Relection in Nursing Essay

The purpose of this paper is to outline the issues of gender inequality on society as a whole, these effects are prominent in different segments or fields of the society, such as in working places, homes, education sector and as much as we can think of. Could these inequalities be the reason why women are unlikely to get the same wages/salaries as men? Historically, the domination of men in policymaking, leaderships, and most sectors of the society have been steady. Thus, the resulting segregation of men and women is not exactly surprising. Gender inequality is what causes segregation between men and women; it’s also a highly contested segment in the area of sociology, even though there is a milder occurrence of situations having to do with gender inequality now compared to early days. Its occurrence cannot be over emphasized. Difference in culture, environment, and the social era at the present moment can affect how humans perceive gender inequality? And how it affects them n egatively or positively? When we talk about gender inequality, most times our minds are driven towards the fact that men are considered higher than women in all ramifications; this is part of what brings about the inequality. Hence, this brings about patriarchy construct; ‘’which refers to social conditions being thought of or structured in a way that favors men and boys over women and girls’’ Gender inequalities are not biological but socially constructed. Theoretical approach such as the feminist theory broadens our knowledge about gender inequality.somewhat, Gender inequality has some relationship with homosexuality because its all about the perception, not just the sexuality; in cases where a person with the male gender but happens to be gay, in some areas of the society he is somehow treated as that of a female even though he is originally of the male gender, just because he has a sexuality of the female and acts in such a manner as of a woman i.e. dress codes, gestures ,relationships wife other people, the gay person is therefore treated with almost the same rank of inequality as of a woman. Examples of such cases can be seen in schools for example; a teenage boy in high s chool and has a gay sexuality is not exactly considered to be someone with a ‘high reputation’ in the school settings, he could be often bullied or made to feel so less of himself, this could explain the reason why most men with gay sexuality have more conversant interactions with women than they do with men, thus, even if he is of a male gender just because he portrays acts of a woman in his sexuality he is often treated equally as a woman, but these are only in some sections of the society. Also, in religion there is a strong connection between religion and patriarchy or religion and gender as the case might be, the question ‘Does God favor males?’ arises Christianity has it that women should always be submissive to men because a woman was made out of the ribs of a man meaning that she is under him. ‘A man is the e image and glory of God; but women is the glory of man.for man was not made from woman neither was man created for woman, but woman for man’’ (1 Corinthians 14:33-35) also in the Qur’an it is said that ‘’Men are in charge of woman hence good women are obedient’’ (Qur’an). It is no debate that women are seldom leaders of priestess in churches or congregation, it has been a battle in the last 5o years and it is only in recent times that women are being ordained as pastors and some form of leader. An instance can be seen when dealing with content analysis; which refers to as the ‘â₠¬â„¢studying of sets of cultural rules, artifacts or events by systematically counting them (to show which ones dominate) and interpret the themes they reflect’’ feminist approaches to content analysis attempts to expose pervasive patriarchal (male -dominated) and misogynist (women-hating). Elaine Hall, in her article ‘one week for women? The structure of inclusion of gender issues in introductory textbooks (1988), she demonstrated how women’s issues are treated as an afterthought in introductory-level texts, while Judith Dilorio, in a paper presented in the 1980, used content analysis to examine scholarity articles on gender role research and found out that their methods naturalized (made natural or normal seeming) social facts that diminished women and promoted male-oriented conservatism (as analyzed in Reinharz 1992:147,361). Today, different categories of feminism and gender roles are being cultivated to promote women. According to the introduction to sociology textbook ‘’Feminism liberalism acknowledges contributions of women in public realm of work place and examines whether women receive fair pay for the work they do. Kachuk explains ‘identifies women as a class entitled to rights as women’ (kachuk 2003:81). Liberal feminism helps women to be able to receive benefits not available to other women, basically it concentrates on making women equal to men in terms of employment opportunities and salary. Feminist essentialism is another gender theory which focuses of the thinking strategy foe men and women and argues for equity or female superiority in that difference, this involves social norms that are more or less natural to them, therefore the idea to this is the that morality is negatively valued in a patriarchal society, feminist essentialism speaks constructively about the potential for women’s differences from men to be positively valued. Feminist socialist according to Kaxhuk, have revise their Marxism so as to account for gender, something Marx ignored, they want sexuality and gender relations included in the analyses of the society, and finally postmodernist feminism which takes the strongest social constructionist positions, it refers to women more as subjects than as objects of sociological study, allowimg perspective of the women studied to guide their research, this can be viewed from the stand point theory. Gerda Lerner talked about patriarchal values, she defines it as ’’simply the assumption that the fact of biological sex differences implies a God-given or at least a ‘’natural’’ separation of human activities by sex, and further assumption that this leads to a ‘’natural’’ dominance of male over female.’’ This definition can be seen in many social categories such as the wage gap, pay equity, occupational segregation and many more. Feminists have also laid the impression that in a patriarchal society, men are treated as normal, while women are treated in what is considered as inherently deviant, example of such term could be viewed in the case of the witch hunts waged in Europe and later on, in colonial America from about the fourteenth to the seventeenth centuries. Those who were identified as witches were tried and, if found guilty, executed. This for several reasons makes the witches an intriguing case for the sociological study of deviance Also, through structural functionalism effects of gender inequality can be viewed. Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) talked about how people are products of societies and environment, ones behavior is way beyond what they posses in characteristics or traits, and there are social facts that take control over an individual. In his book suicide (1897) one of the things that was mentioned were how suicide could be achieved due to ones weakness in connection to the society. This theory could be an explanation as to how women are most likely considered as the weak gender compared to men, due to the way are they are reduced by the society. In socialization, feminist organizations have come up with some Attaining gender balance among managers, editors, and reviewers: This journal focuses on the gender pay gap in certain occupation, it was found that women being placed in lower pay-grade positions is responsible for the pay gap. Also brown talks about ‘’the perception that an academic career in the scientific field will not result in a permanent job for up to seven years after a bachelor’s degree. Many women consider this an obstacle to their plans to start a family, and are concerned that they will only just be getting a foot on the career ladder when they are considering having children. The irony is, research and editorial work is actually far more flexible than many other professions, meaning that women could more easily balance the demands of a family with those of their career.’’ In the Article: THE EFFECT OF GENDER DISCRIMINATION WITHIN FAMILY OF ORIGIN ON THE PERCEPTION OF GENDER INEQUALITY, ATTITUDES TOWARDS GENDER ROLES AND THE TENDENCY TO DISCRIMINATE BASED ON GENDER. T he effect inequality in gender and gender discrimination was studied in this article, it was found that individuals who passed through some kind of ender discrimination in the society, family or origin would face some sort of injustice and would be emotionally sensitive as the grown up. According to this article ‘’ A national representative sample of 1363 participants reported on their experiences of gender discrimination within their family of origin, their perception of gender inequality in Croatian society, attitudes towards gender roles, hostile sexism, their tendency to discriminate based on gender, and their willingness to engage in affirmative actions aimed to reduce gender inequality in Croatian society. Results show that 50% of women and one third of men were exposed to some form of unequal treatment in their family, both by their mothers and fathers.’’ This shows that gender inequality goes a long way. Another article titled Culture and gender inequality: Psychological consequences of perceiving gender inequality. It was said that different cultures and societies have different beliefs and reactions to how gender inequality should be justified. According to this article ‘’research investigated these differences and their psychological consequences using cross-cultural comparisons. The results show that Hong Kong Chinese women saw gender inequality as less unjust (Study 1) and less unfair (Study 2) and valued gender equality less (Study 2) than European American women did. Gender inequality caused anger (Study 1) and predicted reduced life satisfaction (Study 2) more among European American women than among Hong Kong Chinese women’’ In conclusion, the precious rights of women have been denied and violated, which has causes more harm than good in their lives and society, as it goes from generations to generations there seems to be a trend in the causes and effects of gender inequality, these are such as discrimination, segregation. feminism and patriarchy they show up in some kind of way when dealing with gender inequality. Apparently there are psychological, emotional and physical effect built on victims of gender inequality. Such as torture, threats, bully and so much more. It is imperative to put both genders into consideration and understand the essentiality of both sexes roles power fame and money should be acquired and deserved, if the male gender proves to be deserving whatever role, they should acquire it, also, if the female gender proves to be deserving to a particular role or acquisition due to hard work or some kind of technical skill, they should be given the opportunity to role. Just as the situation seems to get milder as times past, it could be assumed that in another century to come gender inequality might not be of a great sociological problem. Perhaps, there could be an increase in the number of women who are in the political sector or in the decision-making segments BIBLIOGRAPHY: Mar. 2012. . â€Å"Evolution.† California State University, Northridge. Web. 02 Mar. 2012. . Steckley, guy Kirby letts.2010.Elements of sociology. oxford: oxford university press. Zoe Kinias, Heejung S. Kim, group processes & intergroup relations, â€Å"Gender Inequality.† – Term Papers. Web. 04 Apr. 2012. . â€Å"Shelley Correll.† Stanford Sociology Professor, Director Clayman Institute Gender Study. Web. 04 Apr. 2012. http://sociology.stanford.edu/people/shelleycorrell/shelleycorrell.html . Revija za socijalnu politiku [1330-2965] KAMENOV, Ã… ½ELJKA yr: 2011 vol: 18 iss: 2 PG: 195

