Thursday, August 27, 2020

Practice in Using the Past Forms of Verbs

Practice in Using the Past Forms of Verbs In this two-section practice in utilizing the past types of ordinary and sporadic action words, you or your understudies will initially choose the right type of the action word in enclosures, and afterward join the sentences in the activity into a durable passage. This activity can be joined with an exercise on sentence consolidating. Directions For every one of the accompanying sentences, compose the right past or past-ideal type of the action word in parentheses.Combine and orchestrate the 31 sentences in the activity into a section of 11 or 12 new sentences. You may include, erase, or adjust words in light of a legitimate concern for clearness, intelligence, and union. At the point when you have finished the two pieces of the activity, contrast your work and the example answers on page two. Exercise Questions Jughead (shut) himself up in his room last night.He (remain) there for seven hours.He (study) for the huge test in history.All term he had not (open) his textbook.Often he had (neglect) to go to class.Sometimes he (go) to class.He never (take) notes.So he (have) a great deal of work to do.He (read) 14 parts in his history book.He (compose) many pages of notes.He (draw) a period chart.The time diagram (help) him to recollect significant dates.Then he (rest) for one hour.The caution (ring).Jughead (get) up to audit his notes.He had (overlook) a couple things.But he (feel) confident.He (drink) a cup of coffee.He (eat) a candy bar.He (rush) to the classroom.He had (bring) a bunnies foot for good luck.He (show up) right on time at the classroom.Nobody else had (show) up yet.He (put) his head down on the desk.He never (mean) to fall asleep.He (fall) into a profound slumber.He (dream).In his fantasy he (pass) the test.Several hours after the fact he (wake) up.The room had (develop) dark.Jug head had (rest) through the huge test. Right Verb Forms Jughead shut himself up in his room last night.He remained there for seven hours.He read for the enormous test in history.All term he had not opened his textbook.Often he had neglected to go to class.Sometimes he went to class.He never took notes.So he had a great deal of work to do.He read 14 parts in his history book.He composed many pages of notes.He drew a period chart.The time diagram helped him to recollect significant dates.Then he dozed for one hour.The alert rang.Jughead got up to survey his notes.He had overlooked a couple things.But he felt confident.He drank a cup of coffee.He ate a candy bar.He hurried to the classroom.He had brought a bunnies foot for good luck.He showed up sooner than expected at the classroom.Nobody else had shown up yet.He put his head down on the desk.He never intended to fall asleep.He fell into a profound slumber.He envisioned (or dreamt).In his fantasy he passed the test.Several hours after the fact he woke up.The room had developed dark.Jughead had dozed through the huge test. Test Combinations Here is the first form of the section The Big Test, which filled in as the model for the sentence-finish practice on page one. Numerous varieties are conceivable, obviously, thus your section may contrast fundamentally from this rendition. The Big TestJughead shut himself up in his room the previous evening for seven hours to read for the large test ever. He had not opened his course book all term, and regularly he had neglected to go to class. At the point when he went, he never took notes, thus he had a ton of work to do. He read 14 sections in his history book, composed many pages of notes, and attracted a period graph to assist him with recollecting significant dates. At that point he rested for only 60 minutes. At the point when the caution rang, Jughead got up to audit his notes, and in spite of the fact that he had overlooked a couple of things, he felt sure. Subsequent to drinking a cup of espresso and eating a sweet treat, he got a bunnies foot for good karma and raced to the study hall. He showed up sooner than expected; no one else had appeared at this point. Thus he put his head down on the work area and, without importance to, fell into a profound sleep. He imagined that he had breezed through the assessme nt, yet when he woke up a few hours after the fact, the room had developed dim. Jughead had dozed through the huge test.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Food Insecurity Projects Conducted by the Following Organizations Research Paper

Food Insecurity Projects Conducted by the Following Organizations - Research Paper Example This is by empowering the structure of stores for surplus food. The exhortation they offer goes far in advancing comprehension between the nations these associations originate from, and the nations being offered help (Kracht and Schulz 194). As innumerable quantities of associations come up, it is basic to take note of the jobs the majority of them play in destroying food uncertainty, and the development of activities to secure the food numerous nations store. This paper will look at various such associations, and the job they play in combatting the food frailties experienced in many pieces of the world. Likewise, how the world is responding toward these organizations’ inclusion in the majority of their exercises. It is a division of the United Nations that looks to address world wellbeing and issues that influence it. The ascent in number of tasks in numerous pieces of the world to address food instability is a piece of the key rules that it is run on, since the time its initiation. One of the numerous reactions that it is covering as a worldwide association is to address the issue of grain costs (Smith and Alderman 178). In Australia, the WHO is tending to the predicament of minority bunches in Australia. A portion of the indigenous gatherings face issues with the inaccessibility of nutritious food. The WHO is offering these gatherings instruction as a portion of the ventures it is attempted in the locale (Smith and Alderman 190). Makers and wholesalers are asked to discard surplus food by the association through the food banks present. It is one of the fundamental associations that helps run driving food programs on the planet. It is liable for guaranteeing numerous countries are getting the merited consideration with regards to supporting, sound food. This is to battle the quantity of undernourished people, on the planet, and repair the food circumstances in most extended territories (Kracht and Schulz 199). There are essential

Friday, August 21, 2020

What to Consider When Writing Profile Essays

What to Consider When Writing Profile EssaysThe ideal type of profile essay is one that combines your knowledge and skills with the essay topic that you intend to write. The more skilled and the more meaningful the material that you put in the essay, the more your readers will like it.However, the best idea when writing a good profile essay is not to choose the first topic that you think that you should write. The main reason for this is that you need to write about topics that you are familiar with. You need to have enough exposure to the topics that you will be writing about in order to write an impressive essay. This way, your reader will be able to see that you can make something from your exposure to the topic.You need to be able to recognize your own self in order to do this. But if you will still be having trouble recognizing your own self, then it would be better for you to consult a professional in the area of online writing.Online writers can help you in identifying yoursel f in the topic that you are writing about. There are people who write their own writing in order to make their sentences and paragraphs creative and expressive enough to make them look better and also to convince their readers that they have the skills needed to write what they are writing.In some cases, it is best for you to try to write as if you were discussing topics that you are familiar with, but with less subject matters. This is one thing that can really help you when you are trying to find the topic that you can write.The other idea that you can consider is that you can write about subjects that you are familiar with and can take advantage of in order to make the most of your audience. It is also possible that you can offer some tips in order to help other people in the topic that you are writing about. This is a great idea especially when you are writing about topics that you know a lot about.Always remember that you need to use your common sense and experience in order to compose the essays that you will be doing in order to persuade your readers about the topics that you are writing about. If you do not have any common sense or experience in writing the topics that you will be doing, then it would be better for you to consult an online writer who has at least five years of experience in writing the topics that you will be doing.The best way to get ideas for profile essay topics is to be open and write about topics that you are familiar with and can make use of. This way, you will be able to give your reader a sense of familiarity in the subject that you are writing about, and it will also be easier for you to understand them.

Monday, May 25, 2020

Performance Appraisal Training Program For The Hospital,...

Introduction Training and Development is imperative to the organization’s progress. Training helps addressing employee weaknesses and builds a reliable and skilled workforce. This will improve the employees’ performance and boost their self confidence, and innovation. By acquiring the needed knowledge and skills, employees can perform more efficiently and increase the overall productivity of the organization. The purpose of this report was to provide a response to the following questions by referring to the concepts covered in the text and discussed in class. 1. Explain how the performance appraisal training program can benefit the hospital, employees and society. What are the potential consequences of an ineffective training program for the hospital, employees and society? 2. To what extent has the performance appraisal training program followed the instructional systems design (ISD) model of training and development? If you were to redesign the program, what changes would you make based on the ISD model? 3. To what extent would you describe the hospital as a learning organization? Describe the hospital in terms of the five disciplines of a learning organization, the principles of a learning organization, and the key dimensions of a learning organization. 4. Explain the connection between organizational learning and training and development. How does this connection help us understand why the performance appraisal training program was not more successful? 5. Select anyShow MoreRelatedHuman Resources Policies And Procedures1704 Words   |  7 Pagesfor purposes of offering high quality healthcare services. The fact that hospitals serve people from all over with varied cultures tends to call for effective planning by the management to get the right strategies that will improve communication between the hospitals and the patients. This happens to be very important as failing to do this might result to high levels of ethnic disparities being experienced in the hospitals. As such, the services of the joint commission are highly needed in helpingRead MoreAn Analysis of Traditional and Modern Human Resource Practices.11910 Words   |  48 PagesTraditionally, HR has always played the role of a support function, catering to resourcing, training and motivation requirements, and the modern organization demands a more enhanced participation from the HR department. Traditionally, many human resource departments measured their accomplishments by how busy they had been (Cascio, 1991): how many people they had recruited or interviewed, how many hours of training they had provided, or how many grievance procedures they had handled. This practice respondedRead MoreHrm Policies10725 Words   |  43 Pagesresponsibilities are generally divided into three major areas of management: staffing, employee compensation, and defining/designing work. Essentially, the purpose of HRM is to maximize the productivity of an organization by optimizing the effectiveness of its employees. This mandate is unlikely to change in any fundamental way, despite the ever-increasing pace of change in the business world. As Edward L. Gubman observed in the Journal of Business Strategy, the basic mission of human resources will always be toRead MorePerformace Appraisal Methods in Relience, Maruti, Infosis, Wipro8784 Words   |  36 PagesResource Practices their functions. It also includes a diversity of the best HR strategies that are critical to a company’s future success – particularly identifying, Recruitment Selection process, Training Developing, Performance Management systems, Remuneration Strategies and Retaining top employees of the organization. It also includes the social life of IT professionals, with IT becoming one of the most important professions in India today. A comparative analysis has been made based on theRead MoreImpooving Employee Performance72019 Words   |  289 Pages IMPROVING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE THROUGH APPRAISAL AND COACHING Second Edition IMPROVING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE THROUGH APPRAISAL AND COACHING Second Edition Donald L. Kirkpatrick Foreword by Dick Grote American Management Association New York †¢ Atlanta †¢ Brussels †¢ Chicago †¢ Mexico City †¢ San Francisco Shanghai †¢ Tokyo †¢ Toronto †¢ Washington, D.C. Special discounts on bulk quantities of AMACOM books are available to corporations, professional associationsRead MoreProject Report on Kfc3913 Words   |  16 PagesMOTIVATION†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...Page 7 4. TOP MANAGEMENT†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦.Page 7 5. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦..Page 9 6. LEADERSHIP†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Page 10 7. RECRUITMENT SELECTION PROCESS†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.... Page 12 8. TRAINING DEVELOPMENT PROCESS†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...... Page 14 9. PERFORMANCE OF APRAISAL PROCESS†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Page 17 Introduction: Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)- one of the most known fast food chains in the world started in the early 1930s by Kernel Sanders in the Southern USA as a small franchiseRead MoreArticle: Performance Appraisal and Performance Management35812 Words   |  144 Pagesorg From Performance Appraisal to Performance Management 1 Ms. Leena Toppo, 2Dr. (Mrs.) Twinkle Prusty 1,2 (Faculty of Commerce, Banaras Hindu University, INDIA) ABSTRACT: Performance appraisal and performance management were one of the emerging issues since last decade. Many organizations have shifted from employee’s performance appraisal system to employee’s performance management system. This paper has focused to study the evolution of employee’s performance appraisal system, criticsRead MoreThe Ethics Of The Fire Department1391 Words   |  6 Pagesexcellent way to help the department achieve its objectives. Also related to the public education and participation is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. The Fire Department can have some initiatives to solve existing problems in the society. In this way, the community can appreciate the caring attitude of the department. Another approach is to have and execute a marketing plan. The marketing plan should be formulated and supported by all staff including the top level management. AfterRead MoreCalveta Case Study complete7512 Words   |  31 Pagesspecial company culture that no debt philosophy principal they have or risk their reputation on their food quality service. Frank was left with the option of expanding their business by acquiring Great South West Dining (GSD) or to enter into the hospital segment and diversify their business and at least try and come close to meeting his promise to his father. This case was focuses on issue related to corporate vision, expansion, quality and employee relations in this family-owned and operated businessRead MoreOb Practices at Chaudhary Group in Nepal13261 Words   |  54 Pages10 1.1.4. Core Values 10 1.2. Business Area 11 1.2.1. FMCG 11 1.2.2. Consumer Durables 12 1.2.3. Automobile 13 1.2.4. Infrastructure 13 1.2.5. Financial Services 14 1.2.6. Specialties 15 1.2.7. Citizen Chaudhary 16 1.3. Future Plans and Programs 17 1.4. Organization Structure 18 1.5. Departments and functions 19 1.5.1. Corporate Division 19 1.5.2. Operation Division 20 1.6. Objective of the study 21 1.7. Limitations of study 21 1.8. Sources of data and collection method 22 2. Findings

