Abigail Williams Analyzation

Williams is a cruel, vengeful and power hungry person. She has the ability to manipulate almost anyone she wants, whenever and wherever. She uses this ability to gain power and deem people witches who don't have any real proof against them. This puts her in a position where she can Just do almost anything she wants to, like eliminating people that she doesn't want to see anymore. Abigail Williams is really just one power hungry, vengeful person. Abigail had been one of the original girls that started the whole witchcraft ordeal y practicing voodoo rituals in the woods outside of her town.She later then blamed the whole event on the slave of Reverend Paris saying â€Å"Now look you. All of you. We danced. And Tuba conjured Ruth Putnam dead sisters. † The people she told believed her as slaves were of lower class then Abigail, and that Just happened to be how it worked then. Abigail also was in an affair with John Proctor, which after Elizabeth found out about it, who is John's wife, Abigail was fired from her position as a servant to the Proctors.Abigail went on to accuse people of the town of witchcraft. This allowed her to rise to power and become a member of the court. Abigail sought vengeance on the people that witnessed her in the woods with Tuba as well. She pin pointed those people and decided she would accuse them of witchcraft In any way she could. For instance, she accused Elizabeth of witchcraft because she had a doll with a needle In Its stomach, saying she was using voodoo to hurt Abigail.Even though Abigail set the whole thing up and punctured herself with a needle. All these situations show how Abigail nature Is to be cruel, and how she manipulates people's views and emotions. Abigail also became a huge power fugue throughout the act. She rose to power after accusing people for witchcraft. She made up fake stories and false evidence to get people to go to trial. For Instance when she accused Elizabeth proctor of witchcraft, Abigail said she was stabbed by Elizabethan spirit.When the authorities searched the Proctors house, they found a doll with a needle In Its stomach. This was enough â€Å"proof' they needed to take her away. Abigail got away with a lot of things throughout act 1 . She used peoples emotions to get what she wanted and didn't have any sympathy for anyone she came across. She ended up In a position where she can Just do almost anything she wants to, Like eliminating people that she doesn't want to see anymore. Ball Williams Is really Just one power hungry, vengeful person.Abigail Williams Analyzing By shinning pin pointed those people and decided she would accuse them of witchcraft in any OLL with a needle in its stomach, saying she was using voodoo to hurt Abigail. Even situations show how Abigail nature is to be cruel, and how she manipulates people's false evidence to get people to go to trial. For instance when she accused Elizabeth authorities searched the Proctors house, they found a doll with a needle in its stomach. This was enough â€Å"proof† they needed to take her away. She ended up in a position where she can Just do almost anything she wants to, like

How to Become a Good Parent

In this world, parents consider as torchlight for their children. Parents try to do everything for their children whether it is hard or easy for them. Parents gave them directions how to start their new life by themselves. To become a good parent, a person must have all good qualities which are necessary for their children. There are various steps to become a good parent. The first step is to always take care of your children properly. Parents need to give food to children at proper time in an adequate amount. Never leave them alone till age of maturity. Always keep an eye on their daily activities. Parents also need to take information about their children such as who are their friends in schools and neighborhood. They must find out are they good natured students? The second step is that parents must tell their children what is good for them or what is bad. In this way, children can remain safe without anybody else’s care. If children have already known about bad things, they never do any bad habits. They will always remain far away from bad habits like smoking and gambling. Sometimes, some students start to do bad habits because nobody told them the difference between good and bad. However, parents must tell the disadvantages of bad habits to their children. The third step is to help them in their study. Parents always help their children at the time of any difficulty in their study. Also parents need to decide whether or not children need part-time tutor for their homework. If parents can’t help their children in any difficulties regarding studies, they need to ask the teacher to teach them again on parent’s day. The fourth step is to show your love and also gave them examples of their life experiences. Parents should not shout at their children in front of others. If they will be doing this, children felt their insult and it will lessen their love towards parents. Parents should always teach them in positive way which means with a lot of love. Parents never put so many burdens on their children so that they will become like a burning candle, for example- job along with study, house responsibilities. The fifth step is to teach children, how to survive in this complicated world. Parents teach their children, how to face the difficulties in their life. The guidance and motivation always remains in the mind of children forever because they learned guidance during growing up. Parents must teach their children to think deeply before doing anything, for example- While taking any decision regarding their life goals. In conclusion, by following these steps which are take care, recognizing of bad and good habits, helping them in their study, love, a person can become a good parent. These steps will make a good parent for children who are going to start a new life. The past experiences of parents become lessons for their children in future.