Reading through “Winter in a Warehouse” Essay

â€Å"Winter in a Warehouse,† is about a group of warehouse women on their way to and from the washroom of the milling company. The washroom is in the office building which is a considerable distance from the women’s workplace, the warehouse. As it is winter, the trek from one building to the other becomes a tedious and an unwished-for errand. The atmosphere is cold and hostile as the people they come across with. The short journey evokes in the narrator’s mind several issues – gender, class and social status – between the warehouse women and the rest of the characters in the poem. In â€Å"Winter in a Warehouse,† Anne Spillard speaks about the condition of the lower- class working women in the latter-day industrial society. The poem started with the narrator’s voice fondly recalling the image of his grandfather, â€Å"Grandad ‘goes for a loo */Behind the old chimbly† (lines 1-2), from a long time ago. The tone here is friendly, the language is colloquial and the mood is gay. Grandad, being old, â€Å"Dragging his feet in carpet slippers† (3), is also probably retired from his work in the mill. The use of grandfather in the poem suggests time difference. The corrugated iron â€Å"Where the wind flaps rusty limbs/ Of corrugated iron† (7-8), denotes a time long gone by. It is probably 40 to 50 years ago since grandfather worked in that company when manufacturing firms employed mostly men in its workforce. Noting the narrator’s familiarity with the setting, it is likely that he or she is a third generation worker employed in the same mill or factory that his grandparent worked for. Grandfather finds the long walk to the office tiresome, â€Å"†¦ ‘It’s too far to trail/ ‘T ‘ the bloody office’ (4-5), so he simply decides to pee against the chimney by the bank. The narrator seems to perceive this as an unusual gesture, â€Å"And pees against the great black chimney† (9). The chimney, great and black, is a thing of significance and not to be trifled with. Grandfather’s peeing where he pleased perhaps constitutes defiance of the convention on peeing and of what the chimney signifies. On the other hand, the narrator’s voice registers a suspicion about grandad’s account, â€Å"Or so he tells us† (10). It implies that grandfather could be lying, that perhaps it is not that easy to break the company regulation as well as the convention. It is only at the 10th line, with the use of â€Å"us† that the narrator is revealed. They are women workers stationed in the warehouse gone for a walk to the office building within the company compound to wash their empty coffee cups and to pee. Upon arriving there, they see the millpond nearby, â€Å"Down to the office/ Where the mill manager used to sit† (12-13). The mill manager, like the grandfather, is a representation of an era gone by. In the early stage of industrialization, it was the manager, who was usually also the owner of the business, who conducted his businesses in an office with the help of a staff or two. He was also visible in the company premises. In more recent times, with further division of labor and the expansion of industrialization, the manager has normally taken to holding his office in an inner chamber within the office building. He is scarcely visible to the workers and as such, there is usually a layer of office staffs that deals with the rank and file or the ordinary workers of the company. It is these office girls that the warehouse women came across with when they went to the office premises to have use of the washroom. The office girls act and speak superior to the warehouse women. They address the women collectively, in a cold and impersonal manner. The washroom is in a state of disrepair, â€Å"Melted snow drips through the washroom ceiling† (18). The water at the mains must be turned on first before the women could flush the toilet. The male washroom, â€Å"†¦ it’s leaking. † (23). These little details describe the ambience of the washroom area – old, ill-kept and deteriorating. And yet, the office girls almost begrudge them for using it. â€Å"‘You warehouse people always arrive/ ‘Just when we’ve boiled the kettle/ ‘for elevenses,’ the office girls rebuke us. † (15-17). The warehouse women do not have a washroom in their workplace. In the period described in this poem, even answering the call of nature, presents a problem. Unlike men, women cannot urinate anywhere. Furthermore, in most manufacturing companies, peeing is only allowed during designated breaks. One girl even goes so far as to point to out to the women that the male washroom must not be used, â€Å"Don’t use the Gents, †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (21). Perhaps, the reminder is unnecessary, as the women have been coming there on the same errand for years and are aware of the fact. It is also not far to suppose that the Gents has not been working for decades. Thus, the part about the male toilet leaking is a take on the grandfather’s story. Perhaps, the male workers in the mill were not subjected to strict regulation on peeing only because the male toilet was leaking. Throughout the poem, the voice constantly changes: from the third person singular (lines 1-10), to first person plural (11-14), to second person plural (15-17), to third person plural(18), back to first person plural (19-20), to third person singular (21-23), and lastly, to third person plural (24-31), making it vibrant and giving the reader the feeling that the characters are performing before him. It also shows the individuality or lack of, the characters within the poem. Nina, one of the office girls, has a distinct voice and she has a name. In contrast, the warehouse women are only referred to as â€Å"us,† â€Å"we† and â€Å"warehouse women. † The warehouse women have only one voice: the voice of a group. The office girls have their voice as a group and their individual voices as persons apart. Despite the office being heated, perfumed and powdered, the narrator notices that â€Å"the office girls sit shivering† (24), a hint that their thinner clothing cause them discomfort during winter. On the other hand, the warehouse women have become indifferent to the coldness. Why? It is because winter is the all-year season inside the warehouse. What is not mentioned here but is implied is the suffering of the warehouse women doing hard, manual and routine labor, whose enclosed workplace is perhaps unheated, full of fumes and dust, and dark as one could imagine. Towards the end of the poem, the engaging voice at the beginning seems to have become somebody else, an alienated figure viewing a scene that he is not part of, But the warehouse women, Shapeless in heavy sweaters and wooly longjohns, Trudge back through the snow, No longer noticing this winter Which may last forever Inside the blankness of their warehouse. The poem begins on a cheerful note, in an informal way and in a youthful voice, with a fond recollection of one’s grandfather and his days. It ends on a cheerless, aged and serious tone about a group of women trudging their way back to the warehouse across the snow, oblivious of the season and what it might bring to them.

Nature and Victor Frankenstein

Nature plays an important role In Frankincense, although to the deader familiar with romantic poetry, it may seem that nature Is somewhat less Important or less central than the role It plays, but from the novel's opening, the importance of the reader getting a sense of physical place is established by situating the text within a particular environment, the qualities of which will both mirror and contradict the inner states of the main characters. Even from the very beginning of the novel, theme of nature is incorporated into Shelley work. The icy wilderness in which the novel begins and ends is the barren land of isolation from human warmth ND companionship, Into which Walton foolishly sails and Into which Frankincense Is Inexorably led by the monster, whose inescapable destiny is It†. Later, on the morning after Victor gives life to his creation, he says, â€Å"Morning, dismal and wet †¦ As if I sought to avoid the wretch whom I feared every turning of the street would present to my view'. When Victor is scared or upset the weather is nasty to complement the way that he is feeling in certain situations.And also Victor notes that the landscape of the Orkney and that of his native country are quite distinct. His ascription of the Orkney Is cold, barren, gray, and rough. In contrast, he recalls Switzerland as colorful and lively and the landscape as teeming with blue lakes that reflect the brilliant blue sky. It is symbolic, of course, that Victor has chosen such a barren place to create the companion for the Creature. The contrast between the two places is as stark and distinct as the differences between Frankincense's Creature and the human world.The Creature occupies a world that is bleak, that Is attacked on all sides by an unforgiving set of conditions. Victor, his family occupies a world that as beauty, even though each has had to deal with occasional harsh realities. These appropriate pairings of characters with their environments will be re-e mphasized throughout the novel, and the physical qualities of the environments will provoke contemplative thought for most of the main characters, especially Victor. By chapter five of the first volume, Shelley creates a connection between Victor and nature.Instead of describing his moods with metaphor, as In earlier images, she describes his recovery from grave Illness through his affinity with nature. Although nursed by is closest friends, It Is the breathing of the alarm that finally gives him strength: We passed a fortnight in these perambulations: my health and spirits had long been restored, and they gained additional strength from the salubrious air I breathed, the natural incidents of our progress †¦ The air is not simply necessary for life; Victor is so taken with it that he actually gains strength from it that he had not had before.Another role of nature is a deep understanding of the mysterious forces of nature by Victor Frankincense. So Victor acknowledges tense Tor tes when en says: It was ten secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things, or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me, still my inquires were directed to the metaphysical, or, in its highest sense, the physical secrets of the world. It is the great force of nature that drives Victor into his scientific pursuit in the first place.When lightening shreds the tree in front of Victor's eyes he is doomed for life. On the night that Victor first gives life to his creation, it is dark and dreary. Victor makes his declaration of purpose hen he says, â€Å"more, far more will I achieve: treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation†. In Victor's case, an obsession with the nature of science pushes him to cross the boundary that separates the forces of human power and nature when he decides to co nstruct his creation.Along with his own feelings of ambition, Victor also constructs his creation because of the want to bring about change in his society. And when he creates life from lifeless matter to bring change n his society, readers are forced to use their imagination to give life to this creation themselves. Later, when Victor returns home on receiving word of Williams death, he notes that â€Å"Night closed all around; and when I could hardly see the dark mountains, I felt still more gloomily.This picture appeared a vast and dim scene of evil, and I foresaw obscurely that I was destined to become the most wretched of human beings†. At the end of the novel during Victor's honeymoon, â€Å"the wind, which had fallen in the south, now rose with great violence in the west†, before Elizabeth is ordered by the creation. In conclusion, the natural settings in â€Å"Frankincense† play a vital role in enhancing the impact of the story and progression of the plo t and characters.What has been said so far, then, is that man attempts to control nature believing to be the master over all. In fact, man's effect is Just that, an unnatural one, in that it works against nature instead of with nature. The question then, is why man is unable to emulate nature, why he is unable to work with nature without harming it in some way, as we have seen above. One answer is that man is unable to see ahead, hat he refuses to see the purpose in everything that nature does.Victor Frankincense is so obsessed with his mother's death and with his desire to remove it, that he does not see the purpose that death has. So, Just because mankind has the power to do something, does not necessarily mean that he must, or should. Instead, perhaps he should respect the natural course of things. And nature surrounds us during our whole life, and it has a great influence on us, as well as on our mood and behavior. Resources: http://www. Gutenberg. Org/files/84/84-h/84-h. HTML h ttp://Ankara. English. Upend. Demesnes/nature. HTML

Snake Populations and Human Intervention Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Snake Populations and Human Intervention - Essay Example Both areas are known C. horridus habitats. Snake population sizes shall be determined for both areas from local reports of spottings in summer. Adults, young ones and neonates shall all be considered for the study. The two population sizes shall be compared. The population size from the conserved area shall serve as the control as there is supposedly no human intervention and the snakes are left in their pristine state. If the population size from the non-conserved area is larger than or the same as that from the conserved area it will be construed that the hypothesis is correct. If the converse is true the hypothesis will be proved wrong and this research study shall be considered successful. The entire study will be supplemented by a questionnaire that shall be presented to locals residing near the two survey areas. The questionnaire design will be such that information on the respondents' awareness of conservation efforts and their attitude towards the snakes can be judged. This, together with the study results can help immensely in future studies conducted to assess how snakes can co-habit with humans without friction. Taxonomy: The timber rattlesnake is a member of the almost worldwide family Viperidae. These viperids include both Old World and New World snakes that have existed since the Miocene Age (Adams, Jennifer P., 2005). Crotalinae, commonly called pit-vipers, is a sub-family comprised of 16 genera and 144 species (Adams, Jennifer P., 2005). Crotalinae members are characterized by two pitted heat sensors between the eyes and nares, hollow retractable fangs, a single row of sub-caudal scales and vertical pupils (Adams, Jennifer P., 2005). There are 33 Crotalus New World species and sub-species, of which 25 inhabit North America. The rattle and the broad head narrowing at the neck and descending into a thick heavy body most characterize this genus (Adams, Jennifer P., 2005). Distribution and Status Distribution: Timber rattlesnakes range widely from New Hampshire south to Florida, west to Texas and north again to southeast Nebraska through to southeast Minnesota (Fig. 1, Appendix) (Staff, CRACM, 2003). Despite this wide distribution timber rattlesnakes are usually found in isolated pockets to the western and northern limits of their ranges. In particular context to West Virginia, where this study will be conducted, the species ranges from the eastern panhandle through the Alleghenies south to Mingo and Mercer counties (Fig. 2, Appendix) (West Virginia Snakes, 2003). Status: Evolutionary trends have produced Crotalus horridus as a 'long-lived, slow-reproducing