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Drug Wars in Mexico - 1303 Words

Drug Wars in Mexico While there are drug wars happening in many places of Mexico, the U.S. is trying to help the cause and stop the war. Money is not going to be enough to stop the drug wars though, America has to stop this problem at the root, which is the demand for these drugs. Many innocent citizens of Mexico are killed and constantly being threatened. Violence suffocates the streets putting visitors at risk of their lives as well. Many believe that a lot of this has to do with the corrupt police force and hope that this could reform before this situation worsens. The territorial gang wars are another way that innocent citizens of Mexico are being threatenedeveryday. Some atrocities that have taken place involvesuspects that were†¦show more content†¦At least 5,000 new recruits are being sent to northern Mexico to help destroy drug crops and learn first-hand http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1839576,00.html ut the country s ongoing drug war The suspects were alleged to have been members of the ultra-violent drug gang the Zetas, indicating the atrocities may have been the latest act of terror in the relentless turf war over Mexico s billion-dollar smuggling routes Heads have been stuck on crosses, shoved into iceboxes and left in car trunks along with snakes total of almost 200 beheadings in 2008 Luis Astorga, author of several books on the cartels. But neither side is winning, and the violence just spirals without end as the gangs keep raising their bets and killing in more spectacular ways Whatever its roots, there appears no end in sight to the current wave of decapitations. Astorga fears that even worse atrocities lie ahead. Who knows what perverse methods these assassins might use to get one up over their rivals, he says. Many are military killers but without the army command to hold them back. Their only limits are what they can imagine or what they can find in the most violent Hollywood movies. The following is critical under-repo rted urgent news. Zetas are mutinous Mexican army troops who graduated from School of the Americas. Hired by the cartels, they are directly responsible for an astounding rise in brutal, grisly killings, including many of the murdersShow MoreRelatedMexicos War on Drugs2440 Words   |  10 PagesMexicos Drug War There is a saying in Mexico that states â€Å"Mejor vivir como un rey por cinco aà ±os que vivir como laborador por cincuenta† which translates to â€Å"better to live as a king for five years than as an Ox for fifty.† This is particularly a famous saying between the poor youth because their opportunities are so limited they believe it is better to be part of the â€Å"narcos† and be a â€Å"narco king† for a short period than to live a long time as a laborer, worker, or slave. Consequently, Read MoreMexican Drug War : Mexico1306 Words   |  6 PagesMrs. Blomme Honors 1 28 September 2014 Mexico Drug War According to the FBI, there are more than seventy five open cases of Americans that are kidnapped in Mexico. That is just one of the effects caused by what is called The Mexico Drug War. People are oblivious to what the outcome of drugs, in general, can do. Many have disappeared or been killed, firearm trade from the U.S. has gone up, and the supply of drugs in the U.S has increased. The Mexico Drug war started in December of 2006 and is stillRead MoreDrug War in Mexico Essay3047 Words   |  13 PagesMexico’s Drug War Drug trafficking has become an increasingly growing problem in the world today. Illegal drug trade is a worldwide black market consisting of production, distribution, packaging, and sale of illegal substances. Although today’s War on Drugs is a modern phenomenon, drug problems have been a common problem throughout history. The market for illegal drugs is massive, when we consider the estimated global drug trade value is worth $321 billion (Vulliamy). The most drug traffickingRead MoreMexico Current Issues: Drug War1197 Words   |  5 Pages War in the Cities Recently, Mexico has been facing a horrendous civil war. This internal conflict is coming from the country’s powerful drug leaders. This epic drug war was been taking place ever since these â€Å"cartels† relocated from the South American nation of Columbia to Mexico in the mid 1980s. since then , this bloody conflict has arose several issues in Mexico. Mexico’s new president, Felipe Calderon, just recently launched an all out military campaign against these drug lords inRead MoreDrug Cartels : Mexico And The Brutal War Of Drug Trafficking1299 Words   |  6 PagesDecember 18th, 2015 Drug Cartels Mexico is known for many things ranging from there beautiful coastlines to there ancient ruins and museums to the brutal war of drug trafficking. The drug war in Mexico is one of the biggest events in narcotics history. Drug trafficking was best known in Michoacan, Guanajuato and Guerrero but it has recently spread across all of Mexico. Michoacan was the first place where it erupted due to an organization of cartels known as La Familia. Mexico was once a place thatRead MoreMexican Drug War : The United States And Mexico1055 Words   |  5 Pagesthe United States and Mexico Created the â€Å"Mexican Drug War† analyzes Mexico’s modern history and how the country has seen a dramatic rise of drugs and consequently an increase in the number of people associated with drug cartels and also fighting between drug organizations resulting in bloodbaths all around Mexico. The Mexican government has declared a war on drugs, this period has seen the deaths of thousands of people tha t has put the country in a crisis state. Mexico s drug world has been greatlyRead MoreEssay about Success and Failure in the US-Mexico War on Drugs2866 Words   |  12 Pages Illegal narcotic drugs represent a $60 billion market in the U.S., and this year alone the State and Federal governments will each spend roughly $20 billion in attempting to stifle this market. The amount of money involved in the drug trade, substantially inflated due to prohibition, makes both systemic corruption and violence inevitable. The illegal drug trade is a sophisticated international network, and while no nation’s involvement is limited to one economic function, one relationshipRead MoreThe Drug war in Mexico and Colombia has persisted for decades and will continue to do so if we1200 Words   |  5 PagesThe Drug war in Mexico and Colombia has persisted for decades and will continue to do so if we don’t change our plan of action. Colombia notoriously was and still continu es to be a major drug producer, exporting a large percentage of its drugs to the U.S and neighboring Latin America. Analysts predict that Mexico is soon becoming the next Colombia of the 1960-1990 era and has the potential to surpass Colombia in terms of producing, selling and distributing drugs both domestically and internationallyRead MoreReasons Behind The War On Drugs1365 Words   |  6 PagesThis paper aims to elaborate the significant reasons behind the war on drugs between the Mexican government and the drug cartels in Mexico and examine the impact of this conflict on Mexico and on US National Security. Drug Trafficking or any other illegal activity related to drug Cartels and gangs pose an imminent threat to the Mexican governance because of the corruption and the violence they generate. Illegal drugs affect not only Mexico but also the U.S in terms of trafficking and consumption. TheRead MoreDrugs Inc1667 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract Illegal drugs are no longer just a domestic problem. The drug trade business is a multibillion dollar enterprise that is run by international criminals. The drug lords behind these operations, non-nation-state actors, have become more powerful than the nation-states in their respective regions. The current â€Å"War on Drugs† strategy has offered little hope for any decisive victory; instead it has dealt primarily with domestic drug prevention, treatment, and market disruption. In this paper

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Speech On Parkinson s Disease Essay - 1314 Words

Imagine a scenario where our countries safety is in danger, and the president has to release our nuclear weapons at a specific time. What would happen if the president freezes, or has tremors and is not able to give the command at the correct time? The role of the President is very important to American society; Parkinson’s inhibits a person from completing daily or strenuous tasks. The video in question argues that Hillary Clinton is in the 1/100 percentile that has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the nervous system that affects the movement of the body. Parkinson’s is caused by nerve cell damage in the brain, where brain cells are gradually breaking down and dying. This disease begins at a low rate; this stage is shown through tremors in the individual’s hands. While tremors are the warning signs of Parkinson’s disease, this disease can also cause an individual to have slow movements, rigid muscles, imp aired posture or balance, speech change and loss of automatic movements. Some complications that come from Parkinson’s are thinking difficulties, emotional changes, and sleep problems and disorders (Parkinson’s Disease, 2015). The video that we are using in this analysis is Hillary Clinton Illness Revealed, and it was found on YouTube. As a doctor, Ted Noel uses this video to help explore the possibility of Hillary Clinton having Parkinson’s disease. The analysis of Parkinson’s disease and the symptoms it expresses will help usShow MoreRelatedParkinson s Disease Is A Progressive Loss Of Functioning Of The Brain1361 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction: Parkinson’s disease is a progressive loss of functioning of the brain that results in stiffness, trembling and loss of fine motor control. This disease mainly affects the neurons in the particular area called the substantia nigra with a total loss of dopamine, the absence of these dopamine-producing cells causes the loss of the brain’s ability to control the body movements progressively (Parkinson’s disease, 2016). Parkinson’s disease is very common, with about 70000 Australians asRead MoreImplement And Monitor Nursing Care For Clients With Chronic Health Problems1427 Words   |  6 Pages INTRODUCTION: Parkinson disease mainly defined as the death of certain brain cells. These brain cells mainly control the body parts movement and the coordination. The disease mainly decrease the mobility which leads difficulty in walking (Medline Plus, 2016). Currently, Parkinson has no known cause which mainly effect people to develop this disease. Many theories tells that there are several factors that are responsible to cause Parkinson disease such as the decline in the productionRead MoreOn Nervous Disorders : Parkinson s Disease1193 Words   |  5 PagesOn Nervous Disorders: Parkinson’s disease Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system characterized by tremor, slowed movement, and muscle rigidity; typically only seen in those over the age of forty. It is named after James Parkinson, an English surgeon, whom first described the symptoms of â€Å"the shaking palsy,† in a report published in 1817 (Grimes, 2004). The brain is the control center of the body. The brain orchestrates movement, sensations, feelings, personality, andRead MoreCase Study : Neurology : Psychology778 Words   |  4 Pagesfamily of the 79 y/o male who stares into space, fallen a few times while walking around the house, walking very slowly and appearing depressed. With Parkinson’s disease you have bradykinesia, impaired posture and balance. From the objective information provided we have more information to diagnose the patient with Parkinson’s disease from the marked rigidity of his upper extremities with shuffling gait, stooped over position, grossly non-focal CN II-XII, tremor in upper extremities that appearsRead MoreIs Parkinson Disease A Disease?1290 Words   |  6 Pages Parkinson Disease Danielle West University Of Arkansas Fort Smith Medical Terminology Fall of 2015 Introduction Parkinson is a disease that is a glitch in the neurons in the brain, which frequently affects the substantia nigra. Part of the dying neurons produces a chemical called dopamine. As this progresses, the dopamine in the brain decreases. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain which helps the body regulate coordination and movement in the body. Once Parkinson Disease (PD)Read MoreThe Disease Of Parkinson s Disease1648 Words   |  7 Pages Abstract Parkinson’s disease has been cataloged as one of the most serious and slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects a wide array of motor and non-motor aspects that impact the function of a person. Afflicting over four million Americans and the second most common neurological disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s continues to take its toll on the neurological health of many(Constantinescu et al, 2007 ). James Parkinson, a British physician first coinedRead MoreSymptoms And Symptoms Of Parkinson s Disease Essay831 Words   |  4 PagesParkinson Disease by Melissa Green Topical Bibliography In partial fulfillment of the writing requirement for Anatomy and Physiology 304 and the Department of Speech-Language Pathology SUNY Buffalo State Fall 2016 Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms or tremors, rigidity, (bradykinesia) or slowness of movement and posture instability. Parkinson’s involves the malfunction and death of vital nerve cells in theRead MoreThe Common Types Of Dementia1013 Words   |  5 PagesIt’s a progressive disease which means it gets worse over time. If diagnosed early on, the quality of life for people with dementia as well as their family members can be significantly improved. There are many different types of dementias although some are far more reciprocal than others. One of the most common types of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Other few types of dementias are â€Å"Vascular dementia, Mixed dementia, Parkinson s disease and Frontotemporal dementia (Krishnan, D. S)†. All of the variousRead MoreParkinson Disease : A Brain Disorder1109 Words   |  5 Pages Parkinson Disease By Teri Gordon BIO 202 Harrisonburg Campus â€Æ' Teri Gordon BIO 202 Kevin Chakos Harrisonburg Campus Research Paper Parkinson Disease Parkinson Disease is a brain disorder that affects movement, loss of muscle control and balance. The first symptoms usually include a tremor of the hand, foot, or leg which is often termed as a â€Å"shaky palsy.† The disease usually slowly progresses with symptoms getting more intense over many years. Some patients who develop Parkinson’s inRead MoreParkinson s Disease : Disease3496 Words   |  14 Pages Parkinson s disease Twanda H. Lewis North Carolina Wesleyan Dr. Quinan Parkinson s Disease Twanda H. Lewis North Carolina Wesleyan Dr. Quinan Outline Abstract†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦5 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 6 Symptoms†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 6 Tremor†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦ 6 Slow Movement†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 6 Rigid Muscles†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 7 Disfigured Posture†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 7 Loss

