ADAPTORS AND RESTRICTION SPECIFIC SEQUENCESELECTROPHORETIC SEPARATION OF AMPLICONS ON A GEL hyaloplasmMICROSATELLITESMicrosatellites, are alternatively known as simple sequence repeats (SSRs), short tandem bicycle repeats (STRs) or simple sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs). These are tandem repeats of sequence units generally less than 5 bp in length 37.One common example of a microsatellite is a (CA)n repeat, where n is variable between alleles. These markers often present high levels of inter and intraspecific polymorphism, particularly when tandem repeats number ten or greater. CA nucleotide repeats are very frequent in human and other genomes, and present every few constant of gravitation base pairs. InterSSRs are a variant of the RAPD technique, although the higher temper temperatures probably mean that they are more rigorous than RAPDs.The microsatellite protocol is simple, once primers for SSRs have been designed. The first stage is a PCR, depending upon the method of detection one of the primers is fluorescently or radioactively labeled. The PCR products are separated on high resolution polyacrylamide gels, and the products detected with a fluorescence detector (e.g. automated sequencer) or an X irradiate film. The investigator can determine the size of the PCR product and thus how many times the short nucleotide was repeated for each allele.Microsatellites developed for particular species can often be applied to closely related species, but the percentage of loci that successfully amplify may decrease with increasing genetic distance 38. Microsatellite technique has recently been used to establish conservation outline of endangered plants like Calystegia soldanella 39, Tricyrtis ishiiana 40 and Galium catalinense subspecies acrispum 41.ISOLATION OF GENOMIC DNABasic protocolSEQ UENCINGDESIGNING OF PRIMERS FOR REGIONS FLANKING MICROSATELLITESELECTROPHORETIC SEPRATION OF AMPLICONS ONA GEL MATRIXISOLATION OF GENOMIC DNAConclusionMolecular characterization can play a role in uncovering the history, and estimating the diversity, distinctiveness and population structure. Awareness of the level of genetic diversity and the proper management of genetic resources are important issues in modern scenario. New markers deriving from DNA technologies are valuable tools to study genetic variability for conservation purposes. In the near future, the advent of genomics will give an impressive tool for genetic resources evaluation.

Enhancement of Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting

sweetening of Photocatalytic Overall Water SplittingEnhancement of photocatalytic boilers suit pissing separate on H1.9K0.3La0.5Bi0.1Ta2O7 by lode Pt, Rh(oxide) as co-catalystsWei Chen, Hui Wang, Liqun Mao, Xiaoping Chen, Wenfeng ShangguanAbstractPt and Rh were cockeyed on protonated layered pervoskite H1.9K0.3La0.5Bi0.1Ta2O7 by an in suit photodeposition method. The Rh loading facilitates the O2 evolution and the H2/O2 is tightlipped to stoichiometric ratio ( 2). Yet the Pt loading is un equal to(p) to improve the O2 evolution, although the photocatalytic operation for H2 evolution was fired app arently. The antithetical effect of Pt and Rh on phtocatalytic natural action for H2 or O2 evolution is due to the chemical states of Pt and Rh on HKLBT. The Pt particles loaded on HKLBT by photodepositon are Pt0, execution as action at law sites for H2 evolution. However, the Rh particles loaded on HKLBT are not all Rh0, but also RhO2, which provide the activity sites for O2 e volution by means of reducing the all overpotential of O2 evolution.1 IntroductionPhotocatalytic weewee system splitting has attracted some(prenominal) attention in the past decades for producing clean and renewable hydrogen naught1-3. The photocatalytic water splitting contains both