E-business systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

E-business systems - Essay Example One of the most important features of the e-sales and purchase process system is the database of customers whose personal information is used to create appropriate market strategies to increase the clientele. The firms are increasing using the information to analyze customers’ psychology through the evaluation and analysis of customer database which helps one to know the changing preferences of the customers in the rapidly changing times. Analysis and identification of the changing trends of the customer requirements are important ingredients to gain leverage against their rivals. Of all the technological marvels, internet has emerged as one of the most popular medium of communication with its wide range of applications in the ever expanding and highly competitive business environment. â€Å"The Internet with its low-cost entry and ease of use quickly changed how information was exchanged and removed the distance barriers for business partners. The idea of trading on the Internet has generated great interest especially among the smallest companies, formerly excluded from EDI1 usage (Gottardi et al. 2004). It has redefined the business dynamics with its far reaching implications and has become one of the most important parts of any business strategy. Since customers are key to the success of all businesses, Sales Order Processing System and Customer relationship management have emerged as the most power tools to sustain and develop committed clientele across the globe. The essay would focus on the internet based Sales Order Processing System and would analyze the various perspectives that have significant impact on the business. Sales and purchase of items are part and parcel of daily life and efficient processing of the same is vital for good customer relationship and business growth. ‘Sales order captures demands for the firms’ product and services’ (Scott, 2004). The computerized sales and purchase facilitates creation of database of customers and

Craft and Cadbury horizontal merger as means of company growth Essay

Craft and Cadbury horizontal merger as means of company growth - Essay Example In 2010, 21 acquisitions have taken place till now and the total value is found to be 1.5 billion dollars. One of the most talked about merger and acquisition in the recent time is the Kraft and Cadbury horizontal merger. This report is all about this merger. The report tries to find out the relationship between the Kraft and Cadbury merger and the growth of both the company. Kraft foods Inc is one of the oldest and largest food and confectionary companies in the world. The company started its journey in the year 1903. Today the products of the company are consumed by billions of people in over 150 countries in the world. The company employs more than 100,000 people. Cadbury, on the other hand is one of the most popular confectionary company. The company is renowned for three different types of confectionary – chocolate, candy and gum. It started its journey in 18th century and it has its presence in 60 countries. The company employs almost 45,000 people. After the merger between these two giants (Kraft and Cadbury) Kraft foods have become the second leading food company in the world. It has also become the number one company in confectionary sector. Its total revenue is found to be almost 50 billion dollars. There are eleven brands; value of each of these is found to be 1 billion dollar. Moreover there are more than 70 brands, each of which is a 100 million dollars brand. It is found that 34% of Kraft’s middle and senior level management is women. Furthermore 30 leaders are found to be from 10 different nationalities (Kraft Foods. Building a global powerhouse). As a result it can be said that there is a diverse global team that is running Kraft Foods Inc. after its merger with Cadbury. In September, 2009 a proposal was made from Kraft foods Inc. to the Cadbury Inc.’s board regarding the merger of two companies. According to CNN, on September

History of the electric guitar and its music Research Paper

History of the electric guitar and its music - Research Paper Example This "History of the electric guitar and its music" research paper outlines electric guitar influenced the music industry. After the release of the Catcher in the Rye, which revolutionized the American youth and created a rebellious nature in them, teenagers who were particularly involved in achieving their dream of becoming a musician picked up the guitar. Guitar was always the first choice with the looks that it brought to a person and the sign of individuality that was illustrated by playing a guitar was its appeal and this fascinated the teenagers and men in their post teens. When rock and roll was at its peak and bands and singers like Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Rolling Stones were dominating the arena of rock and roll, guitar became increasingly important in their influence. Rock and roll also influenced a new genre that was heavily influenced by guitar music now popularly known as metal music. This type of guitar music was influenced by highly amplified distortion, emphatic beats, and a thick, massive sound and over all loudness. Metal Music was traditionally associated with masculinity and machoism. â€Å"Rock music can change things. I know that it changed our lives.†~ Bono (Abbey 2006) The first mass produced electric guitar was created by Les Paul. (Shaughnessy 1993) Although attempts to transform guitar into an electric guitar had been going on for two decades starting the 1930’s, the pioneering inventor of rock and roll who has been given credit for the invention of an electric guitar, was Les Paul. After the Second World War teenagers were becoming more and more rebellious, and they found satisfaction of that rebellious nature in rhythm and blues of which rock and roll was a mirror, which in turn was a map of cultural development and reaction. From the music industry in USA, with blues to today’s hip and hop and hardcore, every musical genre has taken some sort of an inspiration from rock and roll, inspiring musicians while keeping pace with evolving social and political climate. In one way or the other rock and roll has helped to fuel this evolution, breaking down lines of class and tearing apart racial boundaries. Here the point is not that it was created without conflict. As the saying goes, controversy creates cash. rock and roll is

Sales function for a company with foreign sales operation Assignment

Sales function for a company with foreign sales operation - Assignment Example For some time some women thought that by using tampon they will lose their virginity that led them to prefer pads over tampon (James, &Anthony, 2004). The new aggressive advertisements measures are part of high competitive campaigns to help penetrate the overseas market where religious and cultural issues prove to be a barrier. The risk associated with rolling out a single product in global market proved to be too high hence it was acquired by PROCTOR & GAMBLE. Tambrands has become part of P&G which has wide marketing and distribution capabilities. P&G Company has expanded over the recent years by procuring products and marketing the products globally. P&G had a good market reach which includes even third world countries. P&G has always spearheaded the use new media both radio and television as way advertising, in continuation P&G has stepped up its internet activities in the web to promote their products and they have launched a website that provides teenage girls with information about relationship and puberty(James, &Anthony,2004). In areas where the internet is not readily available i.e. sub Saharan Africa a personal approach has been applied by P&G. Working jointly with others like Always, P&G drives fundraiser for the united nations association for the campaign of ‘protecting future’ .a program designed to improve the African girl child

Human resources Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Human resources - Research Paper Example The departments which are likely to be affected include that of cleaners, caterers and orderlies. The hospital deals with unions by giving workers what they deserve. It involves good pay, engaging them in decision making and providing the required support while executing their mandate among many other issues (Phil, 2007). 2. Describe and discuss the three most important legal issues in human resources management. What will you do as a manager about the three issues’ respective importance? Equal employment opportunity law ensures that all employees have equal rights of being employed in any institution. A person is supposed to apply for any job irrespective of national origin, color, sex or region. However, actions are taken against those companies that discriminate against people with disabilities (McLean, Osman-Gani & Cho, 2004). Laws affecting benefits and pay comprise the employment retirement and income security Act which is responsible for health and retirement plans. Als o it ensures that employees are given annual report of the company that they are working with. Lastly, according to McLean, Osman-Gani & Cho, (2004), there is the enforcement agencies.

Western Financial Review Essay Example for Free

Western Financial Review Essay In 21st Century, women have learnt to be at par with men in various sectors of work. Viz. , pilots, engineers, scientists, CEOs and COOs in corporate sector. Banking sector is no exception for women to play a vital role in holding huge responsibilities. Gender difference is longer a taboo whereas a mixed and friendly environment began to sustain in corporate culture. All that matters here, how professionally a woman employee performs in working environment which is both rewarding and prospective for a career. For the year 2007, ‘Western Financial Review’ awarded â€Å"Outstanding Women Banking† viz. , Jackie Johnson, Executive Vice president of Community State Bank in Edgewood, Iowa, Anne Hofstede, Senior Vice President at United Banker’s Bank in Bloomington, Minnesota, Frandsen State Bank in New Ulm, Minnesota, Sharon Berger, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at American Bank Center in Bismarck, N. D, and Cathy Morrissey, Senior Vice President of correspondent banking and area manager for Wells Fargo Bank in Lincoln, Neb. These women have been chosen for the outstanding contribution that has been made to the respective banks in the capacity of respective designations, which is both quite appealing and inspirational for all aspiring women. Job in a bank is not easy, with the fact that a woman has to equip and participate both at domestic level and at working level which has to be managed efficiently and this has been proved successfully by many women in many corporate areas. The job of managing home and kids as home minister and working in corporate sector is both challenging and the image of women in society is of high esteem in this scenario. Sarah Strong is another successful example in women category who has joined the managerial level in Security Bank. Sarah has been performing extremely well year after year, which is why Sarah has been promoted three times with high rating which is a commendable performance for a woman. The problems of Sarah began when Sarah was transferred to a host bank in Mexico City where there were only 20 bank employees under the leadership of William Vitam. Sarah has been facing office-politics, for better or worse, confronted with situations which she handled with courage and positive attitude. Security Bank was supposed to intimate Mr. William Vitam about Sarah Strong, degree of work and a clear letter about Sarah’s role in Mexico city Bank. This was not performed by Security Bank in spite of the fact that Sarah’s contribution to the Security Bank was outstanding. Every bank must hold corporate social responsibility towards its employees when its workforce is on transfer or on deputation to other banks, which is a minimum courtesy to take care of employees. Security Bank has violated human rights especially in ignoring the value of ethics. It is important to take note here that religion and ethical standards are firm on â€Å"Conduct is Right because God commands it right. God commands right conduct because it is right†(Cyndi Banks). Women who are employed in European and American banks continue to face all sort of office-politics. A woman who quit a job in a European Bank states â€Å"One or two European banks in particular have an appealing attitude†. Women in European banks are facing more problems than in American Banks. There are no flexible working hours for women. The internal and external working environment is governed by organization behavior of a bank, whether it is for Security Bank or for host bank. Each bank must follow organization behavior both externally and internally which was not present in either of banks, whereas unwarranted bossism, office-politics, satire was prevailing in bank. This was certainly not expected from banks particularly, when women are making a huge contribution to the success and growth of banking sector. Some of the effective steps that bank should have undertaken is, to at least arrange for an office-politics adviser for the help of Sarah. Advisers would the situation of Sarah, and advise for a suitable action to continue working in a smooth and better environment. Harassment is basically of two types. The first is being direct and intentional and the second being quid pro quo which means â€Å"this for that†. Sarah was facing a sarcastic behavior from William Vitam who was on one side appreciating by saying â€Å" our lady banker† â€Å"my cute assistant† and on the other side, created an atmosphere where bank clients refused to seek the help of Sarah for any transaction and in fact bank Sarah began to receive negative marking for no fault. Sarah was in a fix in an unhealthy work environment, wherein the policies of Vitam were also contradictory in arranging uniforms for all women employees. The code of uniform was inappropriate and was demoralizing the employment of all women employees in bank. With the above scenario, Sarah must on priority basis consult an expert in office-politics and produce a written complaint against William Vitam, submit written complaint to both Security Bank and Mexican city Bank, with a copy to police department, seeking immediate relief from harassment. This is the first option for Sarah. The second option for Sarah is, if in case, Sarah is not interested in the advice of a consultant, with the fact that Sarah being a capable and an efficient woman, can seek the intervention of top management in Security Bank explaining in detail about the job situation in Mexican city bank, and submit a resignation letter and consider a written proof of service and conduct certificate to find a better placement elsewhere in another organization. The third option is to release a management article in popular newspaper or a magazine about women employees in banking sectors or contribute an article public forum in which case, a collective decision would solve the problem of Sarah. As per the above discussion, it can be concluded that both Security Bank and Mexican city bank have violated the rules and regulations of employment and the practice of human resource management. Both the banks do not have sound HR practices and even organizational behavior. One strong evidence for this, could be in the manner Sarah was exploited in bank with which, Sarah was heading towards negative marking in service record. Sarah was entitled to receive an appropriate and considerable greet from Mexican Bank with the kind of services that were rendered to Security Bank in a span of three years. Conclusion Banking sector offers good prospects for women and banking jobs are ideal for women. Every bank must recognize the services of women employees and must not take an easy-go for the services rendered by women employees. Even the problems faced by women employees must be resolved with the practice of human rights and in view corporate social responsibility. References Book Cyndi Banks, Criminal Justice Ethics: Theory and Practice Accessed December 11, 2007 from http://books. google.com/books? id=kwOHPCNaInoCpg=PA273lpg=PA272ots=L7EbrRCIshdq=ethics+for+women+in+banksie=ISO-8859-1output=htmlsig=T4fkqmMxxo6Va50kLplGO9CnD5s Influence at Work: The 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking Accessed December 11, 2007 from http://www. americanbanker. com/25mpwib/about. html Sandin, Erik (2007) Northwestern Financial Review, 2007 Outstanding women in Banking Accessed December 11, 2007 from http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_qa3799/is_20071115/ai_n21124748