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

City Planning City Building Infrastructure

Question: Write about theCity Planningfor City Building Infrastructure. Answer: Transport interchange is a designated designed area/place that facilitates the exchange of cargo and passengers between available means of transport the likes of vehicles, train, ships, aero plane among others. The interchange is mostly referred to as transport hub that includes bus stops, airports, ferries, and harbor and railway stations. Interchange creates opportunities for growth and development especially in transport sector that greatly contribute to positive growth in the economy. Most developed countries the likes of United Kingdom, United State Of America, Australia, Japan, China among others have witnessed the benefits associated with interchange terminal especially in urban set ups. Transport interchange in urban centers shapes peoples way of life through quick access to use of their land for economical purposes hence illustrating the interlink impact of transport system in metropolitan form. Its therefore not possible to separate transport interchange with the urban form basically because they mutually interrelate. However, transport interchange must always meet the required technical threshold capacity of operation so as to adequately serve the users efficiently. Interchange designing involves provision of architectural and engineering services in re-creation of transport hubs on the land and above sea as is being illustrated during construction of the Lake Macquerie Transport Interchange in West Australia where architects involved are skilled and experienced. An interchange should function smoothly for road operators the likes of pedestrians, self - propelling machines among other transport operators. Interchange construction involves parties with different expertise skills like architects, engineers, city planners, inter change designers experts, financers of the project and its operations. In Australia we have interchanges constructed to ease vehicle congestion in the just normal usable roads the like the one along Ryde Road whereby due to the high number of road users dropping off and picking up of passengers by the public vehicles used to create traffic since there were no transport interchanges along Ryde Road. Interchanges have greatly contributed to the growth of cities in Australia both economically and infrastructural. The City of Lake Macquarie and its suburbs is expected to growth better as the plan of constructing The Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange (LMTI) is underway. It will clearly illustrates how interchanges have impacted positively to development of cities in Australia. Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange is an expected important infrastructure in New South Wales whereby it will facilitate reliability in transport system through minimization of usage of vehicle as car transport as well as provision of economic, social welfare benefits to the community around. Transport hubs other than road means that have been seen over the years to dominate transport sector due to the good road network systems invested by the Australian Government there is investment done on rail, ship and of course air. Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange is likewise going to contribute to the social lives of the citizens of Glendale-Cardiff Area that is currently classified to be among the best super hub in the world. The interchange connects Glendale and Cardiff forming a transit that is to meet over the time transport needs of the dwellers of Lower Hunter. The easy accessibility nature of the interchange brought about by its strategic location nature to the Lake Macquarie and its environs is further going to be linked to the north-south rail line. Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange provides linkage to all modes of transport for purposes of enhancing economic levels and job opportunities. Cultural lifestyle of Lake Macquarie Community is nurtured by the civic opportunity spaces created by LMTI. This passenger transport interchange of Lake Macquarie facilitates drop off and pick up of passengers as they go to their day to day activities hence promoting inconveniences. Provision of car park bays by the interchange is also going to be of a great importance to the owners of Lake Macquarie City as well as to the city council of the city Council, (1998). Since Infrastructure is the key to economy development the need to invest on it is required. Australia has been at the forefront on this deeming it as key priority for development. This has been supported by the fact that weve numerus transport hubs all over the continent from transport system to environmental sustainability. Conservation of environment is further enhanced by regulating the emissions from vehicles as well as from greenhouse. LMTI is going to significantly impact the economic activities in Cardiff areas and Glendale upon completion. Its further expected to solve the current problem at Lake Macquarie of the frequent usage of private vehicles as a means of transport to other better efficient mode of transport. Generally LMTI is greatly going to create unimaginable railway and bus interchanges that links business and industrial center to the community around as well as reduction of traffic congestion in the city, improvement of pedestrians and cyclists bay hence reducing accidents. Great investments are expected in Glendale and Cardiff areas that will go hand in hand with creation of jobs as well as increase in economic activities, introduction of social amenities will like hospitals, schools, entertainments bazaars, tourism boosting and significantly improving peoples standard of living. Economically, socially and environmental wise great benefits resulting from the interchange of Lake Macquarie Transport is direly expected. This interchange will greatly provide solution to an efficient optional means of transport inclusiveness. The parties therefore should therefore be aware that interchange has both negative and positive impact on; Transport-whereby it eases and reduce traffic congestion as well as reduction of air pollution whereby vehicles arent spending most of their time in traffic with engines running, the parties involved both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries should be aware of this positive impact of the interchange. It further provides quick access to good road network as it in seen North Western part of Australia whereby extensive mineral, agricultural and tourist development, needs were easily accessed to after construction of Mandurah Bridge in Northern Australia. Efficient movement of high traffic as well as the volumes of vehicles in urban sector contributes to development of infrastructures like recreation centers, industries, and social amenities in the city because of its easy accessibility nature. This greatly invites investors to come and invest their money hence help in the growth of the economy of the city. Economy in Sydney Australia has greatly improved over the years because of its financial strengths and market hence creating opportunities for investors. Most financial institution have invested in Sydney hence making it to be Asians best financial hub. Tourism has further contributed towards the growth of the economy whereby tourist visits Sydney to see man made features like Sydney Harbor Bridges that has great relation to the interchanges in Sydney. Sydney City has therefore rapidly developed as a result of the infrastructures features set in place interchanges greatly contributing to this as is seen in the images; However, traffic congestion reduction may fail to be achieved if there are no rules and regulation guarding access to intersecting highways that end up creating unfriendly and unsafe driving condition that creates disturbance on the freeway, therefore the body in charge of the transport should work on the aforesaid rule to safeguard freeways. Other road users the likes of the pedestrians, cyclists and runners may find it unsafe and uncomfortable to travel in the interchange therefore affecting their operations, hence the need to accommodate them may be through setting aside paths to be used by them or creation of foot bridges and tunnels to serve them. Planning Ideally to construct smooth interchange in an urban set up a need to plan is therefore required tasking designers, architects and engineers are to come up with landscape plan like the one used when constructing. Its achieved through implementation of policies and regulation framework set in place guarding construction of highway-road infrastructures like interchange. The need to seek approval from the sectors responsible for geology and environment is important in planning so as to provide assurance and compliance that the whole process is less harm to the environment both for fauna and flora just as witnessed in WestConnex whereby there was approval by the Minister of Planning to proceed with the construction. After ensuring compliance/approval of set regulations and framework in place the process is good to commence. However, its clear that its only through planning that; The land area for use in the construction of the interchange is set aside in a manner that There is no interference with the growth and development in the area. Factors that limits economic benefits to the community and that which put authorities In place under financial constraints are monitored and controlled effectively and progressively. Interchange urban planning dictates development to be set in place and the strategic location of the development as well. Planning involves different stake holders in this case it constitutes architects, engineers, city planners, inter change designers experts, financers of the project and that department of government that oversees and control the whole process. Its therefore clear that when interchange planning and plans involved in construction of the roads transport system are linked and synchronized towards the goal of provision of efficient transport services economic development benefits are attained. Failing to plan and improper planning creates unmanageable issues in the interchanges developments both after completion and before completion. The following are the repercussions of not planning while constructing interchange; Increase in traffic congestion Inadequate building setback Unplanned and excess number of access location. Incompatible multiple uses of land conflict whereby developments along an interchange constructed out of plan falls victim of noise and air pollution as well as traffic congestion. Urban Process Planning is a gradual current and long term processes that take place to achieve efficient maximum utilization of land, orderly development, provision of access by cyclists and pedestrians and finally upholding the standards of traffic carrying capacity ceilings. Interchange plan reality is achieved through zoning, access control and implementation of the set policy framework set in place guiding development of the interchange. Sydney is a city whereby motor vehicle is the common tool for transport and this was as result of good road network system especially as a result of the large number of interchanges that surround the city. Sydney citizens way of life has been made affordable because of the infrastructures available making Sydney to be classified as one of the best places to live in the world. Conclusively there is no now doubt that transport hubs significantly contributes to development both by infrastructure as well as economic wise. Australian citizens are the great beneficiaries of the interchanges constructed in respective places all over the country. This is well seen whereby yearly it doesnt miss people visiting the place because everything development wise and socially is in order. Mostly when there is growth in urban areas we like wise experience the same in its outskirts hence when interchanges are created in urban centers there is also the need to develop the same within the suburbs of the city and gradually going outside the city. This will assist interlink of infrastructures and transport system between urban to urban, urban to rural and finally rural to rural. When this is done development spreads across the country creating employment as well as boosting the economy of the state. Similarly equality and equity is witnessed among the provinces facilitating fair distribution of resources hence improving the standards of living of the communities around. Knowledge, skills, and abilities remain important for economic growth for a state. More fundamentally, the government in operations should always oversee the repair, maintenance of the transport interchanges by engaging the community voluntarily in the whole process of ensuring that the hubs are in a stable state i.e. if its the street lights they are in good order, if toilets they are clean and well maintained, if its drainage system its well maintained. This goes all the way to employing security personnel who will be ensuring that the facilities at the hub a re safe as well at the users of the Hub. Its through this act that full sense of ownership is felt by all parties hence working towards its improvement and upgrading it. Transport hubs has proved to be dynamic in the sense that it improves standard of livings as well the economy a city. References Stokes, G., 1994. The role of public transport interchange in improving public transport. In public transport planning and operations. Proceedings of seminar e held at the 22nd ptrc european transport forum, university of warwick, england, september 12-16, 1994. Volume Duc, E., Dick, H., Bohlsen, T., Squires, A., Christie, S. and Stewart, D., 2011. Hunter Public Transport Inquiry-the role of the professional. In Sustaining Our Regions: The Engineering Challenge: Proceedings of the 2011 Regional Convention, Newcastle Division, Engineers AustraliaHeld at University of New England, Armidale, NSW 16th-18th September 2011 (p. 35). Engineers Australia. Ghaderi, H., Cahoon, S. and Nguyen, H.O., 2015. An investigation into the non-bulk rail freight transport in Australia. The Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics, 31(1), pp.59-83. Rauscher, R.C. and Momtaz, S., 2017. Planning in Greater SydneyParramatta City Case Study. In Cities in Global Transition (pp. 179-198). Springer International Publishing. Arndt, O., Cox, R., Lennie, S. and Whitehead, M., 2011. Provision of sight distance around concrete barriers and structures on freeways and interchanges. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, (2262), pp.22-30. Walker, D.H. and Shen, Y.J., 2002. Project understanding, planning, flexibility of management action and construction time performance: two Australian case studies. Construction Management Economics, 20(1), pp.31-44. Hensher, D.A., 1998. The imbalance between car and public transport use in urban Australia: why does it exist?. Transport Policy, 5(4), pp.193-204. Council, L.M.C., 1998. Lake Macquarie Flood Study Part 1Design Lake Water Levels and Wave Climate Report. Manly Hydraulics Laboratory, Report MHL, 682. Siemiatycki, M., 2006. Message in a metro: building urban rail infrastructure and image in Delhi, India. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 30(2), pp.277-292. Kasarda, J.D. and Rondinelli, D.A., 1998. Innovative infrastructure for agile manufacturers. Sloan management review, 39(2), p.73. Bunker, R. and Troy, L., 2015. The changing political economy of the compact city and higher density urban renewal in Sydney. Feng, F.Y. and Murillo, J.A., 2000. Design and Construction of the I-15/US 95 Interchange, Stage 2. Concrete International, 22(6), pp.19-25. Garry Mason, B.E., BAppSC, M. and Craig Wooldridge Dip CEng, F.A.I.T.P.M., 2013. Coping with the boom: transport strategies for Perth, Australia. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, 166(5), p.36. Mees, P. and Dodson, J., 2011. Public Transport Network Planning in Australia: Assessing current practice in Australias five largest cities. Research paper, 34. Balcombe, R., Mackett, R., Paulley, N., Preston, J., Shires, J., Titheridge, H., Wardman, M. and White, P., 2004. The demand for public transport: a practical guide. Ruming, K., Mee, K. and McGuirk, P., 2016. 3 Planned derailment for new urban futures?. Actor Networks of Planning: Exploring the Influence of Actor Network Theory, p.44. Lee, S.W., Song, D.W. and Ducruet, C., 2008. A tale of Asias world ports: the spatial evolution in global hub port cities. Geoforum, 39(1), pp.372-385.