Caricom Achievements

4th Future Diplomats Essay CompetitionThe Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is celebrating 40 years of integration in 2013. Discuss the achievements of CARICOM in light of the statement and make suggestions for future development.Kerri Mc NeilHappy fortieth anniversary to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)! An establishment which has transgressed shared colonial history; propelling its fifteen member states and five associate member states to economic integration and social development. The achievements will be discussed in ascending order of importance (CDEMA, CCJ, CXC and CSME). Suggestions such as the introduction of art forms and history into the school curriculum will be elaborated on for future developmental reference. Regional leaders recognized how valuable the Caribbean is due to its rich history, which, was in itself an economic propeller and indirectly an agent of social development.Notwithstanding the divisions that came along with it. It has presented a diverse community viab le for exploration. The need for a Caribbean identity proved to be a goal worth meeting. As globalization aggressively pounced on the minds of Caribbean nationals, destabilizing the already broken cultural and economic foundation, the leaders of these Caribbean nations saw a challenge at hand and founded the CARICOM on the first of August 1973 to promote integration and unity in hopes of achieving international competitiveness and self-reliance. The survival of CARICOM for forty years is not qualified for inessential interrogation. The goal statement of the Secretariat consolidates this, â€Å"To provide dynamic leadership and service, in partnership with Community institutions and groups toward the attainment of a  viable, internationally competitive and sustainable community, with improved quality of life for all.† This is an engine for generating efficient performance from the twenty-three designated institutions of the Caribbean Community. For example, the Caribbean Exa minations Council (CXC). This institution is the functioning of the Caribbean’s educational successes. Need I expound by way of The Mighty Sparrow, â€Å" Education, education, this is the foundation. Our rising population needs sound education!† Our standing committee members could attest to that! In addition to this, there are numerous achievements of the CARICOM, however this essay chooses to focus on the important ones through the institutions under CARICOM.To begin with, the Caribbean region is prone to natural disasters. Under this observation, the Caribbean Community engaged in the implementation of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency(CDEMA) in the late twentieth century after reports of severe change of weather patterns. There were other agencies but the region needed a regionally centralized disaster preparedness and relief agency. As such one may understand the role of the CDEMA whose prime focus is to increase the level of assistance being len t to Caribbean nations. For example, the CDEMA exercised great efficiency in responding to the 2004 disasters of Grenada and Jamaica after the much pronounced visit of Hurricane Ivan.In light of such implementations orchestrated by the CARICOM, it is clear that the life and safety of the Caribbean people are of grave importance to that bold goal of creating a Caribbean identity. Another accomplishment of the CARICOM was the introduction of an ‘assumed’ standardized justice agency. This was the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), established in 2001. Whilst it followed the format of a First World nation ( European Court of Justice) it sparked major controversies as it was offset by the decision of the then Privy Council to bar capital punishment which was practiced by the supreme European nations on persons convicted of murder. This was obviously ruled out by the Privy Council . The other issue might resonate with modern times ( the storm of globalization).This issue lied within the government of Antigua and Barbuda where,  again, the Privy Council gave a radio license, ironically, to a company without the consent of the government of Antigua and Barbuda. Any vacuity of the mind should be fed as it was clear that the CARICOM wanted to reduce the influence of the European powers. However, in the act of doing this, they only managed to establish an institution in the Caribbean rather than a Caribbean institution. Not straying from the intent of this essay, the Caribbean now has in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean Court of Justice. The CARICOM fails to stop there as the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) was implemented in 1972.This council seeks to provide nationals with opportunities and qualifications to further their primary education by way of Caribbean Secondary Education Certification (CSEC) , along with the advantage of obtaining qualifications or even scholarships to universities through the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exa minations (CAPE). The University of the West Indies and the University of Guyana are direct providers for the council. It is quite notable of the CARICOM to have provided its people with the equal opportunities of any given advanced region internationally; an important one being, securing and providing sound education of its members. Through the educational system we have many aspiring career persons.Their career may require them to move to another state or the successes of their business may allow them the opportunity to expand their business to other nations. Delighted to state, they can do so. However this is only in effect due to the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy which will be further discussed in the following paragraph. The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) was put into order on the first of January 2006. The aim of this institution was to increase integration among member states. They did this by removing tariffs and restrictions so that both economic and human resources could be shared to promote sustainable development. The Caribbean peoples benefitted as there was free movement of goods and services, skilled persons and capital. Now nationals have the right to work in any of the member states.Nurses, media workers, musicians,  sportsmen and women, university graduates and artistes benefit from this (CSME) as there are a greater availability of opportunities for job creation. Goods and services could now be provided across the single market where the owners would also have access to land and property under rights of establishment. This created a greater framework for competitiveness and a variation of choice for consumers. Equality to buy stocks and shares and being a part of the regional stock exchange is now possible for better investment opportunities. The CSME was, out of many, the most important achievement of the CARICOM.This gave way to consolidating the goal of self-reliance within the Caribbean region. No lo nger do nationals have to travel internationally to obtain jobs. They can stay within the region and do so gainfully. However it is optional. Business persons in the interest of creating enterprises and being investors now have the opportunity to do so as the market has widened to becoming intra-regional. From this increase in production, there are better quality goods on the market, and an increase in employment opportunities which may improve the standard of living. The CARICOM has created the Caribbean into a mecca. The Caribbean people now possess some sense of identity. However some adjustments can and should be made to improve the cooperation of the people who are indeed the prime target for such developmental changes.I propose that the Caribbean Examination Council promote raw data of history from an earlier stage to arouse the curiosity of nationals. This will, hopefully create the desire within them to want to know from where they have come with relation to where they are g oing. A sense of self-respect and responsibility to self will be awarded by those who willingly and factually grasp the understanding from such historical awakenings. Like the process of any natural cycle, with an attachment to a particular identity, preferably and hopefully the West Indian identity, more allegiance will be paid to the country of their nativity.Participating and contributing to the economic and social development of the nation  will simply be a part of the person’s natural regime ; rather than becoming mentally enslaved by foreign music and their inapplicable doctrines to Caribbean life; physically enslaved by clothing that speaks little about our native heritage and spiritually detached from the land of conception. Also the CARICOM should consider the implementation of compulsory arts in the curriculum where the art forms will be based on that particular culture. Music, dance, theatre, jewelry making, painting and photography are popular art forms used by youth today. It will assist greatly in the learning process. Furthermore, the students who perform the best will have the opportunity to be a part of an exchange program where they can go to other member states and learn about the culture of that nation.From this, we have the promotion of equality amongst nations of CARICOM in shared cultural diversity. With such activities the Caribbean culture can perforate the globe much like the Europeans and Americans. Many things have been done to create a distinction between the then society of colonialism and the modern society today and many more things can still be done. The Caribbean is of the most diverse regions in the world, attracting much attention, however the internal affairs must be efficient to maintain positive attention. To do this, a mode by which strong bonds can be developed has been created through the use of the Caribbean Community. In all our endeavors, I wish the CARICOM many more successful years with a plethora of deve lopmental introductions!