Study On Improving Team Performance Management Essay

Study On Improving Team Performance Management Essay Performance management includes activities to ensure that goals of the organization are consistently being met in an effective and efficient manner. It also contributes to the effective management of individuals and teams in order to achieve high levels of organizational performance. Performance management can focus on performance of the organization, a department, processes to build a product or service or the employees. It is about the organizational long-term goals and should link various aspects of the business, people management, and individuals and teams. Performance management should involve performance improvement, development and managing behavior. Unless there is a continuous development of individuals and teams, performance will not improve. The CIPD has identified the performance management by saying that it is:about establishing a culture in which individuals and groups take responsibility for the continuous improvement of business processes and of their own skills, behavior and contributions. It is about sharing expectations. Managers can clarify what they expect individual and teams to do; likewise individuals and teams can communicate their expectations of how they should be managed and what they need to do their jobs. It follows that performance management is about interrelationships and about improving the quality of relationships between managers and individuals, between managers and teams, between members of teams and so on, and is therefore a joint process. It is also about planning defining expectations expressed as objectives and in business plans and about measurement; the old dictum is If you cant measure it, you cant manage it. It should apply to all employees, not just managers, and to teams as much as individuals. It is a continuous process, not a one-off event. Last but not least, it is holistic and should pervade every aspect of running an organization. Now I work on a packing line in the Farm Packhouse. My day to day responsibilities involve: making sure that the punnets packed by me have the right weight and the quality meets the supermarket standards, ensuring the right labels are being used, separating first from second class, looking for progressive and non-progressive defects. I work on a packing line with five more girls. From my observation the problems that arise in our team come from poor communication between us, e.g. sometimes the line is overloaded and we need to stop packing, but not everyone is doing that. Also, due to poor communication and planning between and line leader and packhouse management, sometimes we have to wait for fruit or we will start packing and they will ask us to stop as we need to change the fruit in accordance to the orders. In these particular examples my responsibilities are limited as I am not the line leader and I am not responsible for planning the work. If there is a break down in the team communication, I talk to the other team members and try to explain that if we work together as one team and listen to each other we will be more productive and it will benefit us all. Another thing that is also an issue sometimes is the quality of the fruit that we have to pack. The quality controllers will have different opinion about the same fruit and one will say that we have to be very careful and tip the fruit and the other one will say that the fruit is good and we do not need to be so accurate. Again, I am quite limited as to how I can change this. One of my SMART objectives for the coming year is to become a QC. I am planning to talk to the QA manager and say from a packers point of view how this is disturbing our work. I will propose that the fruit is approved for packing by two QCs before it is loaded on the line, so that issues like that are minimised. I would say that the performance in our team is good. We work hard and make sure we do our job at the best of our abilities. Of course, sometimes our performance is not as good as it can be, but I believe this can be changed by better communication, clearer instructions, further training and more involvement. I believe that the leader on my line will benefit from with is performance. Some of his main duties include making sure we have enough fruit of the right quantity and quality on the line, making sure we have the right labels for the fruit we are packing, motivation and increasing the team performance, coordinating our work and breaks, putting the right labels on the pallets so that the packed fruit goes to the right supermarket. He and the other line leaders meet the Packhouse Assistant Manager in the morning after the daily orders have arrived, and they make the plan for the day. As mentioned above, I think that sometimes there is a lack in the communication about the right packing order of the fruit, e.g. which fruit has to be packed first based on the supermarket requirements. Also, his communication with the team can be improved. He does not get us involved as much as we would like to be involved. He finds it really hard to work under pressure and in there has been situation when he will be really stressed and this will affect his attitude towards us. I believe that our team leader needs to improve his communication both with us, his team and the management. He should involve us in the planning and the quality issues. Employees will only be able to perform at their best if they know their duties, obligations and rights and have an opportunity of making their views known to management on issues that affect them. Good communications is central to the management process and assume critical importance when dealing with changes in working practices and procedures. All managers need to communicate and consult with employees in order to be effective but they also need to exchange information with other managers. My thoughts can be supported by ACAS view on that topic: Employee communication and consultation offer many benefits although, done well, they require time and money. In particular good employee communications and consultation can: improve organizational performance improve management performance and decision making allowing employees to express their views can help managers and supervisors arrive at sound decisions which can more readily be accepted by employees as a whole; Improve employees performance and commitment employees will perform better if they are given regular, accurate information about their jobs such as updated technical instructions, targets, deadlines and feedback. Their commitment is also likely to be enhanced if they know what the organization is trying to achieve and how they, as individuals, can influence decisions help develop greater trust discussing issues of common interest and allowing employees an opportunity of expressing their views can engender improved management/employee relations increase job satisfaction employees are more likely to be motivated if they have a good understanding of their job and how it fits into the organisation as a whole and are actively encouraged to express their views and ideas. encourage a more flexible working environment employers can help to promote a good work-life balance within the organisation by talking to all their staff about developing flexible working policies and practices Communications and consultation are not, and should not, be an end in themselves. Nevertheless, used properly they have a key role to play both in ensuring the business success of organizations and in involving and empowering employees. In our case, if we trust the instructions given to us by the line leader, if we know exactly what is expected from us, if we know that the instructions will not change, if we are involved in the decision making, if our ideas are considered, we will feel motivated and our performance will increase. Never the less we work on piece rate and our performance is measured by the output, which means the more we pack the more we will earn, a job satisfaction and fulfillment will give us a long lasting motivation and performance drive. This is supported by Herzbergs motivation according to which people are influenced by two factors: Satisfaction and psychological growth are a result of motivation factors. Dissatisfaction is a result of a lack of hygiene factors Examples of Herzbergs hygiene needs in the workplace are: relationship with supervisor, work conditions, salary, status, security, relationship with subordinates. Herzbergs research identified that true motivators were other completely different factors, notably: achievement, recognition, work itself, responsibility. Most managers realize that a happy workforce leads to improved performance which holds equally well for leadership and training. Performance counselling is a powerful motivational tool and can be defined as a formal discussion between a manager and a subordinate for the purpose of discussing the subordinates current job performance, determining why the performance is at its current level and outlining ways in which the subordinate can perform better in the future to the ultimate benefit of all: the subordinate, the manager and the organisation. They key is to focus on the future. The challenge to the manager is to provide a climate in which employee growth is actively encouraged. The team leaders at Hall Hunter Partnership are offered and attend different trainings. To help improve our team and our line leaders performance HHP can organize communication training and performance management training for the team leaders. At these courses things like improving communication, involving the workers, motivation theories (Maslow, Herzberg, equity, expectancy and goal motivation theories) should be discussed and examined in details. Also there should be regular meetings between the team and the leader, at which responsibilities, daily planning, weak and strong performance issues must be discussed. Another issue in our team is that in some situations our line leader does not treat all workers in the team equally. If there is a problem with the quality he might focus on couple of people from the team and constantly check their trays. This de-motivates these particular works and their performance becomes poor. The above is supported by Adams equity theory, according to which motivation is about the perception of fair and unfair treatment and distribution of resources between the employee and the employer. In order to improve our team performance and to deal with the performance issues our team has, I believe the following should be done: Have better communication both between the team and the line leader and the line leader and the packhouse management- this can be done by weekly meetings (on a Monday) at which the whole team meets and we discuss issues from the previous week and share ideas. These meetings will also help us build a team spirit so that we all feel involved as being part of a team. Have better planning- at the beginning of the day our line leader should meet the management and ask for the plan for the day. As we arrive at work he should share that with us. Attend training courses- the line leaders at the Packhouse should attend training courses which will improve their performance, which will also lead to improved team performance. Suitable courses I believe can be motivation, communication, stress management, planning courses. Treat all workers in the team equally- when the line leaders knows that we will be packing a poor quality fruit, he should have a meeting with all of us, describe the problem and monitor everyones performance in the same way. HHP has clear disciplinary and grievance procedures. Both of them are displayed in the farm office and in the induction. All workers are made aware of the policies as soon as they arrive on site. To make sure that they all understand them well, the company has translated them in four languages- Russian, Bulgarian, Romanian and Polish. The stages of the disciplinary procedure are verbal warning, written warning and dismissal. If a worker needs to be dismissed he is invited to a disciplinary meeting. All workers can be accompanied by a representative at the meeting. After that the worker can appeal if he does not agree with the outcomes of the meeting. The minutes of the meetings are always recorded and signed by the employee and the manager. It is really important that all meetings are recorded and an investigation is carried first. The consequence of making the wrong decision, or not following procedures, could lead to a claim to an employment tribunal and a subsequent award. In addi tion to any award, there are the costs of legal fees, poor productivity, lost management time and any effect on morale. In the summer I am a team leader on the field. I am responsible for monitoring the quality, making sure the lines are picked well, motivating the team to increase the performance, monitoring the workers performance. On our farm the workers are paid on piece work and set daily targets for them which they need to achieve. The first week they are in training period and we teach them how to pick. After that they start working on piece rate and their performance is monitored and they are given the targets- picked trays per hour. If they fail to achieve the rates they go through the disciplinary procedure. I, as a team leader, am responsible for the early stages of the disciplinary process. If there is a worker in my team who is not meeting the targets I will first try to find out why is that, check his picking technique, try to show him how he can pick fast. I will use counselling, will have a quiet word with the worker in question. If the performance is still poor and there is no improvement I will speak with the harvest manager. At that point the disciplinary procedure will come in force. The worker will be invited to a meeting at which both I and the harvest manager will be present. He will be issued with a verbal warning for poor performance. In more serious situations where the worker has conducted a gross misconduct- stealing a tray, changing the labels on a tray, fighting, coming drunk to work I will contact the harvest manager straight way. The worker will be dismissed by the harvest manager and no work will be offered to him. I always encourage my workers and tell them that if they have a complaint or a grievance they should come and talk to me first. Depending on the issue I will either try to solve the problem or get the harvest manager and the HR manager involved. The farm has also a worker council lead by the worker welfare representative. The workers know that they can discuss their problems there. The HR manager is involved in their meetings. The HR manager visits the sites regularly and speaks with the workers. Her telephone number is displayed on the notice board and the workers know they can contact her with any issues. I always encourage my workers to come and talk to me first. I try to have an open relationship with them, to treat them well and equally, to support and help them. If they have a complaint against me, I hope they come and talk to me first and try to resolve the issue together. The employees have very important part and a crucial role of running the business smoothly and efficiently. Using performance management can ensure that the employees not only fulfill their responsibilities, but do so to the best of their abilities and up to the company expectations. Performance management makes sure the employer uses the full potential of the staff. It is a process starting from monitoring and developing the desired traits to rating their progress and rewarding them for their achievements. The mere making of plans alone will not help a company to run business successfully. Focusing on the appropriate ways to get business tasks done is really important. One way of doing this efficiently is to involve the employees in the planning process. This will not only boost their morale and confidence, but also help avoid any communication gaps in the process. Measuring the performance of every employee is also important. This ensures that tasks are efficiently completed on time and on or under budget. It also points out any shortcomings of either the staff or business plans, and helps to take the appropriate corrective actions. Performance management gives the tools to instill the desired qualities in the employees in order to get the job done. Development is not limited to only individuals in the workplace, but also addresses the performance of the team as a whole. Evaluating and rating the performance of the employees on an individual basis is essential. This gives them a clear picture of where they presently stand, areas that they need to work on and what they are good at. This way, they can focus more on their weaknesses and work to strengthen those areas. Rewarding and appreciating the employees efforts ensures that their level of their performance and consequently the performance of the business is not compromised. It ensures optimum productivity, performance and maximum profitability. Rewarding the staff for a job well done not only enhance their performance but also serves as a tool to keep them motivated. Therefore, performance management is an effective system that allows companies to achieve their strategic and financial goals.