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Stakeholder Theory free essay sample

Before it was thought that business and ethics were an oxymoron, two terms that could never coexist together in our society, however this video on Stakeholder Theory has proven otherwise. The video talked about various ideas/topics concerning Stakeholder Theory from what is a stakeholder to the effects of technology in our fast paced society today. R. Edward Freeman started the video by explaining how stakeholder theory started off. He gave an example early in the video of himself and few colleagues who wanted to put out an article around 30 years ago presenting the idea of Stakeholder Theory through a local newspaper. The newspaper editor called back and advised Freeman he had a typo in the title from â€Å"Stakeholder† to â€Å"Shareholder. † At that time the newspaper editor had no idea there was a difference between the two. Well what is the difference? A shareholder owns part of the company through stocks, or other various forms. We will write a custom essay sample on Stakeholder Theory or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Stakeholders are not products, or accounts, or assets, but rather they are actual living, breathing humans with faces. Since they are actual humans they are also customers who are directly affected by the behavior of an organization and they hold a stake in its performance. The job of a stakeholder is to find an approach to value creation. In order to do so, they must find an intersection of interests; almost like a graph you would draw in economics where the supply and demand curve intersects creating equilibrium. To find intersects of interest it involves finding and searching for opportunity, or essentially the art of not having to make tradeoffs. Freeman gave us an example of tradeoffs and searching for opportunity. It involved a chemical company who was notorious for an extreme amount of pollution. The CEO had a change of heart and wanted to completely eliminate pollution and advised his engineers that they needed to figure out a way to end it. The engineers immediately responded and advised there was no possible way, so the CEO stated that they would have to shut down the company. Eventually, the engineers found a plan to help eliminate the pollution. In this example the company did not accept the trade-off. Long story short, if you look to see how interests go in the same direction, you might find a solution, but you might not find one either, but it’s better than not trying at all. Another example would be to think about this idea in terms of music. It’s as if everyone was playing different notes and their own instruments, but when they all work together and go in the same direction they may create a harmony. Stakeholder Theory was developed as a business strategy; however there was a sense of integration missing between the term business and ethics. This video helped explain that when thinking about stakeholders it’s thinking about business, but also when you’re thinking about stakeholders you must also think about ethics. So the idea of business and ethics being an oxymoron is senseless. This relates back to a topic titled â€Å"Saints and Sinners† that was featured in the film with R. Edward Freeman. He discussed that saints ran business ethically and the sinners paid no attention to ethics. However, why does it have to be one or the other? A business involves human beings and ethics is the study of human behavior. This is what Freeman was saying; these two terms correspond with each other. However, the Stakeholder Theory was also missing the integration among other areas. Managing for stakeholders is about what businesses and capitalism is. It’s also about ethics, strategy, corporate responsibility, civil society, but it’s mostly about all of that and how you put those things together and tell a new story about capitalism. In the end capitalism is about how we create value for each other, or our stakeholders, not about competition. How well we all cooperate with each other helps determine the amount of value we can create for each other, which in turn creates more trust, because when the public doesn’t trust a business, who does? Stakeholder Theory is complex when you have to take the time to write it out and explain it, but if you take a step back and look at businesses today, you will see Stakeholder Theory is a very common, everyday theme, it is just a matter of what you are looking for. If individuals are looking for tradeoffs, they will find a multitude of tradeoffs available for them, but the real success lies with those who achieve and find the integration and intersection point of everything that really matters in capitalism, creating Stakeholder Theory. Stakeholder Theory free essay sample Part A: Introduction – Organisation background Part B: Market Stakeholders for BIFF Sdn Bhd 1. Supplier 2. Customer 3. Employer Part C: Non Market Stakeholders for BIFF Sdn Bhd 1. Local Community 2. Media 3. Government Part D: Suggestion on how to develop and maintain the relationship with identified stakeholders 1. Have a direct dialog 2. Provide variety of monitoring method 3. Organise activity to develop interest of stakeholder Part E: Conclusion References 2 OUMM 3203 INTRODUCTION Berkat Ilham Frozen Food Sdn Bhd is a frozen food supplier. This company was founded on 26th December 2000 and began commercial operation in 2002. It was located at Bandar Baru Senawang, Negeri Sembilan. It now has 100 staff including General Manager, Human Resource Manager, Quality Safety Manager, Sales Manager, Finance Manager, Production Manager and Logistic Coordinator. The products offered are of various type of local food and western food that has been upgrade as a frozen food to fulfil the customers need. This business was inspired by former curry puffs maker that doing business in small scale, after getting guidance from FAMA on frozen food processing and technical advice in this process, it has been commercialise to support food market business. We will write a custom essay sample on Stakeholder Theory or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This product has been supply to all 711, Hypermarket, Mini Market and also to the cafeteria around Negeri Sembilan. Now this company are planning to expand their business worldwide through Small Medium Enterprise under guidance of government. Our Mission ? To become the pioneer in the food and beverage industry through our high quality food and beverage variety as well as superior customer service. ? To select, retain and educate a highly skilled, motivated and responsive staff for the growth of the organization and the nation. ? To meet all challenges with dedication and commitment and to set standards that other will strive to emulate. ? To become 1st Halal food supplier that will be recognise worldwide. Source from: http://foodking. com. my/about-us/ 3 OUMM 3203 An organization chart for Berkat Ilham Frozen Food Sdn Bhd. General Manager Secretary Human Resource Manager Quality Safety Manager Sales Manager Finance Manager Production Manager Asst. HR Manager QC Supervisor Asst. Sales Manager Asst. Finance Manager Production Supervisor Clerk 1 Incoming QC Clerk 2 Process QC Accountant Logistic Coordinator Logistic Supervisor Technician General worker Finish Product QC Document Controller 4 OUMM 3203 PART B : MARKET STAKEHOLDERS FOR BIFF SDN BHD Stakeholder has been defining as a person, group or organization that has interest or concern in an organization. They can affect or be affected by the organizations actions, objectives and policies. Some examples of key stakeholders are creditors, directors, employees, government (and its agencies), owners (shareholders), suppliers, unions, and the community from which the business draws its resources. Source from : http://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/stakeholder. html 1. Supplier A party that supplies goods or services. A supplier may be distinguished from a contractor or subcontractor, who commonly adds specialized input to deliverables. Also called as vendor. To ensure that there is enough ingredient for production to run. It is important to ensure that the supply will be available on time. For that the reliability of the contract and guaranteed of payment within stipulated period should be given priority. Source from: http://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/supplier. html 1. 1 Reliability of contract With the reliability of contract give. It will ensure that the ingredient will be supply as per quality requirement and reduce the market price from fluctuation. By signing a contract, they are bound to fulfil to the company quality and standard requirement to ensure that this problem will not affect our productivity and it also it will help to ensure there is no contract fraud occurs. With good supplier we can maintain our quality and productivity. 5 OUMM 3203 1. 2 Method of payment It is importance in order to be reassure the business growth , the payment are expected to be paid promptly to ensure both party interest being maintain so as to assure business growth, payment is expected to be paid promptly to ensure the interests of both parties can be maintained for a longer period. In the meantime the confidence should be planted so that the quality of materials is maintained. 2. Customer A party that receives or consumes products (goods or services) and has the ability to choose between different products and suppliers. Source from: http://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/customer. html When we look from the point of view of the customer, they are the consumer of our product. It show that the important role as a major stakeholder and give big influence in our market. Their exclusive power will influence local community. Therefore it is important to get their attention and to gain their trust. 1. 1 Quality and variety of food. It is important to ensure the quality and variety of food accordance with international food standards set by the Ministry of Health Malaysia and Good Manufacturing Product (GMP). It will help to gain customer confidence in our product quality. It will also help to promote our product variety. When we can met this requirement. There is no reason the we can’t fulfil customer needs. 2. Employer A legal entity that controls and directs a servant or worker under an express or implied contract of employment and pays (or is obligated to pay) him or her salary or wages in compensation. 6 OUMM 3203 Source from: http://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/employer. html Next we evaluate from the point of view of those employee under the company. They are the assets of our productivity in daily operation. Therefore, any change of policy or management will be affecting the performance of company. Proper planning and benefit to gain interest of the employee will help to gain productivity. It is important to get cooperation from employee in order to achieve our mission. 2. 1 Change working hour Due to productivity, it is important to plan effective working hour without sacrifice our productivity. Proper arrangement man power according to working hour provided will help them to give full commitment in their work. Without proper planning there will be wasting of time. 2. 2 Welfare Offer to the employees To gain interest of the employee the suitable offer is necessary gain their interest. Therefore employee welfare should be taken care. Most of employee are having a family, so one aspect that always been taking care by every company is medical coverage for the family. 2. 3 Skill requirement It is important to train employee to specialize in certain job scope in order to maintain the quality of product but it is also important to create proper work design, therefore they will not get easily bored doing the same thing every day. It also will help productivity and maintain the productivity since everyone can cover other works without affecting the productivity. 7 OUMM 3203 PART C : NON MARKET STAKEHOLDERS Non market stakeholder refers those who although they do not engage in direct economic exchange with the business are affected by or can affect its actions. Source from : http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Stakeholder In regard of the food industry, examples of non-market stakeholders classify to the local communities, the media and the government. I. Local community The factory has been built in the industrial area that has good environment and proper access. So that the products are easily being distributed to local community and also to ensure that the products reach the consumer without delay. Local community also play important roles in order to get fast feedback regarding our product. Therefore direct feedback are being practice to ensure that we can fully understand what are their need. II. Media Media is one of important part to ensure that the community are being update by our product. It also playing an active role in conjunction to report on the activities on the local communities by highlighting the product promotion. Indirectly, it’s act as a bridge to communicate in between the local resident. As a consequence, the positive image will be gain through advertisement in the media. Therefore, media plays an active role to connect the people and breaking the barriers among the community. III. Government By setting up a Frozen Food Industry, there are numbers of rules and regulation been set up to ensure the quality and nutrition of food. For example, Good Manufacturing Product, Malaysia Halal Procedure, Malaysia Diet Guide from Ministry of Health. This guideline will help to ensure all the product will be complying with the requirement therefore is will help the consumer safety from food poisoning. In order to ensure that there is no violation of rules. 8 OUMM 3203 Inspection will be done time to time from Health Department and Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM). The certificate will be renewing yearly to avoid halal certification withdrawn. In this we will gain trust from the community. For the local community it is important to have this kind of certificate. It will help customers to not hesitate doubt about our prducts. PART D : WAYS TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIP WITH STAKEHOLDERS It is important to build strong and continuous relation with the stake holder in order to achieve company goal and maintain good relationship. There are several ideas had been decide as mention below: 1. Open feedback During feedback period we can solve and minimize the risk about product quality. In order to find out the need and requirement of the utmost important customer to them, the management will conduct an internal review meeting and report to the quality department for improvement. With fast feedback we can gain customer satisfaction. It is important to get customer satisfaction in our product because it will increase our business. 2. Promotion of product through media. Print and electronic media play an important role in promoting the products. By using the right advertising we are able to ensure that the information related to the products reaches the users. For example, nutrients found in each product. The products produced by this company can also be identified to ensure that no counterfeit products in the market. This is to ensure that the customer will get our product without been cheat. 9 OUMM 3203 3. Organise Activities To manage a close relationship with their stakeholder in term of maintaining each other continuous interest in the business. By organizing activities such as Family Day, Sport Day, Concert and etc. could serve as an effective communication for all stakeholders. It also can remove barrier between stakeholder in order to get good cooperation. It can be done without sacrifice code of ethic. 10 OUMM 3203 PART E : CONCLUSION Stakeholder theory has its origins in the field of strategy (Freeman 1984). ‘The stakeholder theory is â€Å"managerial† and recommends the attitudes, structures, and practices that, taken together, constitute a stakeholder management philosophy’ (Donaldson and Preston 1995, p. 87). It has gradually been adopted by scholars in the business and society fields. Stakeholder management has been utilised as the leading red line through several recent handbooks on business ethics (e. g. , Crane and Matten 2004; Carroll and Buchholtz 2006). It has become the grille de lecture in the analysis of corporate responsibility (Attarc? a and Jacquot 2005). The stakeholder approach has, therefore, come to be presented as a theory of ethics for the business world. A pragmatic conclusion that could be deduced from the present analysis of stakeholder reciprocity, seen as reciprocity in stakeholder responsibility, is that while the impact of stake watchers on corporations has to be studied from a strategic point of view when using the stakeholder theory, pressure groups and stake watchers formulate their strategy using a political resources perspective that ignores the ethical dimension of stakeholder theory. Various categories of stakeholders demonstrate different stakeholder attributes. If one considers the broader definition of stakeholders, including stake watchers and other stakeholders that lack a need or obligation for reciprocal loyalty, then the stakeholder concept is applied from a strategic theory perspective that corresponds to the instrumental genre of stakeholder theory. In a more restricted interpretation of the stakeholder, limited to stake owners or genuine stakeholders who reciprocate loyalty, responsibility and fairness, stakeholder theory could constitute an ethical framework. Corporate social responsibility then implies corporate stakeholder responsibility. For stake owners, there is congruence between the company’s legitimate objectives and the process of value creation for all stakeholders. Stake owners own and deserve a stake in the firm. Our analysis of stakeholder reciprocity has practical implications for corporate governance. A stream of studies on stakeholder theory and corporate governance has 11 OUMM 3203 investigated new ways to integrate more stakeholders into the governance of corporations through representation on the governing boards of directors. Stakeholder reciprocity could be an innovative criterion in this corporate governance debate. The analysis presented in this article argues for new criteria that will confer representation on loyal stakeholders who respect stakeholder reciprocity and who contribute to the process of value creation. Within existing corporate law and governance principles, it suggests, at the very least, restricting voting rights to loyal shareholders with a long-term commitment. Our approach is based on ‘normative cores’ (Freeman 1994; Phillips et al. 2003) because reciprocity and stake-holder responsibility towards the firm and towards the other stakeholders falls within the ethical genre of stakeholder theory. It also meets the essence of stakeholder theory. (Fassin, Aug 2012) In this stakeholders studies we can see how important for us to maintain a good relationship with the stakeholder without scarifies our quality. It had been widely gaining recognition to be focus on the key parties that important to the organisation. Stakeholders are the person who be holding the same perception and have vested interest about the service deliver by the organisation. No doubt stakeholders need and satisfactory is the utmost important when running the day to day business, In this case study stakeholders we can see how important it is for us to maintain a good relationship with stakeholders without scarifies our quality. Recognition is important for all parties to ensure that the focus of the parties that are significant for the organization. Stakeholders are the people who hold the same perception and an interest in the services delivered by the organization. No interested party should satisfy skeptical and are important when conducting day to day business. 6 sample sets as relevant stakeholders here are suppliers, customers and employees. Closely related to their business. This is a group of people who have high expectations from the organization. Meanwhile, the non- interested parties such as the media, government and the community is a group of people who have no direct interest as strong as stakeholders but however each party will change either after both indirect basis. By looking at the important role of stakeholders, so many different ways have been proposed to maintain in the long run. The most important way to keep long-term 12 OUMM 3203 relationship is to keep them to join and become part of all activities. When they go into the atmosphere, a better understanding can be sent to either the appropriateness of goals for yourself or a specific organization, especially in online promotion where participation is an important part of success. We can see clearly the important and role of stakeholder that affect our business. With proper arrangement and communication we able to achieve our goals.