Mystical Discourses in Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Mystical Discourses in Philosophy - Essay Example The clandestine struggle of a Mystic does not lend itself to understanding or provide insight into the intricate scaffolding of inspired philosophy. As Michael Sells comments, Mystic writers like Jalaluddin Rumi and Marguerite Porete did not aim to illustrate a specific type of experience. They hoped to generate an appreciation of the framework in which things take place at all and the human relationship to this fixed totality. "Mysticism is often associated with the extraordinary, the transcendent, the unimaginable, and reveals itself as the common" (Sells, Michael A. The Mystical Languages of Unsaying). Sells investigates the writer's use of language to sustain reality and its silhouette. Each discourse presents a cohesive tactic to accomplish its purpose. The aporia of transcendence, as Sells describes it, is a means of achieving dialectic ascension through apophatic debate. In contrast, Marguerite Porete believed that mystical pre-eminence could only be arrived at through the "An nihilation of the Soul." And, in Jalaluddin Rumi's vision, only in the supreme and boundless entirety of God, do all the conflict and dissension implicated in the antipathy of phenomena transcend the fracas and come to rest. Apophatic theology has commonly been depicted as a form of negation. ... Apophasis is basically a dialogue of contradiction and dueling statements. However, both Porete and Rumi would agree that most have a tendency to transfix on a solitary statement and abandon its double. Therefore, these dancing conjectures must be positioned within a larger text in order to maintain a continual regression. A referential candor within the wording suggests a particular willingness and susceptibility towards the essential necessity of practicing ceaseless transformation, as alluded to by Ibn Arabi. "Unsaying" occurs in reaction to an impasse. If one were to propose the existence of a limitless, definitive precept, then how could one submit to it Designations by nature have a way of restricting those entities they elect. When something is assigned a label, boundaries are erected that designate what it is and what it is not. Names are fixed and unyielding. How might one be liberated from this intrinsic inclination fundamental to language One must defeat language with language by posing it against itself. What Sells ascribes as a "meaning event" is accomplished by exploiting the disparity betwixt clashing statements. He illuminates the aporia of transcendence within the work of Marguerite Porete, and his ideas extend themselves to the words of Rumi as well. Sells focuses primarily on how these texts operate within their unique mythical compositions. He also examines their extensive theological and intellectual perspectives while making enlightening evaluations. These in depth exa minations allow one to appreciate the theatrical nature of the texts. These texts are intended to activate an understanding of

Team Case Analysis Week 7 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Team Case Analysis Week 7 - Essay Example form of flexible work time arrangements, wellness programs and employee assistance programs since these are currently leading edge of innovation in benefits practice. Employee benefits are playing a progressively fundamental role in the underlying lives of the employees and their corresponding families and possess important financial and administrative effect on the business’ prospect (Armstrong, 2007). Numerous companies function within an environment where an educated workforce anticipates a comprehensive benefits program. Therefore, absence of such program or insufficient of the program normally results to serious hindrance company’s capability in regard to attraction and retention of personnel. Managers ought to be aware of the fundamental issues and be ready to undertake informed decisions when undertaking selection process of the employee benefits. Designing of the appropriate benefit plan for the employees is always an intimidation task. There exist numerous issues that must be taken into consideration when designing appropriate means of managing benefits of employees (Armstrong, 2007). Such issues entail tax and corresponding legal aspects, funding and selection of the right vendors and administrators. For numerous managers, a benefit plan is an integral section of the underlying total compensation since employers either pay the whole cost of a benefit strategy or possessing employees to contribute small portion of the underlying premium costs for their underlying coverage. In some cases charitable coverage is normally provided in which the employees pay the whole costs for the group benefits. Offering of competitive pay is one of the means that an organization can attract and maintain the highest level of employees in regard to offering employee benefits. An organization manager requires maintaining proper balance amidst turning a profit and payment of the underlying employee benefits (Armstrong, 2007). Business managers ought to exercise vigilance

The Impact of Key External Environmental Factors Assignment

The Impact of Key External Environmental Factors - Assignment Example This paper gives a critical analysis and discussion of the interaction of the Morrison’s Supermarkets with its environment and its implication on the performance of the firm. In addition, the stakeholders of the firm are analyzed in terms of the potential conflict of interest. Wm. Morrison’s Supermarkets Plc Morrison’s Supermarket is a grocery retailer in the United Kingdom and is one of the largest retail business which has a large share of the food market. The supermarkets supply food ingredients to its customer base and it aims at providing fresh supplies as its selling point. This has greatly has contributed to its immense success. The supermarket has skilled and experienced food specialists who have enabled fresh food ingredients are provided to the customers. The interaction of the firm with its environment gives it a competitive edge over its competitors. Supply chain The Morison’s has its own supply chain which has enabled it to have a competitive advantage over businesses which supply the same products. In addition, Morrison’s has its own production plants for its food products which means they manufacture, pack and grade their own products before they are supplied to the customers. ... The Political and Social Environment Needle The consciousness of the society on healthy living has increased tremendously and this has impacted on the strategies used by retailers in promotion and marketing of their products. There is an increased prevalence of obesity in the United Kingdom which has led to the involvement of the government in attempting to reduce the obese cases in the country. According to Wm. Morrison’s Supermarkets Plc (2009), 23% of adults within the United Kingdom are classified as being obese. Pressure groups in the UK have attacked the retail market arguing that misleading labeling on foodstuffs by supermarkets are to blame for the unhealthy lifestyles in the country. Many families have therefore found it hard to balance their diet through proper food lifestyles. The regulation of the government on the food products of the Morrison’s include the determination of the sugar, salt and fat content of the food which is produced and sold to the public . This is due to the increased campaigns on the benefits of a balanced diet that have caused the public to be conscious of the number of nutrients in the foods sold in supermarkets. Because supermarkets act as the major source of food supply to the public, they are blamed for the poor health among the majority of the UK citizens. Some segments of the UK food market are unable to access and supply healthy food to the public. As a result, the Morrisson’s have utilized this opportunity by providing the healthy and fresh ingredients at a reasonable cost to its customer which has made the firm to be among the top suppliers of food ingredients in the United Kingdom.  