water reduction process(for H2) and water oxidisation(for O2) process. Currently, the water oxidation process is consider as a key bottleneck in photocatalytic reaction4. The difficulty of water oxidation is due to the high overpotential of O2 evolution, which is attributed to charge lodging by emerge states and slow oxygen evolution kinetics5-7. This is also explaining why some photocatalytic reactions in pure water only produce H2 without O2 (or H2/O22). Therefore, providing the activity sites for oxygen evolution to reduce the overprotential is a key task on overall water splitting. It has reported that co-catalysts such as NiO8, RuO29, Mn2O310 loading on photocatalysts play an very important role on achieving overall water splitting by mean of providing the activity sites or inhibiting the occurrence of retracted reaction. However, almost all of admixturelic element oxides loading on photocatalytic materials bespeak heat-treatment, which is insalubrious to some materials with less heat-resistant, such as protonated layered materials11, metal (oxy)sulfide12 and metal (oxy)nitride13, etc. Recently, Kudo et al14 loaded PbO2 from Pb2+ by a photodeposition method without heat-treatment, indicating that oxides also are loaded by oxidation of photogenerated holes, which will provide us with a feasible way to load metal oxides on photocataytic materials by a photodeposition method.In our previous study, we found that, although protonated layered perovskite H1.9K0.3La0.5Bi0.1Ta2O7 showed high activity for overall water splitting, the ratio of H2/O2 was stoichiometric15,16. In addition, H1.9K0.3La0.5Bi0.1Ta2O7 (HKLBT) possesses puny heat endurance and the heat-treatment wou ld yield the collapse of layer structure. Herein, we report Rh oxide loading on HKLBT by in suit photodepositon to provide the activity sites for Oxygen evolution and enhance photocatalytic water splitting. The chemical sates of Pt, Rh loading on HKLBT are investigated. The effect of co-catalysts on water splitting, especially for oxygen evolution, are also discussed.2 Experimental2.1 Preparation of materialsThe protonated layered perovskite oxides H1.9K0.3La0.5Bi0.1Ta2O7was watchful according to the method presented in our previous papers15. The detail processes are as follows(1)The layered compound K0.5La0.5Bi2Ta2O9 were prepared by the polymerized complex method as follows. 60 mL wood spirit was used as a solvent to dissolve 0.006 mol of TaCl5. A large excess of citric acid (CA, 0.09 mol) was added into the methanol solution with constant stirring. After achieving complete dissolution, 0.006 mol Bi(NO3)35H2O, 0.0015 mol La(NO3)3nH2O, and 0.00825 mol K2CO3 were added to the s olution. The mixture was because magnetically stirred for 1 h to afford a out-and-out(a) solution and 0.36 mol of ethylene glycol (EG) was added to this solution. Then, the solution was heated at 130 C to promote esterification between EG and CA, yielding brown rosin. The resin was then calcined at 350 oC for 1 h to form black full-blooded mass. The resulting black powder was calcined on an Al2O3 plate at 650 C for 2 h in air, then calcined at 900 C for 6 h to obtain K0.5La0.5Bi2Ta2O9 (denoted as KLBT).(2) Proton exchange reaction KLBT (0.8g) was performed in 250 mL of 3 M HCl solution for 72 h at room temperature with stand-in of the acid every 24 h, and then the product was washed with deionized water and dried at 60 C for 3 h to deal the water on the surface of potocatalysts to obtain HKLBT.2.2 CharacterizationsThe UV-vis overspread reflection spectra (DRS) were persistent by a UV-vis spectrophotometer UV-2450 (Shimadzu, Japan) and were converted to absorbance by the Kulb elka-Munk method. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements were conducted using a JEM-2100F (Japan). The surface electronic state was analyzed by roentgen ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, Shimadzu-Kratos, Axis Ultra DLD, Japan). All the binding energy (BE) determine were calibrated by using the standard BE value of taint carbon (C1s =284.6 eV) as a reference.2.3 In suit photodeposition and photocataltyic reactionThe in suit photodeposition and photocatalytic reactions were carried out in a 350 ml top shot reaction Quartz cell at room temperature and a 250 W high-press Hg lamp was used as the light source. The catalyst powder (50 mg) was hang up in 60 ml aqueous solution containing a original bar of (NH3)4PtCl2 and Rh(NO3)2 solution by magnetic stirring. At initial stage (about 2 h), Pt or Rh species were gradually deposited on the surface of HKLBT. After 2 h, generated gases were analyzed by an on-line GC with TCD detector (Huaai, GC9160, China, MS-5A, ar gon Argon as carrier gas).3 Results and discussion3.1 UV-vis DRSThe UV-vis diffuse reflection spectra (DRS) of bare-assed HKLBT and Pt (Rh)/HKLBT photocatalyts are shown in form 1. The immersion edges of HKLBT loading Pt or Rh have no far-famed change. However, after in suit photodeposition, the spectrum longer than 320nm exhibit new weak concentrations, which are ascribe to the adsorption of Pt or Rh(oxides) on the surface of HKLBT. The result indicates co-catalysts loaded on photocatalyst successfully as well.3.2 TEM and XPS analysisThe vocalisation HRTEM images of Rh/HKLBT and Pt/HKLBT are shown in chassis 2. Fig 2a shows that the size of it of the Rh on HKLBT is about 5-10 nm. The hoop fringes of Rh and HKLBT can be observed clearly, suggesting the well-defined crystal structure. The lattice fringes with d spacing of ca. 0.251 nm and 0.184 nm can be appoint to the (101) lattice plane of RhO2 and (002) lattice plane of Rh0, respectively. The result is indicatinged that Rh particles photodeposited on HKLBT contain two different Rh species. The fig 2b shows the lattice fringe with d value of ca. 0.197 nm corresponds to the (200) lattice plane of Pt0, suggesting that Pt2+ was photo-reduced to Pt metal by photogenerated electrons instead of universe oxideted by holes.The chemical states of Rh and Pt species on HKLBT photocatalysts were investigated by the XPS. Fig 3 shows the Rh 3d (a) and Pt 4f (b) binding energy spectra of Pt/HKLBT and Rh/HKLBT. As shown in Fig 3a, the Rh 3d5/2 XPS spectrum displays resistant peaks and has been fitted to two overlapped peaks at ca 307.2 eV and 309.2 eV. The low binding energy at 307.2 eV is attributed to the Rh017, and the high binding energy at 309.2 eV is ascribed to RhO218, demonstrating further Rh photodeposited on HKLBT possesses two chemical states. The result is severe agreement with the HRTEM result. The spectrum for the Pt7/2 (Fig 3b) exhibits two major peaks with binding energies of ca. 70.8 and 72.3 e V, which are assigned to Pt0 and Pt0 with adsorbed oxygen(Pt0-Oads) based on the previous report by kimi et al19.Photocatalytic water splitting activities of Pt/HKLB and Rh/HKLBT() hold over 1 lists the rates of H2 and O2 on HKLBT loaded with different amounts of Pt-cocatalyst and Rh-catalyst by photodepositon method. As shown in table1, the photocataytic activity of HKLBT was improved by Pt or Rh loading. The highest hydrogen evolution rate was obtained when the amount of cocatalytsts was 0.3wt%, which reached the 2.0 times (Pt) and 1.2 times(Rh) of naked photocatalyst, indicating cocatalysts provide catalytic active sites for water splitting. redundance loading of cocatalysts caused a fall down of photocatalytic activitybecause the excessive Pt or Rh loaded on HKLBT would not only block the absorption to light photon but become the recombination centers of carriers as well20. Moreover, it is noteworthy that Pt loading enhanced remarkably the photocatalytic activity of H2 evoluti on