Monday, March 9, 2020

Biography of Margaret of Anjou, Henry VIs Queen

Biography of Margaret of Anjou, Henry VI's Queen Margaret of Anjou (March 23, 1429–August 25, 1482) was the queen consort of Henry VI of England and a leader of the Lancastrian side in the  Wars of the Roses  (1455–1485), a series of battles for the English throne between the houses of York and Lancaster, both of which descended from Edward III.  Her marriage to the ineffectual, mentally unbalanced Henry VI was arranged as part of a truce in another conflict, the  Hundred Years’ War between  France  and England.  Margaret appears many times in William Shakespeares history plays. Fast Facts: Margaret of Anjou Known For: Henry VIs queen and a fierce partisanAlso Known As: Queen MargaretBorn: March 23, 1429, probably in PontMousson,  FranceParents: Renà © I, Count  of  Anjou; Isabella, duchess of LorraineDied: Aug. 25, 1482 in Anjou province, FranceSpouse: Henry VIChild: Edward Early Life Margaret of Anjou was born on March 23, 1429, probably in PontMousson,  France, in the Lorraine region. She was raised in the chaos of a family feud between her father and her fathers uncle in which her father, Renà © I, Count  of  Anjou and King of Naples and Sicily, was imprisoned for some years. Her mother Isabella, duchess of Lorraine in her own right, was well educated for her time. Because Margaret spent much of her childhood in the company of her mother and her fathers mother, Yolande of Aragon, Margaret was well educated as well. Marriage to Henry VI On April 23, 1445, Margaret married Henry VI of England. Her marriage to Henry was arranged by William de la Pole, later duke of Suffolk, part of the Lancastrian party in the Wars of the Roses. The marriage defeated plans by the House of York, the opposing side, to find a bride for Henry. The wars were named many years afterward from the symbols of the contending parties: the white rose of York and the red of Lancaster. The king of France negotiated Margarets marriage as part of the Truce of Tours, which gave control of Anjou back to France and provided for peace between England and France, temporarily suspending the fighting known later as the Hundred Years War. Margaret was crowned at Westminster Abbey. Henry had inherited his crown when he was an infant, becoming king of England and claiming kingship of France. The French dauphin Charles was crowned as Charles VII with the aid of Joan of Arc in 1429, and Henry had lost most of France by 1453. During Henrys youth, he had been educated and raised by Lancastrians while the duke of York, Henrys uncle, held the power as protector. Margaret played a significant role in her husbands reign, responsible for raising taxes and for match-making among the aristocracy. In 1448, she founded Queens College, Cambridge. Birth of an Heir In 1453, Henry was taken ill with what has usually been described as a bout of insanity; Richard, duke of York, again became protector. But Margaret of Anjou gave birth to a son, Edward, on Oct. 13, 1451, and the duke of York was no longer heir to the throne. Rumors later surfaced- useful to the Yorkists- that Henry was unable to father a child and that Margarets son must be illegitimate. Wars of the Roses Begin After Henry recovered in 1454, Margaret became involved in Lancastrian politics, defending her sons claim as the rightful heir. Between different claims to succession and the scandal of Margarets active role in leadership, the Wars of the Roses began at the battle of St. Albans in 1455. Margaret took an active role in the struggle. She outlawed the Yorkist leaders in 1459, refusing recognition of York as Henrys heir. In 1460, York was killed. His son Edward, then duke of York and later Edward IV, allied with Richard Neville, earl of Warwick, as leaders of the Yorkist party. In 1461, the Lancastrians were defeated at Towton. Edward, son of the late duke of York, became king. Margaret, Henry, and their son went to Scotland; Margaret then went to France and helped arrange French support for an invasion of England, but the forces failed in 1463. Henry was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1465. Warwick, called Kingmaker, helped Edward IV in his initial victory over Henry VI. After a falling out with Edward, Warwick changed sides and supported Margaret in her cause to restore Henry VI to the throne, which they succeeded in doing in 1470. Warwicks daughter Isabella Neville was married to George, duke of Clarence, son of the late Richard, duke of York. Clarence was the brother of Edward IV and also brother of the next king, Richard III. In 1470, Warwick married (or perhaps formally betrothed) his second daughter Anne Neville to Edward, prince of Wales, son of Margaret and Henry  VI, so both Warwicks bases were covered. Defeat and Death Margaret returned to England on April 14, 1471, and on the same day, Warwick was killed at Barnet. In May 1471, Margaret and her supporters were defeated at the battle of Tewkesbury, where Margaret was taken prisoner and her son Edward was killed. Soon afterward her husband, Henry VI, died in the Tower of London, presumably murdered. Margaret was imprisoned in England for five years. In 1476, the king of France paid a ransom to England for her, and she returned to France, where she lived in poverty until her death on Aug. 25, 1482, in Anjou. Legacy As Margaret and later Queen Margaret, Margaret of Anjou has played major roles in various fictional accounts of the tumultuous era. She is a character in four of William Shakespeares plays, all three Henry VI plays and Richard III. Shakespeare compressed and changed events, either because his sources were incorrect or for the sake of the literary plot, so Margarets representations in Shakespeare are more iconic than historical. The queen, a fierce fighter for her son, her husband, and the House of Lancaster, was described as such in Shakespeares The Third Part of King Henry VI: She-wolf of France, but worse than wolves of France, Whose tongue more poisons than the adders tooth Always strong-willed and ambitious, Margaret was relentless in her efforts to secure the crown for her son, but she ultimately failed. Her fierce partisanship embittered her enemies, and the Yorkists didnt hesitate to allege that her son was a bastard. Sources Margaret of Anjou. Encyclopedia.com.Margaret of Anjou: Queen of England. Encyclopedia Britannica.Margaret of Anjou. New World Encyclopedia.10 Facts About Margaret of Anjou. Historyhit.com.

Friday, February 21, 2020

Alzheimer's disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Alzheimer's disease - Essay Example It has a slow development and normally starts after the age of sixty (Medline Plus, 2010). The short-term memory is disturbed while long-term memory is still there. The patient starts losing control over his language, reading and writing skills. He begins to forget the names of acquaintances, relatives or even members of the family. When the disease starts getting worse, the patient may even forget how to eat, drink or go to toilet. Stage 1, mild stage, has symptoms like losing way, trouble in calculating bills, asking something repeatedly, taking longer to perform daily tasks, putting things in weird places, and showing attitude problems. Stage 2, moderate stage, shows symptoms like requiring assistance in performing daily tasks, forgetting recent happenings and acquaintances, mixing up distant past with recent past, having language problems, and wandering away. Stage 3, severe stage, has symptoms like being unable to feed oneself, control bowel and urinary movements, speak, read, w rite or recognize members of the family. Memory vanishes away totally (American Health Assistance Foundation, 2010). References American Health Assistance Foundation. (2010). Alzheimer's symptoms & stages. Alzheimer’s Disease Research.