Modelling Of 3 Phase Transmission Line Engineering Essay

Modelling Of 3 Phase Transmission Line Engineering Essay Transmission line is a medium to transmit electric energy from one place to another for long distances with the aim is to reduce and economically. Voltage, current, power and power factor are the main point must be considered at the sending end and receiving end. Typically, in Malaysia the overhead transmission line was used because cost and maintenance can be handle easily. As we know, the transmission line produced high strength of electric and magnetic field under the tower. Based on that, this project will modeling transmission line using Finite Element Method (FEM) focus on level voltage 275kV. The result of simulation of the transmission line model will analyze electric and magnetic field under transmission line tower. 2.0 Problem statement It is well known understand that the Transmission Line for 275kV produced high strength of electric and magnetic field under the tower. In other word, the field strength of electric field may create higher stress to the tower that may also tend to create high risk to the tower as well as to the insulator to be used. Another issue is how much tendency of magnetic field to be effect to the human and environment has be identified wisely. However, the real measurement under 275kV transmission line tower may give high risk. Therefore, the best idea is to carry out the information as mention above is by performing simulation study. 3.0 Objective To collect the 275kV Transmission Line specification. To model the 275kV Transmission Line using Finite Element Method (FEM) To simulate the 275kV Transmission Line using Finite Element Method (FEM) To analyze the electric magnetic field generated by the 275kV Transmission Line model 4.0 Scope The scope of this project are :- Specification is based on TenagaNasionalBerhad (TNB) 275kV Transmission Line. Transmission Line modelling using Finite Element Method (FEM) software. 5.0 Literature survey and project background AnÂÂ  electric power systemÂÂ  is a network of electrical components used to supply, transmit and use electric power. The main parts of electric power system areÂÂ  generation, transmission system, distribution system and load. At generation part, to generate an electrical energy on large scale, energy must be generate from the various sources energy such as oil, natural gas and other. Then, the transmission system transmit or carries current that generate from generation and distribution system feeds electric to load such as consumer and industry. This project will discuss further about transmission line system.[1] 5.1 Transmission Line Transmission line or power line are important part in power network. Other than that, based on theory, transmission line also can be describe as propagation of electric waves along the transmission line. There are many factor must consider to design transmission line. Such as transmission voltage level, types of tower, environment and others. The transmission line also can be constructed in two ways, overhead transmission line and underground transmission line. 5.1.1 Underground Transmission Line In underground system, the cable must be selective because all conductor must be insulated in this system. Therefore, the voltage level for this system will below 66kV cause difficult to find insulation for high voltage. Underground transmission line usually use at crowded areas because the cable used preferred compare with overhead use bare conductor not suitable at that areas.[1] 5.1.2 Overhead Transmission Line Overhead transmission line usually use for transmit electric for over long distances. In this system, spacing between the tower and the conductor are very important cause to avoid an electric discharge between the conductors. The appropriate spacing between the conductor will produce insulation between them. This system also expose to fault such as short circuit, breakage of line and lightening. But it easy to troubleshoot and repair compare to underground transmission line. However, it difficult to find exact point of fault cause transmission line are very long. Other than that, between the tower and the conductor must have insulation to make the transmission more safety when do it maintenance. [1] 5.2 Types of Transmission Line Transmission line be separated two part AC transmission line voltage and High Voltage DC transmission line (HVDC). 5.2.1 High Voltage DC Transmission Line The main factor affecting the cost of energy increases is the process of transmission lines to transmit the power to the load away from power generation. To overcome this issue that is usually done AC transmission line is using HVDC transmission line. The HVDC transmission line requires conversion at two ends, from AC to DC at the sending end and back to AC at the receiving end. The converter are static using high power thyristors connected in series to give the required voltage ratings. The physical process of conversion is such that the same station can switch from rectifier to inverter by simple control action, thus facilitating power reversal.[2] Figure 5.2.1: Variation of costs with line length[4] Figure above show the variation of costs of transmission line with distance for AC and DC transmission. Based on figure, before break even distance, cost of AC transmission is reasonable and economical than DC transmission. Before the break even distance point, the distance is around 500 to 800 km, so after that point or longer distance HVDC transmission line more economical than AC transmission.[2] 5.2.2 AC Transmission Line Transmission line also can be classified into three types such as short transmission line, medium transmission line and long transmission line. For short transmission a length less than 80km, medium transmission between 80km until 240km and long transmission have length more 240km.[] Normally, the power grids also have three level of voltage; High voltage (HV), medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV). In Malaysia, based on fact from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), AC transmission line have standard voltage called National Grid. Below are standard voltage of AC transmission line:- i) 132kV ii) 275kV iii) 500kV 5.3 Modelling Transmission Line For this project focus on 275kV transmission line modelling. Before go through below some journal refer to this project. Based on journal titled Modelling and Analysing of a 275kV HVAC Transmission Line for Power System Transient Studies written by M. Z. A. Ab Kadir and C. Y Jay. In this journal, it discuss the efficiency and power losses of transmission line via the concept of travelling wave. This case study had be done at Kampung Awah- Paka, Terengganu. This paper was model transmission line using PSCAD/EMTDC software which they want analyze the efficiency between the frequency dependent model and PI-section model. Before design or model transmission line on simulation, this paper had consider three important parameter such as series resistance, series inductance and shunt capacitor. Based on tower information below, this paper obtained the parameter such as resistance, inductance and capacitance via calculation. From the information are given, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) such as Table 1, design PI-section model. Line name KAWA-PAKA Tower type System Voltage Frequency Line length Conductor diameter Bundle spacing Ground to conductor height Horizontal spacing Vertical spacing Double circuit lattice Three phase 275kV 50Hz 160km 24.16mm 400mm 12630 7300mm 13000mm Table 5.3: Parameter of 275kV KAWA-PAKA lattice tower[1] After consider all parameter, this paper construct design PI-section model using PSCAD/EMTDC software for 160km an overhead transmission line. To model 160km an overhead transmission line, this paper used eight identical pi-sections are connected series which each PI-section represent 20km of transmission line. By terminating the surge impedance at the end of transmission line, the efficiency can be measure. Figure 5.3.1: Line surge impedance using PI-section model [1] For the frequency dependent model, this project used it as a reference cause it is the most accurate model. From this model also, we can learn the transient or harmonic behaviour of a line. Figure 2 show frequency dependent model. Figure 5.3.2 : Line surge impedance using frequency dependent model[1] Both model are carried out using three different test such as, short circuit test, open circuit test and line surge impedance test. Line surge impedance test is a real line with minimum losses and both other are used to demonstrate the behaviour of the travelling wave. Section Model % differences Pi-section Freq. Dependent Pi-section Freq. Dependent 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 273.59 272.72 271.87 271.04 270.24 269.69 268.69 267.95 272.97 271.28 269.32 267.10 264.63 263.55 263.01 262.22 0.33 0.65 0.96 1.26 1.55 1.84 2.11 2.38 0.56 1.17 1.88 2.69 3.59 3.98 4.18 4.47 Table 5.4 : Summary of Pi-section and Frequency dependent model Result of output voltage of each 20km section are summarized in Table above. From the Table, result of this project show the output voltage of Pi-section model and Frequency Dependent model are approximately same. In the real transmission line system, we expect voltage level before step up or step down at substation are maintain. Based on Table above, compare the output voltage of the Frequency dependent low than Pi section because the frequency dependent model consider all losses such as hysteresis, corona effect, eddy current losses in nearby ferromagnetic materials and induced losses in nearby short circuited non ferromagnetic material while Pi-section model only consider proximity effect and skin effect. Conclude from that, the efficiency both model are acceptable and approximately same. An efficiency percentage for Pi-section model is 97.6% and Frequency dependent model 95.5%. This project successful in modelled Pi-section model using PSCAD/EDMTC software and analyzed by compare with Frequency dependent model.[3] Second journal titled Power Flow Assesment in Transmission Lines using Simulink Model with UPFC written by Ch. Chengajah and R. V. S.Satyanarayana. This paper discuss about the performance of a single and double transmission line system (6.6/22)kV using UPFC or without UPFC model. UPFC is a Unified Power Flow Controller which it can improve capability of power transfer or in other word to provide comprehensive control of power flow in transmission system.[4] This paper model the transmission line using Simulink to connected with UPFC model. Figure below show the transmission line model with UPFC device by using Simulink. From the figure show the double circuit 22kV and 6.6kV interconnected with UPFC model. UPFC device function to control voltage profile as the real and reactive power in the transmission line.[4] Figure5.3.2: Transmission line model with UPFC device[4] Table below show the result of power flow and voltage profile transmission line model with UPFC and without UPFC. Parameter 6.6kV Line 22kV Line Without UPFC With UPFC Without UPFC With UPFC Voltage magnitude(kV) 2.926 2.961 9.754 5.162 Real Power(MW) 0.274 0.281 3.050 0.854 Reactive Power(Mvar) 0.205 0.210 2.280 0.639 Table 5.5: Result power flow and voltage profile[4] Based on table above, this paper compare three parameter such as voltage magnitude, real power and reactive power. From that, an improvement can see for both transmission line when interconnect with UPFC. From that, this paper suggest improvement in transmission line system.[4] 5.5 Summary Based on both journal discussed different step to model transmission line. For first journal, using PSCAD software, the paper make comparison efficiency between PI-section model and Frequency Dependent model. The paper construct by consider parameter such as resistance, inductance and capacitor to model transmission line. Then, PI-section model had been construct which each PI-model represent 20km. The simulation had be done not like real transmission line system but result at end of experiment approximately same. Figure 5.3.1: Line surge impedance using PI-section model [3] For second journal, it use MATLAB/SIMULINK software to model transmission line. This paper discuss about function Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) in transmission system to improve voltage and power profile. This paper also consider value parameter such as resistance, inductance and capacitor to construct the model. Figure 5.5 22kV Transmission Line Simulink Model[2] Figure 5.5 above show example 22kV transmission line simulink model. At this end of this paper show result comparison between transmission line system with and without Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC). Therefore, this project propose to use Finite Element Method(FEM) to model transmission line. This project will model transmission line like a real transmission line using specification Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). This project focus on 275kV HVAC transmission line and will model like real tower for 275kV transmission line. Besides that, significant of this project also can see electric and magnetic field at transmission line. From that, this project analyze further about effect electric field and magnetic field to human and environment. 6.0 Methodology Start Collect the 275kV Transmission Line specification. Model the 275kV Transmission Line using Finite Element Method (FEM) Troubleshooting simulation Simulate the 275kV Transmission Line using Finite Element Method (FEM) Results Electric field and magnetic field Analyze the electric magnetic field generated by the 275kV Transmission Line model End Figure 6.0: Flow chart of Final Year Project 6.1 Collect the 275kV Transmission Line specification. In this process, the specification of data of 275kV tower in Malaysia is needed to be collect from TNB (Tenaga Nasional Berhad). The data that need to be collect is the tower height from ground level, the distance between phase to ground, the distance between phase to phase, and distance between ground wire to phase. Other than that, types and size conductor that used for 275kV also need to collect. 6.2 Model the 275kV Transmission Line using Finite Element Method (FEM) Based on data collection, model transmission lines tower with the conductor such as specification that used by TNB using Finite Element Method (FEM). 6.3 Simulate the 275kV Transmission Line using Finite Element Method (FEM). For this step, simulate the model transmission line 275kV that construct before using Finite Element Method (FEM). 6.4 Results Electric field and magnetic field The expected result are to modelling transmission lines using new method using FEM. Other than that, this project also expected to produce electric field and magnetic field at transmission lines from one point to next point. 6.5 Analyze the electric magnetic field generated by the 275kV Transmission Line Analyze the electric magnetic field around transmission line 275kV model based on display from simulation. 7.0 Expected Results/Benefit The result of this project should be able to design transmission line model using Finite Element Method (FEM) where the model must satisfied 275kV transmission line specification from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). The model are include electric field and magnetic field. From that, analyze the result based on electric field and magnetic field around the transmission line model. This project will develop new method and new software to model transmission line with electric field and magnetic field by using Finite Element Method (FEM) from ANSYS Maxwell. 8.0 Milestones Task Date expectation Complete literature review on the design of Three Phase Transmission Line including the characteristic needed in design modeling. Nov 2012 Complete search and collect data of 275kV transmission line Jan 2013 Complete analyze the function of Finite Element Method to calculate the magnetic field and electric field. March 2013 Complete design optimization April 2013 Complete testing model with different parameter and analyze May 2013 Final report writing (including paper/journal writing) and presentation June 2013