Sustainability at Millipore Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sustainability at Millipore - Essay Example ents utilized as a part of fluid stream procedures to sift through or concentrate particulates, atoms, microorganisms, infections, and different materials. Clients utilized Millipores channels for sanitizing, cell reaping, and detaching mixes from complex blends. For instance, the refreshment business utilized Millipores channels to expel microorganisms and yeast from wine, lager, squeeze, and water. Millipore likewise delivered a variety of lab hardware, including recognition devices. The questions to be discussed in light of the company’s efforts to achieve sustainability are as below. The manufacturing process or any production process needs some inputs (raw materials). The raw materials undergo a certain chain of process or multiple chain processes before the final product is achieved. These inputs are resources that nature provides like air, water, stones, etc. Therefore, manufacturing processes consume the naturally available resources. During the production process, other substances are produced in the form of waste. The waste materials could be in gaseous, liquid or solid state. These waste materials are chemicals that are harmful to the environment. For instance, greenhouse gasses and other harmful materials that are harmful to the microorganisms living in water and on land. Overutilization of the natural resources beyond the replenishing capacity of nature is the consequence of most company’s activities. The act can be referred to as unsustainable utilization of resources. Sustainability embraces the consumption of natural resources to meet the needs of the current generation, but at the same time conserving and restoring the same resources to meet the needs of the future generation. Sustainability can be achieved through reducing the negative impact of a company’s economic activities on the environment by engaging in activities that are socially responsible. Social responsibility enhances the company’s image and reputation, which in turn, leads

Social & Ethical Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Social & Ethical Issues - Essay Example Kant formulated the categorical imperative as a foundation for ethical action. Two aspects of the categorical imperative are that a person should act such that he1 can also will that the maxim of his action should become a universal law, and he should act such that he treats humanity-both in own and another's person-as an end and never as a means. Kant's theory thus defines ethics on the nature of actions, and not on their outcome (Kay, 1997) The morality of an action depends on intention only. A moral action may cause distress rather than happiness to the one who acts. But morality is more important than happiness. Moral action will ultimately lead to peace of mind (happiness) at having done the right thing. The motive for a moral action should not be the fact that it could lead to happiness, but that the action is moral in itself. Kant maintains that this principle does not recognize any exceptions. Utilitarianism states that the ethicality of an action depends solely on whether it increases utility or not. Therefore the morality of an action depends on its outcome, and on nothing else. Utility is happiness or pleasure, and suffering is disutility. How do these conflicting dicta help us in deciding ethical courses of action, in today's confusing times Let us look at euthanasia. The word euthanasia means "a happy death" and refers to legally sanctioned death. Although some countries have legalized euthanasia (E g Netherlands), there are several ethical issues that arise in its application. First of all, there is the very definition of death. Now that life can be prolonged by sophisticated machines, it gets difficult to decide whether the life that is kept artificially going has really gone beyond a point, where it cannot be brought out of its vegetative state. There have been cases when machines have been switched off, and bodies that were expected to cease, continued in a coma. With the rapid pace at which medical science has been progressing, conditions which were considered untreatable yesterday, can be dealt with today. Therefore, should we not wait before euthanasia is carried out in any instance, as tomorrow may bring a cure Can it be done even if a person while in a healthy state of body and mind has willed that he should be administered euthanasia in case he slips into an irretrievable state of death Is suicide okay Should doctors assist in suicide Then how about unborn children Is abortion permissible Do we have the right to decide on the ending of any life-that of an unborn child, as well The questions are numerous. But evidently there are no clear-cut answers to these. Mill talks about competing utilities. He says that all we need to do is to compute the utility that would be generated by opposing course of actions, and choose that set of actions that generates a higher utility. This is easier said than done. How does one compute utility What is the objective standard to measure this Since utility is based on feelings, how does one measure the strength of feelings If maximizing utility were the only concern, we would be led to bizarre and dangerous conclusions on ethical issues. If morality consisted merely in promoting the greatest happiness of the greatest numbers, then the majority rules, and the minority suffers. Let's look at the

Network administration capstone project Case Study

Network administration capstone project - Case Study Example There was also the need to analyze the components and features of the software in relation to the demands of the department. Result of the component and system analysis is what has been presented in this capstone project. Like all other forms of major institutional projects, the usage of the present project, which was the internalization of software, was taken through a number of development levels. There were three major development levels identified and these are the search level, implementation level and evaluation level. At the search level, developers were tasked and at the same time offered the opportunity to undertake comprehensive research and feasibility study about the intended project. This was done with the aims and objectives of the project in mind as data and information were searched on how to ensure that the usage of the present software would meet the standards on the estimating software market, and if possible become a new model that will also set a new and higher s tandard for the market. This was followed by the implementation level, which was an action driven point of the actual development whereby all the paper works were put into action. This involved all software and hardware managers operating from their different areas of expertise to ensure that the construction of the software was done according to the stipulated standards that were set ahead of the implementation stage. To ensure that the finished work matched up the planned purpose of the project, a comprehensive evaluation level was instituted. The evaluation of the task was made up of a comprehensive critic and appraisal of the finished work to ensure that there were no areas or aspects of it that produced sub-standardization. What is more, it was to ensure that the system specifications were working as planned. Project Description The present project involves the process of internalizing purchased software to solve the everyday estimation tasks that is undertaken by the company. By this, reference is being made to the fact that, because the system was not internally created by the department, it is important that is will be adjusted to fit the requirements and needs of the department. Therefore, two major roles are involved in describing the project. The first is in giving a vivid identity to how the creator of the software designed it to work and how it is currently being re-created to take up quotes for the customers who would presently be using it for their own estimations most importantly however, it is worth emphasizing that due to the fact that the purchased product was designed purposely for the task of estimation, it did not take much work to be done by the company in getting new features fixed to make the software ideal for the department. All in all, in describing the project, an overall identity that can be given to it a SQL based software that has come to compliment and replace the old DOS and Excel estimating system that is currently used by th e sales department of the company. The project, and for that matter the software has some specifications that distinguishes it from other estimation software and the old DOS and Excel estimating system. One of such is the fact that the present project guarantees more detailed, professional and accurate estimation tasks that were otherwise seen as weaknesses of the old estimation system. These detailed, profes