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Drugs and Economic Factors on crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Drugs and Economic Factors on crime - Essay Example Pennsylvania in 2000 had approximately a population of 12,281,054. For the year 2000 the State of Pennsylvania had a total crime index of 2,995.3 reported incidents per 100,000 people. Pennsylvania had the 43rd highest total crime index. Pennsylvania had an incident rate of 420.0 per 100,000 people for offences which were violent in nature. The state was ranked as having the 23rd highest occurrence for violent crime among the states. Washington D.C. unlike cities like Pennsylvania has very stringent gun restriction laws. These gun restrictions have not proved to be really effective. The crime rate of Washington D.C. is very high compared to the other neighboring states like Pennsylvania which do not have gun restriction laws. A review of the areas in the United States has shown that areas like Washington D.C., Chicago, New York which have the most regulative gun laws have the highest violent crime rate. Areas in the U.S. with have fewer gun control laws and higher gun ownership also surprisingly has the least crime rate Some scholars like John Lott believe that more gun restrictions lead to increased crime and violence. But scholars like Steven Levitt advocate that neither the presence nor absence of gun control laws have any significant effect on the crime rate. Steven Levitt believes that legalized abortion is one of the most important factors responsible for the crime rate in U.S. Levitt in his book Freakonomics has argued in favor of legalized abortion as the single most important factor responsible for reducing violent crime in U.S. ... Levitt has shown from statistics that legalized abortion has contributed immensely in bringing down the crime rate because he is of the opinion that unwanted children commit more crimes than wanted children. The legalization of abortion has resulted in fewer unwanted children and thus has helped in the reduction of crime over the years (Levitt, 2006). Even a comprehensive review of the published studies of gun control in 2004 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was also unable to arrive at any statistically significant effect that either the pro gun or no gun laws had on the crime rate. (Gun Politics, 2006) A recent study in the journal of the American Medical Association has reported that the 1994 Brady Law has done effectively nothing to reduce the crime rate. Thus it can rightly be said that gun control schemes have no relation to crime or to prevention of brutality (Blanks, n.d.) But the supporters of gun control believe that the crime rate can only be brought down through effective gun control. These supporters by believing so overlook the multifaceted factors responsible for crime and violence (Blanks, n.d.) Thus it is a fallacy to suppose that gun control laws will help to reduce crime and violence in the United States. It is an erroneous belief because then the areas with most guns would not have had the least crime rates. There are multiple factors responsible for crime and violence. If the crime rate has to be reduced then unlawful drug use and addiction, age demographics and poverty are the areas that have to be improved and worked upon. There are multiple population characteristics. Age is one of them. It is widely believed that rising teenage population leads to increase in the crime rate. A separate juvenile justice system is gradually

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Case Study of diagnosis and treatment of Gout

Case Study of diagnosis and treatment of Gout A 50 year-old male presented for an evaluation of rapid onset of pain and swelling in his right toe. The patient reported that he had two similar previous episodes with the same symptoms lasting four to five days and was treated by emergency physicians. The patientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s past medical history is significant for hypertension and treated with Hydrochlorothiazide. The review of systems was negative for headache, fever, chills, rash, earache, sore throat, cough, rhinorrhea, vision changes, weight loss, or change in appetite or disposition. The patient was afebrile, and this blood pressure was slightly elevated. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: General: The patient is a pleasant male who appears to be in no apparent distress. Vital Signs: blood pressure 123/48, heart rate 76, Temperature 38.3 and 98% on room air. HEENT: Extraocular muscles are intact. Pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation. Neck: Supple. No jugular vein distention noted. No carotid bruits noted. Lungs: Clear to auscultation bilaterally. No wheezes, rubs or rhonchi. Heart: Regular rate and rhythm. Normal S1, S2. A 2/6 to 3/6 systolic ejection murmur at the right upper sternal border. PMI is nondisplaced. Abdomen: Notable for laparoscopy surgical wound. Positive bowel sounds. Extremities: MTP is red, hot and swollen. Neurologic: The patient is alert and oriented x3. No focal neurologic deficits noted. Pathophysiology Gout is an inflammatory disease characterized by the deposition of uric acid crystals in and around joints, subcutaneous tissues, and kidneys. Although men and women are equally affected by gout, men are six times more likely to have serum concentrations above 7 mg per dL. Gout typically occurs during middle age and is uncommon before the age 30 years old. Women rarely have gouty arthritis attacks before menopause 1. Clinical Presentation Gout attacks are usually associated with precipitated events. Patients usually present with rapid onset of severe pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in one or tow joints. This pain and inflammation are caused by inflammatory response. Acute attack untreated attacks usually last two to 21 days depending on cases. There are four clinical stages of gout according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). The first stage is known as asymptomatic hyperurecemia. During this stage, the patients can have an elevation of uric acid in the blood but they do not have any symptoms yet. After more and more urate deposits around a joint and if any trauma triggers the release of crystal into the joint space, patients will suffer acute attacks of gout. This second stage is known as acute gouty arthritis. The third stage, known as interval or intercritical gout, involves the interval between acute flare gout attacks with persist crystals in the joints. When crystals deposits continue to accumulate, patients are likely to develop chronically stiff and swollen joints. This stage is called chronic tophceous gout. Some permanent damage to affected joints and sometimes to kidneys can be seen. This advanced stage is relatively uncommon if patients receive proper treatment. Differential Diagnosis Gout in the elderly is often polyarticular and involves upper extremity joints (especially proximal interphalangeal joints and distal interphalangeal joints). Women present 70% of the time with polyarticular disease rather than the classic monoarticular arthritis seen in men. Gout can be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis because tophi may resemble rheumatoid nodules and rheumatoid factors often become weakly positive as people age. It may be difficult to differentiate cellulitis or septic arthritis from gout, particularly when a fever, leukocytosis, redness, or desquamation is present. The term pseudogout, for calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, belies the difficulty in clinically differentiating it from gout. For definitive diagnosis, joint fluid must be aspirated for culture and a search for urate crystals. Diagnostic Test The gold standard diagnostic test for gout is an arthrocentesis. The American College of Rheumatology has established 12 clinical criteria, 6 of which a patient must have for diagnosis. * Maximum joint inflammation within 1 day * More than one attack over time * Monoarticular arthritis (although gout can be polyarticular) * Redness of joint * Great metatarsophalangeal pain or swelling * Unilateral great metatarsophalangeal involvement * Unilateral tarsal involvement * Suspected tophus * Hyperuricemia * Asymmetrical swelling within the joint on x-ray * Subcortical cysts without erosion on x-ray * Joint fluid culture negative for organisms during attack Treatment and Management The gold of treating gout is to minimize or eliminate the urate crystals from the joints and other structures associated with them. Several aspects must be taken into consideration and each treatment regiment is varied from patients to patients. The three main objectives that FNP take into consideration are treatment for the acute attacks, prophylaxis against recurrent attacks, and management of hyperurecemia. Asymptomatic hyperurecemia: urate-lowering drugs is not recommended to treat patients with asymptomatic hyperurecemia. If hyperurecemia is identified, underlying causes such as obesity, hypercholesterolemia, alcohol consumption, and hypertension should be addressed. Acute gout: NSAIDs are being used as first-line therapy. Indomethacin (Indocin), ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn), sulindac (Clinoril), piroxicam (Feldene) are also effective against gout. Corticosteroids: intra-articular, intravenous, intramuscular or oral corticosteroids are effective in acute gout. When one or two joints are involved, intra-articular injection of corticosteroid can be used. Intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide is as effective as indomethacin in relieving acute gouty arthritis. Triamcinolone acetonide is especially useful in patients with contraindication to NSAIDs. Oral prednisone: is an option when repeat dosing is anticipate. Prenisone, 0.5 mg per kg on day 1 and tapered by 5 mg each day is effective. Cochicine is also effective treatment for acute gout. However, majority of patients experience gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Patient Education If they are obese, they should be advised to begin a concerted program of supervised weight reduction (see Chapter 233), but to avoid starvation or very low calorie diets that may only exacerbate the risk of gout. Drinkers should be warned against binges. Maintenance of good hydration needs to be stressed to those at risk for nephrolithiasis. On the other hand, patients will find it comforting to know that severe dietary restrictions are unnecessary. Fasting should be avoided because it may precipitate an attack. The importance of treating an acute attack at the first sign of illness also needs to be stressed. For the patient with interval gout, a discussion of the risks and benefits of prophylactic therapy and the importance of compliance is indicated. Those taking allopurinol should be warned of the risk of a hypersensitivity reaction and advised to cease intake immediately and call the physician at the first sign of a rash, fever, or other manifestation. Pain management is the pri mary concern during acute phase of and attack. The patient should be advised to take analgesic medications as schedule. The joint should be rested as much as possible in a position of comfort. Ice, not heat, may help with reducing discomfort. Conclusion Gout is one of the most causes of acute monoarticular arthritis. Primary gout runs in families and follows multifactorial inheritance. The expanded use of agents that decrease uric acid excretion has significantly increased the incidence of secondary gout. The Fremingham Study suggested that almost half of new cases were associated with thiazide use. The FNP should be able to properly diagnose acute gout, treat it, prevent recurrence, and minimize the chances for the development of chronic gouty arthritis. Patients who present with asymptomatic hyperuricemia should be further investigated to prevent complications from this disorder.

Monday, January 20, 2020

The Cost of Solar Cells to Harvest Energy Essay -- Power Environment R

Solar Cells - Energy of the Future Solar cells have been around since 1883, when the first solar cell was created. Even though they have been around for so long, many people still wonder why they have not been implemented into wide-scale usage already. Solar cells today are highly efficient and can provide enough energy to power many cities today. But what is holding them back from being used in developing countries that have a chance to base their society around them, or in already developed countries? Simply put- the cost. Before I go in to detail about usage and implementation of solar cells, let me explain just how they work. Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells (Photo= light Voltaic=electricity) capture photons, convert them into electrons, and use these electrons to transfer energy to whatever you want to power. To do this, solar cells are made with a material called a semiconductor, which, for solar cells is almost always silicon. When light hits this material, it causes electrons to break loose and flow throughout the material. By placing metal plates on the solar cell, we can capture this flow of electrons, otherwise known as current. Using the equation Power= Volts * Current, you can calculate the voltage output of a cell, which, using silicon, is about 1.1 volts- a 25% or so efficiency. There are currently three types of solar cells- first generation, second generation, and third generation, where each generation aims to address a certain problem with solar cells. First generation cells aim to make as many cells as possible, second generation aim to make highly effective solar panels, and third generation cells try to create the most cost efficient solar panels. In this paper, I will address how and w... ...vernment. Energy Information Administration. Retrieved on 2007-10-02. Government, US. "Government Solar Facts." Multiband Solar Panels. 29 July 2008 . How Stuff Works. "Solar Cells." How Stuff Works. 29 July 2008 . Inc., Energy, comp. "Purchase a Solar Cell." Purchase a Solar Cell Today. 29 July 2008 . Irock23. "Yahoo Answers." Yahoo Answers. 29 July 2008 . James, Stuart. "Http://articles.latimes.com/2007/sep/01/local/me-heat1." La Times 29 July 2008: 15-16. Online, Chemistry, ed. "Solar Powering the World." Solar Energy (Photovoltaic Cells). 29 July 2008 .