Impossible To Get Rid Of Violence On Television :: essays research papers

TV Violence: Impossible To Get Rid of Violence on Television   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tear gas flushes a gunman out of a house where he had been held up. He comes out shooting, then falls in a hail of bullets from the S.W.A.T team. A film of the shoot-out and removal of the gunman's body appear on the on the evening news. Is this what Americans want to watch, or should it be censored out of the news? Many people think it should be banned. But would that be breaking the first amendment?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I believe that TV doesn't control what people do, people control what people do. There was violence before TV was invented, but people can't blame themselves, so they blame TV for their problems. In most shows murderers get caught or killed. Why would someone want to take the risk of getting killed just to act like someone on TV?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Getting rid of TV violence will not change the way people think. People will always think of violence. How could they of anything else? Violence is everywhere, TV, Music, Movies, Video games, news, and newspaper. You would have to ban all violence to stop people from thinking about it. TV is not the only problem. Is there too much TV violence, or is it just what people want to see? In a recent survey, violent scenes in nonfictional shows went up 150% and in fictional shows they went up 39%. The overall violence went up 41%.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What about the V-chip? The chip that would block out violence and sex on TV.

San Diego Mormon Temple and the Chartres Cathedral in France Essay

San Diego Mormon Temple and the Chartres Cathedral in France The San Diego Mormon Temple bases its architecture on gothic roots; where the epitome of early gothic architecture is the Chartres Cathedral in France. The Mormon Temple is made of white aggregate stone and stucco, very angular and massive, built as a Gothic revival temple. Designed by William Lewis, Jr., the architect took into consideration Mormon temples in Salt Lake City and Washington, D.C. Hugely bulky at the base, the Mormon Temple rises from an enormous mound of earth, that conceals the lower floor. Built for the Mormons residing in Southern California, this temples marks the forty-fifth Mormon temple in the world. However, since its closing to the public in April 1993, only Mormons in "good standing" are now able to enter and use this massive structure. Situated in a suburban community of La Jolla/University City, the 59,000 square foot building is surrounded by shopping centers, residential areas and office buildings. There is no escaping the "angular, white monstrosity's" impact on the city. The gothic/space age temple capitalizes on an elevated sites that is close to the freeway, where thousands of motorists pass it daily. The original Chartres Cathedral was designed by Fulbert and lasted until 1194, when a fire destroyed almost the entire church. The townspeople pulled together to make a large contribution to the reconstruction of the cathedral (Miller, Malcolm, Chartres Cathedral, Riverside Book Company, 1980, p.5). The present Chartres Cathedral is largely the work of the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries. However, there are substantial remains of older monuments, notably in the crypt and on the wes... .... The rituals and ceremonies that occurred in that time, fit the design of the church. Similarly, the Mormon Temple's unusual shaped rooms and structures fits the uses intended for them by the Latter Day Saints. The San Diego Temple is not by any means a duplicate of the Chartres Cathedral. It merely borrowed some aesthetic features characteristic of the Gothic style of architecture. The Chartres Cathedral can be seen as the bridge between the early to high Gothic periods back in medieval times, a classic. The Mormon Temple, however, is only a conglomeration of architectural elements designed to meet the needs of the Latter Day Saints. It cannot be put in the same class as classical Cathedral of Chartres. The two churches, while both drawing attention to themselves, one does it in a classical way, the other, making a spectacle of itself. href=index.html> back to va11