Research and Application Business Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

And Application Business - Research Paper Example This Strategy emphatically promises to increase business and maintain a competitive edge in its own segment for JetBlue. The Customer Value Proposition of JetBlue: The marketing strategy and its success so far suggests, JetBlue has relied heavily on Operational excellence as the thrust area of its Customer Value Proposition. The success of the airline so far has been attributed by its focus on an array of operational goals like maintaining a high level of customer service with low costs and stimulating demand with low fares. They strive to maintain a sustained growth pattern by increasing frequency on their existing routes. The results have shown that such initiatives have been well received by the market and the customers have responded well to these efforts. This is further accentuated by feats like attainment of highest completion factor, the highest on time performance and the lowest incidence of mishandled bags. These achievements reflect a high level of operational and manageme nt excellence. They obviously enhance the customer experience and perception and augur well for the business. The airline strives to achieve competitive advantage through customer intimacy in certain areas, For example, the high level of customer service measures like maintaining transparency in operations contribute to the value proposition. However, it does not succeed in attaining customer intimacy, though it does succeed in achieving customer loyalty to an extent. It also makes effort to achieve product leadership. However, the efforts in the direction like increasing Live TV channels from 24 to 36; new aircraft and leather seats are not the source of competitive advantage, though they do mean product differentiation to an extent. b) Business risks: The 10 K/A of JetBlue report an array of risks that could harm the business to some extent or the other. However, amongst them the risks that could really affect profits to an extent wherein the ability of the airline to meet the sto ckholders’ expectations could be threatened are as mentioned hereunder. The basis of differentiation of these risks from the remaining set of risks is the extreme nature of consequences that they may have on the profits of the company in a relatively short span of time. Besides, once incurred, the said risks will require considerable effort and resources to contain and control. Last but not the least, the risks mentioned here are the ones specific to Jet blue and not the ones facing the Airline industry in general, since the general risks are usually responded to better with the industry and Government help. In addition, the stockholders understand and are already more aware of such risks and thus the expectations of the stockholders regarding these risks can be better managed. As such, these risks are more imminent in nature. The critical Risks: a. If JetBlue fails to implement their growth strategy, the business is at a great risk. The growth strategy is aimed at increasing the number of flights in underserved and overpriced areas. The aim is to maintain high quality customer services with low fares and generate more demand. The Low fares are to be compensated for with a high level of operational excellence. This will considerably make up for the low fares and bring costs down while maintaining the rate of bookings at the same time. This means a high profit margin

What is e-commerce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

What is e-commerce - Essay Example In the last decade, with the growing popularity of the internet and more people having their own personal computers, the market for e-commerce is outstanding. A large percentage of electronic commerce is conducted entirely electronically for virtual items such as access to premium content on a website, but most electronic commerce involves the transportation of physical items in some way. Today most major retail stores have a virtual store as well, making it even easier for their customers to access their products. E-commerce was first developed in the nineteen seventies as a way for businesses to electronically send information to one another in a faster and more efficient way. With the introduction of the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and Electronic Data Exchange (EDI) businesses were able to send documents like purchase orders and invoices electronically from one facility to the next. In nineteen seventy nine "online shopping was invented in the United Kingdom by Michael Aldrich and during the nineteen eighties it was used extensively particularly by auto manufacturers such as Ford, Peugeot-Talbot, General Motors and Nissan" (Seybold). It is believed that the reason why e-commerce has grown so quickly since its first invention in the nineteen seventies is because it is efficient and makes transactions more simple and accessible to everyone. Since it's first introduction e-commerce continued to grow. "From the nineteen nineties onwards, electronic commerce would additionally include enterprise resource planning systems (ERP), data mining and data warehousing" (Graham). The ERP software allowed businesses to store and retrieve information in real time, making online purchases more secure for both the customer and the seller. This "modular software design should mean a business can select the modules they need, mix and match modules from different vendors, and add new modules of their own to improve business performance" (Graham). Data mining is a process that transforms data into information and can be particularly helpful in detecting fraud and keeping online purchases safe while at the same time providing useful marketing information to companies about a consumer's interests. With the invention of this new process, people felt more secure purchasing items and services online because they knew that their financial infor mation would be safe. The results of data mining can help companies market their products to a specific customer group. "Based on the collections on data mining, data warehouses were intended as large-scale collection, storage, and staging areas for corporate data. Data could be retrieved from one central point or data could be distributed to 'retail stores' or 'data marts' that were tailored for ready access by users" (Frieden). Along with the invention of the EFT and EDI these three new processes are what ultimately propelled e-commerce into what it is today. The main concern for the future of e-commerce is the continued security of customers and making sure that transactions remain private. Even though online transactions are growing in number and popularity everyday, many analogists believe that e-commerce is heading for a fall. Consumers find it easier to bargain shop online, then they do shopping in physical stores. It is easier to do because all that is required is a simple click of the mouse, but a negative side affect to the opportunity for consumers to buy online is that many companies will go out of