Sunday, January 12, 2020

The Golden Lily Chapter 5

WORD OF MY UPCOMING DATE spread fast. I could only presume Trey had told Kristin and Julia, who had in turn told Jill and Eddie and God only knew who else†¦. So, I shouldn't have been surprised when I got a call from Adrian just after dinner. He started talking before I could even say hello. â€Å"Really, Sage? A date?† I sighed. â€Å"Yes, Adrian. A date.† â€Å"A real date. Not, like, doing homework together,† he added. â€Å"I mean like where you go out to a movie or something. And a movie that's not part of a school assignment. Or about something boring.† â€Å"A real date.† I figured I wouldn't give him the specifics on the Shakespeare play. â€Å"What's the lucky guy's name?† â€Å"Brayden.† There was a pause. â€Å"Brayden? That's his real name?† â€Å"Why are you asking if everything's real? You think I'd make any of this up?† â€Å"No, no,† Adrian assured me. â€Å"That's what's so unbelievable about it. Is he cute?† I glanced at the clock. It was time for me to meet my study group. â€Å"Gee, maybe I should just send you a picture to review?† â€Å"Yes, please. And a full background check and life history.† â€Å"I have to go. Why do you care so much anyway?† I finally asked in exasperation. His answer took a long time, which was uncharacteristic. Adrian was usually ready with a dozen witty quips. Maybe he couldn't decide which one to use. When he finally responded, it was in that usual sarcastic way of his – though the levity sounded a little forced. â€Å"Because it's one of those things I never expected to see in my lifetime,† he told me. â€Å"Like a comet. Or world peace. I'm just used to you being single.† For some reason, that bothered me. â€Å"What, you don't think any guy would ever be interested in me?† â€Å"Actually,† said Adrian, sounding remarkably serious, â€Å"I can imagine lots of guys being interested in you.† I was certain he was teasing me and had no time for his jokes. I said goodbye and headed off to my study group, which, thankfully, was pretty dedicated and got a lot of work done. But when I met up with Trey at the library later, he was less than focused. He couldn't stop going on and on about how brilliant he was in getting Brayden and me together. â€Å"This date hasn't even happened, and I'm already tired of it,† I said. I spread Trey's lab paperwork out on the table before us. The numbers and formulas were comforting, far more concrete and orderly than the mysteries of social interaction. I tapped the lab assignment with my pen. â€Å"Pay attention. We don't have a lot of time.† He shrugged off my concerns. â€Å"Can't you just finish it?† â€Å"No! I left enough time so that you could do it yourself. I'll help, but that's it.† Trey was intelligent enough to figure out most of it on his own. Using me was just another way for him to dodge looking smart. He let the date go and focused on the work. I thought I was free of Brayden interrogation until, just as were wrapping up, Jill and Micah came strolling by, hand in hand. They were with a group of other people, which didn't surprise me. Micah was easygoing and popular, and Jill had inherited a large circle of friends by going out with him. Her eyes sparkled with happiness as someone in the group told a funny story that made them all laugh. I couldn't help a smile myself. This was a far cry from when Jill had first come to Amberwood and been treated as an outcast for unusual looks and odd behaviors. She was thriving with this new social status. Maybe it would help her embrace her royal background. My smile faded when Jill pulled Micah away from the group and hurried over to our table. Her eager expression worried me. â€Å"Is it true?† she asked. â€Å"Do you have a date?† â€Å"For the love of – you know it's true! And you told Adrian, didn't you?† I gave her a pointed look. Their psychic bond wasn't active 100 percent of the time, but something told me she knew about his earlier phone call to me. When the bond was â€Å"on,† she could see into his mind, observing both his feelings and actions. It only worked one way, however. Adrian had no such insight. She turned sheepish. â€Å"Yeah†¦ I couldn't help it when Micah told me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I heard it from Eddie,† Micah added quickly, as though that might get him off the hook. He had red hair and blue eyes that were always cheerful and friendly. He was one of those people you couldn't help but like, which made it harder to undo the tangled web Jill had woven by dating him. â€Å"Hey, I did not tell Eddie,† said Trey defensively. I turned my gaze on him. â€Å"But you told other people. And they told Eddie.† Trey gave a half shrug. â€Å"I might have mentioned it here and there.† â€Å"Unbelievable,† I said. â€Å"What's this guy like?† asked Jill. â€Å"Is he cute?† I thought about it. â€Å"Pretty cute.† She perked up. â€Å"Well, that's promising. Where's he taking you? Somewhere good? Night on the town? Fancy dinner? Micah and I had an awesome time at Salton Sea. It's so pretty. You could go there, have a romantic picnic.† Her cheeks turned pink and she stopped for breath, as if realizing she was talking too much. Rambling was one of Jill's most endearing traits. â€Å"We're going to see Shakespeare in the park,† I said. That got me silence. â€Å"Antony and Cleopatra. It's good.† I suddenly felt the need to defend myself. â€Å"A classic. Brayden and I both appreciate Shakespeare.† â€Å"His name is Brayden?† asked Micah in disbelief. â€Å"What kind of a name is that?† Jill frowned. â€Å"Antony and Cleopatra†¦ is that romantic?† â€Å"Kind of,† I said. â€Å"For a while. Then everyone dies in the end.† Jill's horrified expression told me that I wasn't really improving matters. â€Å"Well,† she said. â€Å"I hope you have, um, fun.† A few moments of awkwardness ensued, then her eyes lit up again. â€Å"Oh! Lia called me tonight. She said you two talked about me modeling for her again?† â€Å"She what?† I exclaimed. â€Å"That's not quite how I'd put it. She asked if you could do some print ads. I said no.† â€Å"Oh.† Jill's face fell a little. â€Å"I understand. From what she said†¦ I just thought. Well. I thought maybe there was a way†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I gave her a meaningful look. â€Å"I'm sorry, Jill. I wish there was a way. But you know why you can't.† She nodded sadly. â€Å"I understand. It's okay.† â€Å"You don't need a modeling campaign to be beautiful to me,† said Micah gallantly. That brought a smile back to her face that faded when she saw a nearby clock. Her transient moods reminded me of Adrian's, and I wondered if some of that was the effect of the bond. â€Å"Ugh. Curfew's coming. We'd better head out. You coming, Sydney?† I glanced at Trey's lab. It was complete and, I knew, absolutely perfect. â€Å"I'll leave in just a couple minutes.† She and Micah left. Glancing over at Trey, I was surprised to find him staring at her retreating figure intently. I nudged him. â€Å"Hey. Don't forget to put your name on this, or it was all for nothing.† It still took him several seconds to drag his gaze away. â€Å"That's your sister, isn't it?† His dismal tone made it sound more like a statement than a question, as though he were revealing some unfortunate fact. â€Å"Um, yeah. You've seen her like a hundred times. She's gone to this school for a month.† He frowned. â€Å"I just never thought much about it†¦ never got a good look at her before. I don't have any classes with her.† â€Å"She was front and center in that fashion show.† â€Å"She had a mask on.† His dark eyes studied me. â€Å"You guys don't look alike at all.† â€Å"We get that a lot.† Trey still looked troubled, and I had no idea why. â€Å"You're smart to keep her out of modeling,† he said at last. â€Å"She's too young.† â€Å"It's a religious thing,† I said, knowing Trey wouldn't quiz me for many details on our â€Å"faith.† â€Å"Whatever it is, keep her out of the public eye.† He scrawled his name on the lab and shut his textbook. â€Å"You don't want her plastered all over magazines or something. Lots of creepy people out there.† Now I was the one left staring. I agreed with him. Too much exposure meant the Moroi dissidents could find Jill. But why would Trey feel that way, too? His claims that she was too young were sound, I supposed, but there was something vaguely unsettling about the exchange. The way he'd watched her walk away was too weird. But then, what other reason aside from concern could he have? The normality of the next couple of days was welcome – normality being relative around here, of course. Adrian kept sending me e-mails, asking me to rescue him (while also offering unsolicited dating advice). Ms. Terwilliger continued her passive aggressive attempts to teach me magic. Eddie continued in his fierce dedication to Jill. And Angeline continued her not-sosubtle advances on Eddie. After watching her â€Å"accidentally† spill her water bottle all over her white T-shirt at practice with him one day, I knew something would have to be done, no matter what Eddie had said about his personal life. Like so many awkward and unpleasant tasks in our cohort, I had a feeling I was the one who would have to do it. I figured this would be some sort of stern, heart-to-heart talk about the proper way to solicit someone's attention, but on the night of my date with Brayden, it was soon made clear to me that I was apparently the last person who should be giving dating advice. â€Å"You're wearing that?† demanded Kristin, pointing an accusing finger at the outfit I'd neatly set out on my bed. She and Julia had taken it upon themselves to inspect me before I went out. Jill and Angeline had tagged along without invitation, and I couldn't help but notice that everyone seemed a lot more excited about this than I was. Mostly I was a tangle of nerves and fear. This was what it must feel like to go into a test without having studied. It was a new experience for me. â€Å"It's not a school uniform,† I said. I'd had enough sense to know wearing that would be unacceptable. â€Å"And it's a color. Kind of.† Julia held up the top I'd selected, a crisp cotton blouse with short sleeves and a high, button-up collar. The whole thing was a soft shade of lemon yellow, which I thought would score me points with this group since everyone accused me of not wearing colors. I'd even combined it with a pair of jeans. She shook her head. â€Å"This is the kind of shirt that says, ‘You're never getting in here.'† â€Å"Well, why would he?† I demanded. Kristin, sitting cross-legged in my desk chair, tilted her head thoughtfully as she studied the shirt. â€Å"I think it's more like a shirt that says, ‘I'm going to have to end this date early so I can go prepare my Power Point presentation.'† That sent them into fits of laughter. I was about to protest when I noticed Jill and Angeline going through my closet. â€Å"Hey! Maybe you should ask before doing that.† â€Å"All your dresses are too heavy,† said Jill. She pulled out one made of soft, gray cashmere. â€Å"I mean, at least this is sleeveless, but it's still too much for this weather.† â€Å"Half my wardrobe is,† I said. â€Å"It's made for four seasons. I didn't really have a lot of time to switch to all summer stuff before coming here.† â€Å"See?† exclaimed Angeline triumphantly. â€Å"Now you know my problem. I can cut a couple inches off of that, if you want.† â€Å"No!† To my relief, Jill put the dress away. A few moments later, she produced a new find. â€Å"What about this?† She held up a hanger carrying a long white tank top made of light, crinkly material with a scoop neckline. Kristin glanced at Angeline. â€Å"Think you could make the neckline lower?† â€Å"The neckline's low enough already. And that's not a shirt you wear on its own,† I protested. â€Å"It's meant to be tucked in under a blazer.† Julia rose from the chair. She tossed her hair; this was serious business. â€Å"No, no†¦ this might work.† She took the shirt from Jill and laid it across the jeans I'd set out. She studied it for a few moments and then returned to my closet – which was apparently free game for everyone. After a quick search, she pulled out a skinny leather belt with a tan snakeskin pattern. â€Å"I thought I remembered you wearing this.† She laid the belt over the white shirt and stepped back. After a bit more scrutiny, she gave it a nod of approval. The others crowded in to look. â€Å"Good eye,† said Kristin. â€Å"Hey, I found the shirt,† Jill reminded her. â€Å"I can't wear the shirt alone,† I said. I hoped my protests covered up my anxiety. Had I really been that off on the yellow shirt? I'd been certain it was date-appropriate. How was I going to survive tonight if I couldn't even dress right? â€Å"If you want to put a blazer on over it in this weather, be my guest,† said Julia. â€Å"But I don't think you have to worry about it showing too much. This wouldn't even be worth Mrs. Weathers's notice.† â€Å"Neither would the yellow blouse,† I pointed out. They decided my clothing was a done deal and moved on to hair and makeup advice. I drew the line there. I wore makeup every day – very nice, very expensive makeup applied to make the most of my features in a way that made it look as though I didn't even have makeup on. I wasn't going to change that natural look, no matter how adamantly Julia swore pink eye shadow would be â€Å"hot.† None of them put up much of a fight on my hair. It was currently in a layered cut that went just past my shoulders. There was exactly one way it could be styled, worn down with the layers carefully arranged with a hair dryer. Any other style looked messy, and of course, I already had it in the perfect configuration today. No point messing with a good thing. Besides, I think they were all too excited that I'd agreed to wear the white tank top – once I'd tried it on to verify that it wasn't transparent. My only nod to jewelry was my little gold cross. I fastened it around my neck and said a silent prayer that I'd get through this. Although Alchemists used crosses a lot, we weren't exactly part of any traditional Christian faith or practice. We had our own religious services and believed in God, that He was a great force of goodness and light that infused every bit of the universe. With all that responsibility, He probably didn't care much about one girl going on a date, but maybe He could spare a second to make sure it wasn't too painful. They all traipsed down the stairs with me when the time came for Brayden to pick me up. (Actually, it was a little earlier than the appointed time, but I hated being late.) The girls had all come up with reasons for needing to meet him, from Jill's â€Å"It's a family thing† to Kristin's â€Å"I can spot an asshole in five seconds.