How Does Barack Obama Engage His Audience

Barack Obama engages his audience through means of promoting inclusivity, an informal friendly stance and a family appeal. The non-verbal communication and rhetorical devices Obama uses adds up to a very engaging speech. I will be comparing Obama’s race speech in Philadelphia with the David Letterman interview. The structure of Obama’s Speech is very important. The words are made to flow from beginning to end, without break. The speech starts by Obama placing himself in history with the 1787 US Constitution – this factual evidence establishes Obama’s authenticity. The main body of the speech has a recurring theme of a ‘perfect’ America that ‘could be and should be’ perfected over time. He claims that America ‘may never be perfect’ but it can ‘always be perfected’. This encourages hope for the future generations within the audience. This repetition is memorable and has emphasis on the future generation, gaining the support of the families. Another key feature of the structure is the rule of three. Obama uses many words repeatedly, for example, ‘constitution’. A union between the government and its people is also a repetitive theme, as it tightens the bondage with all the people, ‘black or white’. The end of the speech is simple but blunt to the point – ‘but this is where we start’. This again places him in history, and gives the speech a circular form. Establishing rapport with the audience is a key in any speech. Obama’s main method is using non-verbal communication (NVC’s). A simple ‘chop’ gesture is often used throughout Obama’s interview and sometimes speeches. It separates selected points to emphasise them to the audience, and is a subtle gesture to show Obama’s organisation. Eye contact is also essential, as it will engage individual crowd members, making them feel enlightened or special. Stories are used to engage the audience on a more personal level, especially if they are about children. This was the case about the end of Obama’s speech, where he speaks about Ashley, a young girl who brought together black and white people. The single phrase’ I’m here because of Ashley’ indicates a pause where Obama consolidates and the audience take in the whole story. Just because this story was a bout a child the supporters are engages on so much of a more personal level, and the moment of recognition between the ‘young white girl and the old black man’ is magnified in its glory. Then Obama slowly flows into the end paragraph – ‘this is where we start’. The whole speech is very serious, unlike Obama’s interview with David letterman, where humour was the main method to win support of the audience. Small things like Obama’s clothes, posture or background made a huge difference in both the speech and the interview. For example, Obama is very relaxed and moves his hands a lot during the letterman interview. On the other hand, Obama is very static during the speech, the background is also important, as in the race speech the background is embellished with lots of huge American flags. This shows Obama’s authenticity and patriotism. In the interview, there was a more relaxed cosmopolitan New York background. Obama uses many forms of non-verbal communication (NVC’s) to establish a strong rapport with his audience. Firstly, Obama begins with his hands pointing at the crowd, signalling the start. He uses this o calm down the crowd and to attract their attention. During the speech he often holds his hands out in a ‘welcoming embrace’. This is more personal and shows that he is an open, friendly person. He also holds his hands out straight out to emphasise a point or idea – this catches the audience’s attention, making them remember the point. Obama went on the David Letterman show to reveal his more relaxed side to America. It was his opportunity to reach a different type of audience. Very like his speeches he kept to a strict timing, where he has pauses for the audience –except that he left time for letterman to reply. For example, after being asked a question, Obama would pause and let the question sink in. While telling a joke on the show, he would never laugh at it and would keep a ‘dead pan’ face. This is because he then counts on the audience to laugh for him. He also used many filler words, such as ‘basicly’ to space out questions and awnsers evenly. Similarly to the race speech, Obama placed himself in history, mentioning JFK, FDR; similar to when he mentioned the 1787 Philadelphia conference. However, unlike the race speech; Obama was excellent at making good eye contact with the audience. This was because the audience at the race speech was much larger than the one at the David Letterman show. He also showed good willingness to joke – which engaged the audience into his conversation with Letterman. This is how the speech was similar with the interview; in both Obama was keen to establish a strong rapport with the audience. Unlike the race speech, Obama uses many slang or friendly words during the interview. He describes people as ‘folks’ and his family as ‘goofs’; showing the audience that underneath the fancy tie and suit he is just a normal guy. Obama uses many rhetorical devices to engage his audience during his race speech. The first three words in Obama’s speech are: ‘four years ago’. This is the start of a story (anecdotes) and is also used as an icebreaker. It calms the audience down –they might not hear it, but it signifies the start of the speech. The personal story gets the audience interested and focused. Then the collective pronoun, ‘you’ is used: ‘I stood before you and†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ This addresses the crowd as one and is used so every body feels included – it is inclusive. Phrases such as ‘our children and grandchildren’ promotes the feeling of inclusivity and again wins the support of families – it makes everyone feel that they are in on the ‘Obama deal’. Along with the collective pronouns Obama strings together emotive language, such as ‘victims of racial abuse’ instead of just people. This makes the speech feel very personal. One of the most important rhetorical devices he used was the rule of 3. This is the repeating of 3 certain phrases or words so they catch the audience’s attention and make it memorable. In the 5th paragraph he uses the rule of 3 to emphasise a ‘more caring, more equal and more prosperous America’. This slogan stays in the heads of the supporters. Another example of the rule of three is where Obama says ‘ordinary men and women, students and soldiers, farmers and teachers’. As well as the three pairs, he starts with ordinary men and women. This is used so he can relate with the audience, creating a better rapport. Also in that sentence was alliteration: ‘students and soldiers’. This also is easily remembered. Obama also has a repeating theme of the ‘American promise’. This repeating theme is used so it will stick in the audience’s head. Timing is essential within a speech. There is strong modulation within the context of the speech, as Obama will pause to evaluate after a lengthy paragraph or strong point. This separates certain points and gives the audience time to take in the speech. The tone of voice also sets a background atmosphere to his speech – for example, during a theoretical or metaphorical sentence; Obama would get louder in a crescendo before almost shouting at the end of the sentence. This is always followed by a huge applause and long pause. Obama pauses after his icebreaker: ‘Four years ago’ – this gives his audience time to calm and let them know that is his turn to speak. In conclusion, Obama uses many unconventional and interesting techniques as well as hand gestures to engage his audience, to appear either more friendly or serious. In comparison between the race speech and the Letterman interview, in the speech Obama is much more static and serious, while in the interview he is more relaxed and friendly.

Related Literature Essay

Reading is an important skill to help people learn from human knowledge and experience. Through reading, knowledge has greatly contributed to the growth of mankind. Reading is the fastest and simplest way to raise people’s educational level (Hung & Tzeng, 2001). Thus, reading also improves the cognitive perspective of a person. No people are more educated unless they read. Reading also enhances not only the brain, but the awareness of a person to different words that he/she didn’t encounter before. It increases one’s vocabulary and comprehension. Through reading also, many people increased their critical thinking skills especially when finding the main ideas or for analytical purposes. In short, reading is the best and only way of enabling humans to absorb new experience and replace old views. Reading is a process of how information is processed from the text into meanings, starting the information from the text, and ending what the reader gains. Goodman (1976) and Smith (1973) indicated that reading is a language process, not merely the sum of various decoding and comprehension skills. In short reading is the process of reconstructing the author’s ideas, perspective and information. On the other hand, Aikat (2007) stated that the â€Å"the act of reading is a dynamic transaction between the reader and the text† (p. 700), an idea taken from Louise M. Rosenblatt’s 1978 book, The Reader, The Text, The Poem. According to the aforementioned book, there are two kinds of reading – reading for leisure, called Aesthetic Reading and Efferent Reading in order to gain information. Efferent readers read for the purpose of the facts they will learn, while aesthetic readers read for the reading experience making it easier for them to â€Å"connect emotionally† to the text. In order to for readers to attain this connection and fully comprehend the text that they read, Dolch (1951) asserted that the process of reading requires the different capabilities of the mind, as the reader processes words and their meanings. To become a skilled reader, children need a rich language and conceptual base, a broad and deep vocabulary and verbal easoning abilities to understand messages that are conveyed through print. Children also must develop code-related skills, an understanding that spoken words are composed of smaller elements of speech (phonological awareness); the idea that letters represent these sounds (the alphabetic principle), the many systematic correspondences between sounds and spellings, and a repertoire of highly familiar words that can be easily and auto matically recognized (McCardle & Chhabra, 2004; McCardle, Scarborough, & Catts, 2001). According to Carrell, Pharis and Liberto (1989), they explained the term metacognition refers to a reader’s understanding of any cognitive process. Metacognition in the context of reading consists of a reader’s knowledge of strategies for learning from texts, and the control readers have their own actions while reading for different purposes. In brief, metacognition refers to awareness of one’s own reading processes (Brown 1980). It means awareness of one’s own understanding and non-understanding of reading strategies, and of monitoring comprehension during reading. Nuttal (1996) proposed that learners needed to understand how texts worked and what they did while reading, they must monitor also their own comprehension. For example, students are able to recognize that they don’t understand a text, and then adopt a strategy that will improve matters.

Maya Angelou Essay – not completed.

The poem I choose to write about Is â€Å"Still I Rise† by Maya Angelo. The reason why I choose this poem over the others is because it really puts on display her courage, and strength even throughout her very grim life. Maya instills the mood of the poem by using many literary devices. The mood of the poem is empowerment, and strength even through anything you may possible be going through.A simile she used in the poem was in the third stanza, where she says † Just like moons and like suns, With certainty of tides. Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise. † What I interpreted her saying was, no matter how low she may be, or even be at rock bottom she still will come back to the top. I liked how she used the moon and the sun as an example, Just for the sole reason everyone knows how the suns rises and sets everyday. I personally like this stanza the best Just because of her optimism.It really shows how she has courage In herself. I'm sure everyone can conne ct to this Tanta. Maya uses repetition with the word â€Å"Rise† to show that she has gotten over and risen above racism. In the stanza where she says, â€Å"you may trod me in the very dirt but still, like dust ill rise† it stresses to the reader one of the main points in the poem, that no matter how unfair people will treat her because of her skin, she will let them bring her down and will stand up against them. The main point in that line is the rising dust.For dust to rise, it must be messed with from the ground for it to leave ND rise, which represents Mama's overcoming of racism. Her enemies, on the floor and because they have â€Å"unsettled† her by treating her wrong, she choose to stay strong which Is her rising above them all, going against racism. The way she uses repetition Is also used Maya, repeats the words â€Å"l rise† more than 4 times In the last part. This stresses the theme of the poem, letting us know what she was trying to say in th e beginning, when she was comparing herself to rising dust from the ground.