Deabte analysis Essay Example for Free

Deabte analysis Essay The industrial Revolution occurred in Europe from 1750 to 1850. During this time there was also a huge increase in illegitimacy rate, which is the number of babies being born to unmarried women. The big question becomes, did the industrial revolution cause a sexual revolution or not? There are many historians and people with different views about topic. At the start of the industrial revolution there were close to zero babies being born the unmarried women and by the end in 1850 there was 1 in every 3 women having babies that weren’t married. There are two main points of view on this debate; one from Edward Shorter and the other from Louise Tilly, Joan Scott, and Miriam Cohen. Historian Edward Shorter states that the industrial revolution created many opportunities for women to work which he says led to a rise in the illegitimacy rate. He connects this to the sexual emancipation, or sexual freedom, of unmarried, working-class women. Historians Louise A. Tilly, Joan W. Scott, and Miriam Cohen counter that unmarried women started working during the industrial revolution to meet an economic need, not to gain personal freedom. They state that the rise in illegitimacy rates rose due to broken marriages and the absence of traditional support from family, community, and the church. With women starting to work this caused a change in people’s lifestyles. Shorter and Tilly, Scott, and Cohen both have a legitimate argument to if the industrial revolution was the cause of the sexual revolution. You raise the key issues here. It doesn’t need to be this long, but that’s OK. Edward Shorter agrees that women of the upper class in the nineteenth century underwent a female emancipation along with the slave emancipation, but he says that it doesn’t account for the women with families. Young, low status women underwent a radical movement in female emancipation in the late eighteenth century because of the involvement in the economy of the market place. This emancipation started with the young women of low status to older women of higher status. There were some general characteristics describing women during this time. There were many famous women making stands for women’s independence and rights, that it was hard to see the position of all women or the norms of women. One thing Shorter states is, except for the few  exceptions of famous women, most of them were still powerless and dependent. Female emancipation was all about becoming independent. Married women wanted household political power and a family where they have their own rights, sexual gratifications, and emotional freedom. Unmarried women started ignoring the strict views and opinions of parents and community to satisfy their personal needs. All women started disregarding outside controls for personal freedom and sexuality for individual self-fulfillment. Up to here is satisfactory, but more info than necessary and not completely clear. These changes may be linked to the economic changes towards capitalism, an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations. Good. One change was that capitalism made subcultures of wage-earning people. These people began to create their own rules and standards on how to run their community. Some of the rules where sexual behavior, target family size, and new techniques for contraception and abortion. The new young people were sexually active and it became a social norm to have sex before marriage. Shorter thinks that some aspect of industrialism must be held accountable for the expressly permissive sexual content of the subcultures. Another change dealing with capitalism was the mentality of the market place. As women began working in the market place they began to bring the principles of the market place into other areas of their lives. Shorter believes that the labor markets were the most direct source of personal freedom. Capitalism’s metal habits of maximizing one’s self-interest and sacrificing community goals to get individual profit was what women learned in the market place and it’s what they wanted in all aspects of life including their family and their freedom. Lastly, the industrial advance along with capitalism removed many external controls upon female sexual freedom. As women were bringing home paychecks meant they contributed to the family’s resources and would be entitled to a greater voice in how these resources were used. This lead to women being more equal and the premarital sex codes became more permissive as her status  was completely dependent on the husbands. Shorter came to state that capitalism entitled a source for females to be independent and have sexual freedom. The low wage, young people started the involvement in the market economy. The prosperous women soon followed in the nineteenth century. For unmarried women capitalism meant personal and sexual freedom. Young women were able to go against parental controls with her sexual and emotional independence because she knew the market would still hire her and give her self-sufficiency, and if needed, would move her to a town where she could work. This lead to the absence of birth control and therefore illegitimacy. You say more than necessary in the first paragraph of this section; your explanation of the argument could be stronger.