† I wasn't confident in that last one, seeing as she'd once speculated that Keith might be a good catch. All of them were also full of unsolicited advice. â€Å"You can split the cost of dinner or the play,† said Julia. â€Å"Not both. He needs to pick up the whole bill on one of them.† â€Å"Better if he pays for everything, though,† said Kristin. â€Å"Still order something, even if you don't want to eat it,† added Jill. â€Å"If he's buying dinner, you don't want to let him off cheap. He's gotta work for you.† â€Å"Where are you guys getting all of this?† I asked. â€Å"What does it matter if I – oh, come on.† We'd reached the lobby and found Eddie and Micah sitting on a bench together. They at least had the decency to look embarrassed. â€Å"Not you guys too,† I said. â€Å"I was just here to see Jill,† said Micah unconvincingly. â€Å"And I was here to, um†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Eddie faltered, and I held up a hand to stop him. â€Å"Don't bother. Honestly, I'm surprised Trey isn't here with a camera or something. I figured he'd want to immortalize every moment of this debacle of a – oh. Hey, over here.† I put on a smile as Brayden stepped into the lobby. Apparently I wasn't the only one who liked to be early. Brayden seemed a little surprised that I had an entourage. I couldn't blame him since I was kind of surprised I had one too. â€Å"It's nice to meet all of you,† said Brayden, friendly, even if a little bewildered. Eddie, while uncomfortable with Angeline's advances, could be perfectly outgoing in less bizarre social situations. He played up the brotherly role and shook Brayden's hand. â€Å"I hear you guys are seeing a play tonight.† â€Å"Yes,† said Brayden. â€Å"Although, I prefer the term drama. I've actually already seen this production, but I'd like to watch it again with an eye toward alternative forms of dramatic analysis. The standard Freytag method can get a little cliched after a while.† This left everyone speechless. Or maybe they were just trying to figure out what he'd said. Eddie glanced at me then back to Brayden. â€Å"Well. Something tells me you guys are going to have a great time together.† Once we were able to extract ourselves from my well-wishers Brayden said, â€Å"You have very†¦ devoted family and friends.† â€Å"Oh,† I said. â€Å"That. They just, uh, happened to all be going out together at the same time we were. To study.† Brayden glanced at his watch. â€Å"Not too late for that, I suppose. If I can, I always do my homework right after school because – â€Å" â€Å"If you put it off, you never know if something unexpected might happen?† â€Å"Exactly,† he said. He smiled at me. I smiled back. I followed him to visitor parking, over to a shiny, silver Ford Mustang. I nearly swooned. Immediately, I reached out and ran my hand along the car's smooth surface. â€Å"Nice,† I said. â€Å"Brand new, next model year. These new ones will never quite have the character of the classics, but they certainly make up for it in fuel economy and safety.† Brayden looked pleasantly surprised. â€Å"You know your cars.† â€Å"It's a hobby,† I admitted. â€Å"My mom is really into them.† When I'd first met Rose Hathaway, I'd had the incredible experience of driving a 1972 Citroen. Now I owned a Subaru named Latte. I loved it, but it wasn't exactly glamorous. â€Å"They're works of art and engineering.† I noticed then that Brayden had come with me to the passenger side. For half a second, I thought he expected me to drive. Maybe because I liked cars so much? But then, he opened the door and I realized he was waiting for me to get in. I did, trying to remember the last time a guy had opened a car door for me. My conclusion: never. Dinner wasn't fast food, but it wasn't anything fancy either. I wondered what Julia and Kristin's opinion would be on that. We ate at a very California type of cafe, that served all organic sandwiches and salads. Every menu item seemed to feature avocado. â€Å"I would've taken you somewhere nicer,† he told me. â€Å"But I didn't want to risk being late. The park's a few blocks away, so we should be able to get a good spot. I†¦ I hope that's okay?† He suddenly looked nervous. It was such a contrast to the confidence he had shown when talking about Shakespeare. I had to admit, it was kind of reassuring. I found myself relaxing a little bit. â€Å"If it's not, I'll find a better place – â€Å" â€Å"No, this is great,† I told him, glancing around the cafe's brightly lit dining room. It was one of those places where we ordered at a counter and then brought a number to our table. â€Å"I'd rather be early, anyway.† He'd paid for all of our food. I tried to make sense of the dating rules my friends had bombarded me with. â€Å"What do I owe you for my ticket?† I asked tentatively. Brayden looked surprised. â€Å"Nothing. It's on me.† He smiled tentatively back. â€Å"Thank you,† I said. So, he was paying. That would make Kristin happy, although it made me a little uneasy – through no fault of his. With the Alchemists, I was always the one picking up the bills and handling the paperwork. I wasn't used to someone else doing it. I guess I just had trouble shaking that feeling that I had to take care of everything because no one else could do it right. Academics had always been a breeze for me. But at Amberwood, learning how to hang out with people my own age in a normal way had been a much more difficult task. I'd gotten better, but it was still a struggle trying to figure out the proper things to say to my peers. With Brayden, there were no such problems. We had an endless supply of topics, both of us eager to put forth all we knew on anything and everything. Most of the meal was spent discussing the intricacies of the organic certification process. It was pretty awesome. Trouble came when, as we were finishing up, Brayden asked if I wanted to get dessert before we left. I froze, suddenly in a dilemma. Jill had said to make sure I ordered enough to not come across as a cheap date. Without even thinking about it, I'd ordered an inexpensive salad – simply because it sounded good. Was I now on the hook to order more so I'd seem like someone Brayden had to work for? Was this worth breaking all my own rules about sugar and dessert? And honestly, what did Jill know about dating etiquette anyway? Her last boyfriend had been homicidal, and her current one was oblivious to the fact that she was a vampire. â€Å"Uh, no thank you,† I said at last. â€Å"I'd rather make sure we get to the park on time.† He nodded as he rose from the table and gave me another smile. â€Å"I was thinking the same thing. Most people don't seem to think punctuality is that important.† â€Å"Important? It's essential,† I said. â€Å"I'm always at least ten minutes early.† Brayden's grin widened. â€Å"I aim for fifteen. To tell you the truth†¦ I really didn't want dessert anyway.† He held the door open for me as we stepped outside. â€Å"I try to avoid getting too much sugar.† I nearly came to a standstill in astonishment. â€Å"I totally agree – but my friends always give me a hard time about it.† Brayden nodded. â€Å"There are all sorts of reasons. People just don't get it, though.† I walked to the park, stunned. No one had ever understood me so quickly and easily. It was like he had read my mind. Palm Springs was a desert city, filled with long stretches of sandy vistas and stark, rocky mountain faces. But it was also a city that mankind had been shaping for a long time, and many places – Amberwood, for example – had been given lush, green makeovers in defiance of the natural climate. This park was no exception. It was a huge expanse of green lawn, ringed with leafy deciduous trees instead of the usual palms. A stage had been set up at one end, and people were already seeking out the best spots. We chose one in the shade that had a great view of the stage. Brayden took out a blanket to sit on from his backpack, along with a worn copy of Antony and Cleopatra. It was marked up with notes and sticky tabs. â€Å"Did you bring your own?† he asked me. â€Å"No,† I said. I couldn't help but be impressed. â€Å"I didn't bring many books from home when I moved here.† He hesitated, as though unsure he should say what he was thinking. â€Å"Do you want to read along with mine?† I'd honestly figured I would just watch the play, but the scholar in me could certainly see the perks of having the original text along. I was also curious about what kind of notes he'd made. It was only after I'd said yes that I realized why he was nervous. Reading along with him meant we had to sit very, very close together. â€Å"I won't bite,† he said, smiling when I didn't move right away. That broke the tension, and we managed to move into positions that allowed us both to see the book with almost no touching. There was no avoiding our knees brushing one another, but we both had jeans on, and it didn't make me feel like my virtue was at stake. Also, I couldn't help but notice he smelled like coffee – my favorite vice. That wasn't a bad thing. Not bad at all. Still, I was very conscious of being so close to someone. I didn't think I was getting any romantic vibes. My pulse didn't race; my heart didn't flutter. Mostly I was aware that this was the closest I'd sat to anyone, maybe in my life. I wasn't used to sharing my personal space so much. I soon forgot about that as the play started. Brayden might not like Shakespeare performed in modern clothing, but I thought they did an admirable job. Following along with the text, we caught a couple of spots where the actors messed up a line. We shot each other secret, triumphant looks, gleeful that we were in on something others didn't know about. I kept up with Brayden's annotations too, nodding at some and shaking my head at others. I couldn't wait until we discussed this on the ride home. We were all leaning forward intently during Cleopatra's dramatic death scene, intensely focused on her last lines. Off to my side, I heard the crinkling of paper. I ignored it and leaned forward further. The paper crinkled again, this time much louder. Looking over, I saw a group of guys sitting nearby who appeared to be about college-aged. Most of them were watching the performance, but one was holding an item wrapped in a brown paper bag. The bag was too big for the object and had been rolled down several times. He glanced around nervously, trying to be discreet and unroll the paper in small batches. It was obvious that was actually making more noise than if he'd just gone for it and unrolled it all at once. This went on for another minute, and by then, a few others nearby were glancing over at him. He finally managed to open the bag and then, still in slow motion, carefully lowered his hand inside. I heard the pop of a cap and the guy's face lit up in triumph. Still keeping the object concealed, he lifted the bag to his mouth and drank out of what was very obviously a bottle of beer or some other alcohol. It had been pretty apparent right away from the bag shape. I clapped a hand over my mouth, in an attempt to smother my laughter. He reminded me so much of Adrian. I could absolutely see Adrian smuggling in alcohol to an event like this and then going to all sorts of pains to be covert, thinking that if he just did everything slowly enough, no one would catch on to him. Adrian, too, would probably have the misfortune of opening the bottle right in the middle of the play's most tense scene. I could even picture a similarly delighted look on his face, one that said, No one knows what I'm doing! When, of course, we all knew. I didn't know why it made me laugh, but it did. Brayden was too focused on the play to notice. â€Å"Ooh,† he whispered to me. â€Å"This is a good part – where her handmaidens kill themselves.† The two of us had plenty to debate and analyze on the way back to Amberwood. I was almost disappointed when his car pulled up to my dorm. As we sat there, I realized we'd come to another critical dating milestone. What was the correct procedure here? Was he supposed to kiss me? Was I supposed to let him? Had that been the real price of my salad? Brayden seemed nervous too, and I braced myself for the worst. When I looked down at my hands in my lap, I noticed they were shaking. You can do this, I told myself. It's a rite of passage. I started to close my eyes, but when Brayden spoke, I opened them quickly. As it turned out, Brayden's buildup of courage wasn't for a kiss, so much as a question. â€Å"Would you†¦ would you like to go out again?† he asked, giving me a shy smile. I was surprised at the mix of emotions this triggered. Relief was foremost, of course. I'd now have time to research books on kissing too. At the same time, I was kind of disappointed that the swagger and confidence he'd shown in dramatic analysis didn't carry through here. Some part of me thought his line should've been more like, â€Å"Well, after that night of perfection, I guess we have no choice but to go out again.† Immediately, I felt stupid for such a sentiment. I had no business expecting him to be more at ease with this when I was sitting there with my hands shaking. â€Å"Sure,† I blurted out. He breathed a sigh of relief. â€Å"Cool,† he said. â€Å"I'll e-mail you.† â€Å"That'd be great.† I smiled. More awkward silence fell, and suddenly, I wondered if the kiss might be coming after all. â€Å"Do you†¦ do you want me to walk you to the door?† he asked. â€Å"What? Oh, no. Thank you. It's right there. I'll be fine. Thank you.† I realized I was on the verge of sounding like Jill. â€Å"Well, then,† said Brayden. â€Å"I had a really nice night. Looking forward to next time.† â€Å"Me too.† He held out his hand. I shook it. Then I left the car and went inside. I shook his hand? I replayed the moment in my head, feeling dumber and dumber. What is wrong with me? As I walked through the lobby, kind of dazed, I took out my cell phone to see if I had any messages. I'd turned it off tonight, figuring if ever there was a time I'd earned peace, this was it. To my astonishment, no one had needed anything in my absence, though there was one text message from Jill, sent about fifteen minutes ago: How was your date with Brandon? What's he like? I unlocked my dorm door and stepped inside. His name is Brayden, I texted back. I pondered the rest of her question and took a long time in trying to decide how to respond. He's just like me.