Frostbite Chapter 22

TWENTY-TWO HORROR AND SHOCK CONSUMED ME, so much so that I thought my soul would shrivel, that the world would end right then and there- because surely, surely it couldn't keep going on after this. No one could keep going on after this. I wanted to shriek my pain to the universe. I wanted to cry until I melted. I wanted to sink down beside Mason and die with him. Elena released me, apparently deciding I posed no danger positioned as I was between her and Isaiah. She turned toward Mason's body. And I stopped feeling. I simply acted. â€Å"Don't. Touch. Him.† I didn't recognize my own voice. She rolled her eyes. â€Å"Good grief, you're annoying. I'm started to see Isaiah's point- you do need to suffer before dying.† Turning away, she knelt down to the floor and flipped Mason over onto his back. â€Å"Don't touch him!† I screamed. I shoved her with little effect. She shoved back, nearly knocking me over. It was all I could do to steady my feet and stay upright. Isaiah looked on with amused interest; then his gaze fell to the floor. Lissa's chotki had fallen out of my coat pocket. He picked it up. Strigoi could touch holy objects- the stories about them fearing crosses weren't true. They just couldn't enter holy ground. He flipped the cross over and ran his fingers over the etched dragon. â€Å"Ah, the Dragomirs,† he mused. â€Å"I'd forgotten about them. Easy to. There's what, one? Two of them left? Barely worth remembering.† Those horrible red eyes focused on me. â€Å"Do you know any of them? I'll have to see to them one of these days. It won't be very hard to- â€Å" Suddenly, I heard an explosion. The aquarium burst apart as water shot out of it, shattering the glass. Pieces of it flew toward me, but I barely noticed. The water coalesced in the air, forming a lopsided sphere. It began to float. Toward Isaiah. I felt my jaw drop as I stared at it. He watched it too, more puzzled than scared. At least until it wrapped around his face and started suffocating him. Much like the bullets, suffocation wouldn't kill him. But it could cause him a hell of a lot of discomfort. His hands flew to his face, desperately trying to â€Å"pry† the water away. It was no use. His fingers simply slipped through. Elena forgot about Mason and jumped to her feet. â€Å"What is it?† she shrieked. She shook him in an equally useless effort to free him. â€Å"What's happening?† Again, I didn't feel. I acted. My hand closed around a large piece of glass from the broken aquarium. It was jagged and sharp, cutting into my hand. Sprinting forward, I plunged the shard into Isaiah's chest, aiming for the heart I'd worked so hard to find in practice. Isaiah emitted a strangled scream through the water and collapsed to the floor. His eyes rolled back in his head as he blacked out from the pain. Elena stared, as shocked as I'd been when Isaiah had killed Mason. Isaiah wasn't dead, of course, but he was temporarily down for the count. Her face clearly showed she hadn't thought that was possible. The smart thing at that point would have been to run toward the door and the sun's safety. Instead, I ran in the opposite direction, toward the fireplace. I grabbed one of the antique swords and turned back toward Elena. I didn't have far to go, because she'd recovered herself and was heading toward me. Snarling with rage, she tried to grab me. I had never trained with a sword, but I had been taught to fight with any makeshift weapon I could find. I used the sword to keep distance between us, my motions clumsy but effective for the time being. White fangs flashed in her mouth. â€Å"I am going to make you- â€Å" â€Å"Suffer, pay, regret I was ever born?† I suggested. I remembered fighting with my mom, how I'd been on the defensive the whole time. That wouldn't work this time. I had to attack. Jabbing forward, I tried to land a blow on Elena. No luck. She anticipated my every move. Suddenly, from behind her, Isaiah groaned as he started to come around. She glanced back, the smallest of motions that let me swipe the sword across her chest. It cut the fabric of her shirt and grazed the skin, but nothing more. Still, she flinched and looked down in panic. I think the glass going through Isaiah's heart was still fresh in her mind. And that was what I really needed. I mustered all my strength, drew back, and swung. The sword's blade hit the side of her neck, hard and deep. She gave a horrible, sickening cry, a shriek that made my skin crawl. She tried to move toward me. I pulled back and hit again. Her hands clutched at her throat, and her knees gave way. I struck and struck, the sword digging deeper into her neck each time. Cutting off someone's head was harder than I'd thought it would be. The old, dull sword probably wasn't helping. But finally, I gained enough sense to realize she wasn't moving. Her head lay there, detached from her body, her dead eyes looking up at me as though she couldn't believe what had happened. That made two of us. Someone was screaming, and for a surreal second, I thought it was still Elena. Then I lifted my eyes and looked across the room. Mia stood in the doorway, eyes bugging out and skin tinged green like she might throw up. Distantly, in the back of my mind, I realized she was the one who'd made the aquarium explode. Water magic apparently wasn't worthless after all. Still a bit shaken, Isaiah tried to rise to his feet. But I was on him before he could fully manage it. The sword sang out, wreaking blood and pain with each blow. I felt like an old pro now. Isaiah fell back to the floor. In my mind, I kept seeing him break Mason's neck, and I hacked and hacked as hard as I could, as though striking fiercely enough might somehow banish the memory. â€Å"Rose! Rose!† Through my hate-filled haze, I just barely detected Mia's voice. â€Å"Rose, he's dead!† Slowly, shakily, I held back the next blow and looked down at his body- and the head no longer attached to it. She was right. He was dead. Very, very dead. I looked at the rest of the room. There was blood everywhere, but the horror of it didn't really register with me. My world had slowed down, slowed down to two very simple tasks. Kill the Strigoi. Protect Mason. I couldn't process anything else. â€Å"Rose,† whispered Mia. She was trembling, her words filled with fear. She was afraid of me, not the Strigoi. â€Å"Rose, we have to go. Come on.† I dragged my eyes away from her and looked down at Isaiah's remains. After several moments, I crawled over to Mason's body, still clutching the sword. â€Å"No,† I croaked out. â€Å"I can't leave him. Other Strigoi might come†¦.† My eyes burned like I desperately wanted to cry. I couldn't say for sure. The bloodlust still pounded in me, violence and rage the only emotions I was capable of anymore. â€Å"Rose, we'll come back for him. If other Strigoi are coming, we have to get out.† â€Å"No,† I repeated, not even looking at her. â€Å"I'm not leaving him. I won't leave him alone.† With my free hand, I stroked Mason's hair. â€Å"Rose- â€Å" I jerked my head up. â€Å"Get out!† I screamed at her. â€Å"Get out, and leave us alone.† She took a few steps forward, and I lifted the sword. She froze. â€Å"Get out,† I repeated. â€Å"Go find the others.† Slowly, Mia backed up toward the door. She gave me one last, desperate look before running outside. Silence fell, and I relaxed my hold on the sword but refused to let it go. My body sagged forward, and I rested my head on Mason's chest. I became oblivious to everything: to the world around me, to time itself. Seconds could have passed. Hours could have passed. I didn't know. I didn't know anything except that I couldn't leave Mason alone. I existed in an altered state, a state that just barely kept the terror and grief at bay. I couldn't believe Mason was dead. I couldn't believe I'd just summoned death. So long as I refused to acknowledge either, I could pretend they hadn't happened. Footsteps and voices eventually sounded, and I lifted my head up. People poured in through the door, lots of them. I couldn't really make out any of them. I didn't need to. They were threats, threats I had to keep Mason safe from. A couple of them approached me, and I leapt up, lifting the sword and holding it protectively over his body. â€Å"Stay back,† I warned. â€Å"Stay away from him.† They kept coming. â€Å"Stay back!† I yelled. They stopped. Except for one. â€Å"Rose,† came a soft voice. â€Å"Drop the sword.† My hands shook. I swallowed. â€Å"Get away from us.† â€Å"Rose.† The voice spoke again, a voice that my soul would have known anywhere. Hesitantly, I let myself finally become aware of my surroundings, let the details sink in. I let my eyes focus on the features of the man standing there. Dimitri's brown eyes, gentle and firm, looked down on me. â€Å"It's okay,† he said. â€Å"Everything's going to be okay. You can let go of the sword.† My hands shook even harder as I fought to hold on to the hilt. â€Å"I can't.† The words hurt coming out. â€Å"I can't leave him alone. I have to protect him.† â€Å"You have,† said Dimitri. The sword fell out of my hands, landing with a loud clatter on the wooden floor. I followed, collapsing on all fours, wanting to cry but still unable to. Dimitri's arms wrapped around me as he helped me up. Voices swarmed around us, and one by one, I recognized people I knew and trusted. He started to tug me toward the door, but I refused to move just yet. I couldn't. My hands clutched his shirt, crumpling the fabric. Still keeping one arm around me, he smoothed my hair back away from my face. I leaned my head against him, and he continued stroking my hair, murmuring something in Russian. I didn't understand a word of it, but the gentle tone soothed me. Guardians were spreading throughout the house, examining it inch by inch. A couple of them approached us and knelt by the bodies I refused to look at. â€Å"She did that? Both of them?† â€Å"That sword hasn't been sharpened in years!† A funny sound caught in my throat. Dimitri squeezed my shoulder comfortingly. â€Å"Get her out of here, Belikov,† I heard a woman say behind him, her voice familiar. Dimitri squeezed my shoulder again. â€Å"Come on, Roza. It's time to go.† This time, I went. He guided me out of the house, holding onto me as I managed each agonizing step. My mind still refused to really process what had happened. I couldn't do much more than follow simple directions from those around me. I eventually ended up on one of the Academy's jets. Engines roared around us as the plane lifted off. Dimitri murmured something about coming back shortly and left me alone in my seat. I stared straight ahead, studying the details of the seat in front of me. Someone sat beside me and draped a blanket over my shoulders. I noticed then just how badly I was shivering. I tugged at the edges of the blanket. â€Å"I'm cold,† I said. â€Å"How am I so cold?† â€Å"You're in shock,† Mia answered. I turned and looked at her, studying her blond curls and big blue eyes. Something about seeing her unleashed my memories. It all tumbled back. I squeezed my eyes shut. â€Å"Oh God,† I breathed. I opened my eyes and focused on her again. â€Å"You saved me- saved me when you blew up the fish tank. You shouldn't have done it. You shouldn't have come back.† She shrugged. â€Å"You shouldn't have gone for the sword.† Fair point. â€Å"Thank you,† I told her. â€Å"What you did †¦ I never would have thought of that. It was brilliant.† â€Å"I don't know about that,† she mused, smiling ruefully. â€Å"Water isn't much of a weapon, remember?† I choked on a laugh, even though I really didn't find my old words that funny. Not anymore. â€Å"Water's a great weapon,† I said finally. â€Å"When we get back, we'll have to practice ways to use it.† Her face lit up. Fierceness shone out from her eyes. â€Å"I'd like that. More than anything.† â€Å"I'm sorry †¦ sorry about your mom.† Mia simply nodded. â€Å"You're lucky to still have yours. You don't know how lucky.† I turned and stared at the seat again. The next words out of my mouth startled me: â€Å"I wish she was here.† â€Å"She is,† said Mia, sounding surprised. â€Å"She was with the group that raided the house. Didn't you see her?† I shook my head. We lapsed into silence. Mia stood up and left. A minute later, someone else sat down beside me. I didn't have to see her to know who she was. I just knew. â€Å"Rose,† said my mother. For once in my life, she sounded unsure of herself. Scared, maybe. â€Å"Mia said you wanted to see me.† I didn't answer. I didn't look at her. â€Å"What†¦what do you need?† I didn't know what I needed. I didn't know what to do. The stinging in my eyes grew unbearable, and before I knew it, I was crying. Big, painful sobs seized my body. The tears I'd held back so long poured down my face. The fear and grief I'd refused to let myself feel finally burst free, burning in my chest. I could scarcely breathe. My mother put her arms around me, and I buried my face in her chest, sobbing even harder. â€Å"I know,† she said softly, tightening her grip on me. â€Å"I understand.†