Design And Modeling Of Axial Micro Gas Turbine Engineering Essay

Design And Modeling Of Axial Micro Gas Turbine Engineering Essay ABSTRACT Micro turbines are becoming widely used for combined power generation and heat applications. Their size varies from small scale units like models crafts to heavy supply like power supply to hundreds of households. Micro turbines have many advantages over piston generators such as low emissions less moving parts, accepts commercial fuels. Gas turbine cycle and operation of micro Turbine was studied and reported . different parts of turbine is designed with the help of CATIA(Computer Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Analysis) software .The turbine is of Axial input and axial output type. Key words : Gas turbine , CATIA , Rapid Prototype , parts of turbine , nozzle , rotor Chapter 1 LITERATURE REVIEW Development of Micro turbine: A turbine can be used as a refrigerant machine was first introduced by Lord Rayleigh. In a letter June 1898 to Nature, he suggested the use of turbine instead of a piston expander for air liquefaction because of practical difficulties caused in the low temperature reciprocating machines. He emphasized the most important function of and cryogenic expander, which is to production of the cold, rather than the power produced. In 1898 The British engineer Edgar C Thrupp patented a simple liquefying system using an expansion turbine. Thrupps expander was a double flow machine entering the center and dividing into two oppositely flowing streams. A refrigerative expansion turbine with a tangential inward flow pattern was patented by the Americans Charles F and Orrin J Crommett in 1914. Gas was to be admitted to the turbine wheel by a pair of nozzles, but it was specified that any desired numbers of nozzle could be used. The turbine blades were curved to present slightly concave faces to the jet from the nozzle. These blades were comparatively short, not exceeding very close to the rotor hub. In 1922, the American engineer and teacher Harvey N Davis had patented an expansion turbine of unusual thermodynamic concept. This turbine was intended to have several nozzle blocks each receiving a stream of gas from different temperature level of high pressure side of the main heat exchanger of a liquefaction apparatus. First successful commercial turbine developed in Germany which usea an axial flow single stage impulse machine. Later in the year 1936 it was replaced by an inward radial flow turbine based on a patent by an Italian inventor, Guido Zerkowitz. Work on the small gas bearing turbo expander commenced in the early fifties by Sixsmith at Reading University on a machine for a small air liquefaction plant. In 1958, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority developed a radial inward flow turbine for a nitrogen production plant. During 1958 to 1961 Stratos Division of Fairchild Aircraft Co. built blower loaded turbo expanders, mostly for air separation service. Voth et. developed a high speed turbine expander as a part of a cold moderator refrigerator for the Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). The first commercial turbine using helium was operated in 1964 in a refrigerator that produced 73 W at 3 K for the Rutherford helium bubble chamber. A high speed turbo alternator was developed by General Electric Company, New York in 1968, which ran on a practical gas bearing system capable of operating at cryogenic temperature with low loss. Design of turboexpander for cryogenic applicationsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬- by Subrata Kr. Ghosh , N. Seshaiah, R. K. Sahoo, S. K. Sarangi focuses on design and development of turbo expander.The paper briefly discuses the design methodology and the fabrication drawings for the whole system, which includes the turbine wheel, nozzle, diffuser, shaft, brake compressor, two types of bearing, and appropriate housing. With this method, it is possible to design a turbo expander for any other fluid since the fluid properties are properly taken care of in the relevant equations of the design procedure. Yang et. al developed a two stage miniature expansion turbine made for an 1.5 L/hr helium liquefier at the Cryogenic Engineering Laboratory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The turbines rotated at more than 500,000 rpm. The design of a small, high speed turbo expander was taken up by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) USA. The first expander operated at 600,000 rpm in externally pressurized gas bearings. The turbo expander developed by Kate et. Al was with variable flow capacity mechanism (an adjustable turbine), which had the capacity of controlling the refrigerating power by using the variable nozzle vane height. India has been lagging behind the rest of the world in this field of research and development. Still, significant progress has been made during the past two decades. In CMERI Durgapur, Jadeja developed an inward flow radial turbine supported on gas bearings for cryogenic plants. The device gave stable rotation at about 40,000 rpm. The programme was, however, discontinued before any significant progress could be achieved. Another programme at IIT Kharagpur developed a turbo expander unit by using aerostatic thrust and journal bearings which had a working speed up to 80,000 rpm. Recently Cryogenic Technology Division, BARC developed Helium refrigerator capable of producing 1 kW at 20K temperature. Solid Modeling using CAD software CAD software, also referred to as Computer Aided Design software and in the past as computer aided drafting software, refers to software programs that assist engineers and designers in a wide variety of industries to design and manufacture physical products. It started with the mathematician Euclid of Alexandria, who, in his 350 B.C. treatise on mathematics The Elements expounded many of the postulates and axioms that are the foundations of the Euclidian geometry upon which todays CAD software systems are built. More than 2,300 years after Euclid, the first true CAD software, a very innovative system (although of course primitive compared to todays CAD software) called Sketchpad was developed by Ivan Sutherland as part of his PhD thesis at MIT in the early 1960s. First-generation CAD software systems were typically 2D drafting applications developed by a manufacturers internal IT group (often collaborating with university researchers) and primarily intended to automate repetitive drafting chores. Dr. Hanratty co-designed one such CAD system, named DAC (Design Automated by Computer) at General Motors Research Laboratories in the mid 1960s. In 1965, Charles Langs team including Donald Welbourn and A.R.Forrest, at Cambridge Universitys Computing Laboratory began serious research into 3D modeling CAD software. The commercial benefits of Cambridge Universitys 3D CAD software research did not begin to appear until the 1970 however, elsewhere in mid 1960s Europe, French researchers were doing pioneering work into complex 3D curve and surface geometry computation. Citroens de Casteljau made fundamental strides in computing complex 3D curve geometry and Bezier (at Renault) published his breakthrough research, incorporating some of de Casteljaus algorithms, in the late 1960s. The work of both de Casteljau and Bezier continues to be one of the foundations of 3D CAD software to the present time. Both MIT (S.A.Coons in 1967) and Cambridge University (A.R.Forrest, one of Charles Langs team, in 1968) were also very active in furthering research into the implementation of complex 3D curve and surface modeling in CAD software. CAD software started its migration out of research and into commercial use in the 1970s. Just as in the late 1960s most CAD software continued to be developed by internal groups at large automotive and aerospace manufacturers, often working in conjunction with university research groups. Throughout the decade automotive manufacturers such as: Ford (PDGS), General Motors (CADANCE), Mercedes-Benz (SYRCO), Nissan (CAD-I released in 1977) and Toyota (TINCA released in 1973 by Hiromi Arakis team, CADETT in 1979 also by Hiromi Araki) and aerospace manufacturers such as: Lockheed (CADAM), McDonnell-Douglas (CADD) and Northrop (NCAD, which is still in limited use today), all had large internal CAD software development groups working on proprietary programs. In 1975 the French aerospace company, Avions Marcel Dassault, purchased a source-code license of CADAM from Lockheed and in 1977 began developing a 3D CAD software program named CATIA (Computer Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application) which survives to this day as the most commercially successful CAD software program in current use. After that many research work has been done in the field of 3-D modeling using CAD software and many software have been developed. Time to time these software have been modified to make them more user friendly. Different 3-D modeling software used now-a-days are AUTODESK INVENTOR, CATIA, PRO-E etc. History of rapid prototyping Rapid prototyping is a revolutionary and powerful technology with wide range of applications. The process of prototyping involves quick building up of a prototype or working model for the purpose of testing the various design features, ideas, concepts, functionality, output and performance. The