instead of O2 evolution, and the H2/O2 is also deviating from the stoichiometric ratio. Instead, the photocataytic O2 production is considerably promoted by Rh loading and the ratio of H2 to O2 is close to 2, when the amount of Rh loading is 0.3 wt%.If photocatalytic reaction occurred, the photocatalytic materials not only need to meet requirement of energy, but also have enough activity sites for H2 and O2 evolution. Generally, during an overall water splitting reaction, active sites of O2 evolution are much important than that of hydrogen evolution, due to high overpotential of O2 evolution of photocatalyst4. It has been reported, some metal oxides cocatalysts, such as RuO2, IrO2, are good candidates as cocatalysts for enhancing O2 evolution by reducing the overpotential of O2 evolution9,21. Valds er al22also reported that the overpotentials of O2 evolution on RuO2, IrO2 and RhO2 were congeneric low (2 evolution from the surface of the photocatalysts. In our study, Pt0 partic les photocdeposited on HKLBT only depart as activity sites for H2 evolution, while the activity sites for O2 evolution are inadequacy as well. In contrast, Rh species loaded on HKLBT was not only reduced by electrons to Rh0, but oxidated by holes to RhO2, which is benefit to O2 evolution.To further licence the effect of RhO2 on O2 evolution, the photocatalytic O2 evolution of HKLBT, Pt/HKLBT and Rh/HKLBT in FeCl3 aqueous solution was carried out(Fig 4). As shown in Fig4, It can be clearly observed that the photocatalytic O2 evolution of Rh/HKLBT is higher than that of both Pt/HKLBT and naked HKLBT, indicting that RhO2 functions as an O2 evolution promoter indeed23.ConclusionThe Rh oxide (RhO2) was loaded on HKBT by in suit photodeposition method without heat-treatment. Compared to Pt, the Rh oxide on the surface of the HKLBT is able to enhance the photocatalytic O2 evolution, and the ratio of H2 to O2 is stoichiometric ratio (H2/O2=2). The enhancement of O2 is due to the decrease of overpotential of O2 evolution by means of RhO2. The present work is also providing a possibility without heat-treatment to load metal oxides on photocatalyst with low heat perceptual constancy for overall water splitting.AcknowledgementsThis work was supported by the National spicy Technology Research and Development Program of China (2012AA051501), the National list Basic Research and Development Program (2009CB220000)the National Natural knowledge Foundation of China (51072116) and the International Cooperation Project of Shanghai Municipal scholarship and Technology Commission (12160705700).Reference1 A Kudo , Y Miseki. 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Journal of Physical Chemistry C 116 (2012) 3161-317022 Valds, J Brillet, M Grtzel, H Gudmundsdttir, H Hansen, H Jnsson, P Klpfel, G Kroes, F Formal, I Man, R Martins, J Nrskov, J Rossmeisl, K Sivula, A Vojvodic, M Zch, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 14 (2012) 49-7023 A Iwase, H Kato, A Kudo, utilise Catalyisi B Environmental 136-137 (2013) 89-93Fig 1 UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra of naked H KLBT, Pt/HKLBT and Rh/HKLBTFig 2 TEM images of Rh/HKLBT (a) and Pt/HKLBT (b)Fig 3 XPS spectra for Rh 3d and Pt 4f of 0.3wt%Rh/HKLBT and 0.2wt%Pt/HKLBTTable 1 Photocatalytic overall water splitting on Pt/HKLBT and Rh/HKLBTCo-catalystLoading content(wt%)Gas evolution (molh-1)aH2O2H2/O2 rationone122.833.73.6Pt0.1163.4051.93.2Pt0.3242.772.53.3Pt0.5210.872.92.9Rh0.1133.539.03.4Rh0.3146.167.92.1Rh0.565.331.22.1Photocatlaytic reaction conditions 50 mg catalyst, 250 W high hug Hg lamp (200 nm), 60 ml pure watera Average rate of H2 and O2 in 4 h Fig 5 Photocatalytic O2 evolution from FeCl3 aqueous solution over naked HKLBT, Pt/HKLBT and Rh/HKLBT (30 mg catalytst, 250 W high pressure Hg lamp, 60 ml 0.05 mol/L FeCl3 )