user is able to give immediate feedback regarding the prototype and its performance. Rapid prototyping is essential part of the process of system designing and it is believed to be quite beneficial as far as reduction of project cost and risk are concerned. The first rapid prototyping techniques became accessible in the later eighties and they were used for production of prototype and model parts. The history of rapid prototyping can be traced to the late sixties, when an engineering professor, Herbert Voelcker, questioned himself about the possibilities of doing interesting things with the computer controlled and automatic machine tools. These machine tools had just started to appear on the factory floors then. Voelcker was trying to find a way in which the automated machine tools could be programmed by using the output of a design program of a computer. In seventies Voelcker developed the basic tools of mathematics that clearly described the three dimensional aspects and resulted in the earliest theories of algorithmic and mathematical theories for solid modeling. These theories form the basis of modern computer programs that are used for designing almost all things mechanical, ranging from the smallest toy car to the tallest skyscraper. Voleckers theories changed the designing methods in the seventies, but, the old methods for designing were still very much in use. The old method involved either a machinist or machine tool controlled by a computer. The metal hunk was cut away and the needed part remained as per requirements. However, in 1987, Carl Deckard, a researcher form the University of Texas, came up with a good revolutionary idea. He pioneered the layer based manufacturing, wherein he thought of building up the model layer by layer. He printed 3D models by utilizing laser light for fusing metal powder in solid prototypes, single layer at a time. Deckard developed this idea into a technique called Selective Laser Sintering. The results of this technique were extremely promising. The history of rapid prototyping is quite new and recent. However, as this technique of rapid prototyping has such wide ranging scope and applications with amazing results, it has grown by leaps and bounds. Voelckers and Deckards stunning findings, innovations and researches have given extreme impetus to this significant new industry known as rapid prototyping or free form fabrication. It has revolutionized the designing and manufacturing processes. Though, there are many references of people pioneering the rapid prototyping technology, the industry gives recognition to Charles Hull for the patent of Apparatus for Production of 3D Objects by Stereo lithography. Charles Hull is recognized by the industry as the father of rapid prototyping. Today, the computer engineer has to simply sketch the ideas on the computer screen with the help of a design program that is computer aided. Computer aided designing allows to make modification as required and you can create a physical prototype that is a precise and proper 3D object. Chapter 2 CATIA(Computer Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Analysis) Introduction to CATIA CATIA is a robust application that enables you to create rich and complex designs. The goals of the CATIA course are to teach you how to build parts and assemblies in CATIA, and how to make simple drawings of those parts and assemblies. This course focuses on the fundamental skills and concepts that enable you to create a solid foundation for your designs What is CATIA . CATIA is mechanical design software. It is a feature-based, parametric solid modeling design tool that takes advantage of the easy-to-learn Windows graphical user interface. You can create fully associative 3-D solid models with or without constraints while utilizing automatic or user-defined relations to capture design intent. To further clarify this definition, the italic terms above will be further defined: Feature-based Like an assembly is made up of a number of individual parts, a CATIA document is made up of individual elements. These elements are called features. When creating a document, you can add features such as pads, pockets, holes, ribs, fillets, chamfers, and drafts. As the features are created, they are applied directly to the work piece. Features can be classified as sketched-based or dress-up: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Sketched-based features are based on a 2D sketch. Generally, the sketch is transformed into a 3D solid by extruding, rotating, sweeping, or lofting. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Dress-up features are features that are created directly on the solid model. Fillets and chamfers are examples of this type of feature. Parametric The dimensions and relations used to create a feature are stored in the model. This enables you to capture design intent, and to easily make changes to the model through these parameters. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Driving dimensions are the dimensions used when creating a feature. They include the dimensions associated with the sketch geometry, as well as those associated with the feature itself. Consider, for example, a cylindrical pad. The diameter of the pad is controlled by the diameter of the sketched circle, and the height of the pad is controlled by the depth to which the circle is extruded. Relations include information such as parallelism, tangency, and concentricity. This type of information is typically communicated on drawings using feature control symbols. By capturing this information in the sketch, CATIA enables you to fully capture your design intent up front. Solid Modeling:- A solid model is the most complete type of geometric model used in CAD systems. It contains all the wireframe and surface geometry necessary to fully describe the edges and faces of the model. In addition to geometric information, solid models also convey their topology, which relates the geometry together. For example, topology might include identifying which faces (surfaces) meet at which edges (curves). This intelligence makes adding features easier. For example, if a model requires a fillet, you simply select an edge and specify a radius to create it. Fully Associative:- A CATIA model is fully associative with the drawings and parts or assemblies that reference it. Changes to the model are automatically reflected in the associated drawings, parts, and/or assemblies. Likewise, changes in the context of the drawing or assembly are reflected back in the model. Constraints:- Geometric constraints (such as parallel, perpendicular, horizontal, vertical, concentric, and coincident) establish relationships between features in your model by fixing their positions with respect to one another. In addition, equations can be used to establish mathematical relationships between parameters. By using constraints and equations, you can guarantee that design concepts such as through holes and equal radii are captured and maintained. CATIA User Interface :Below is the layout of the elements of the standard CATIA application. A. Menu Commands B. Specification Tree C. Window of Active document D. Filename and extension of current document E. Icons to maximize/minimize and close window F. Icon of the active workbench G. Toolbars specific to the active workbench H. Standard toolbar I. Compass J. Geometry areaC:Documents and SettingsSatiraDesktopwindow.JPG C The parts of the major assembly is treated as individual geometric model , which is modeled individually in separate file .All the parts are previously planned generated feature by feature to construct full model Generally all CAD models are generated in the same passion given bellow : : Enter CAD environment by clicking, later into part designing mode to construct model. : Select plane as basic reference. : Enter sketcher mode. In sketcher mode: : Tool used to create 2-d basic structure of part using line, circle etc : Tool used for editing of created geometry termed as operation : Tool used for Dimensioning, referencing. This helps creating parametric relation. : Its external feature to view geometry in out : Tool used to exit sketcher mode after creating geometry. Sketch Based Feature : Pad : On exit of sketcher mode the feature is to be padded .( adding material ) Pocket: On creation of basic structure further pocket has to be created (removing material ) Revolve: Around axis the material is revolved, the structure should has same profile around axis. Rib: sweeping uniform profile along trajectory (adding material) Slot: sweeping uniform profile along trajectory (removing material) Loft: Sweeping non-uniform/uniform profile on different plane along linear/non-linear trajectory : Its 3d creation of features creates chamfer, radius, draft, shell, th à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ : Its tool used to move geometry, mirror, pattern, scaling in 3d environment On creation of individual parts in separate files, Assembly environment: In assembly environment the parts are recalled constrained.. Product structure tool: To recall existing components already modeled. : Assembling respective parts by mean of constraints Update: updating the made constrains. Additional features are: Exploded View, snap shots, clash analyzing numbering, bill of material. etc Finally creating draft for individual parts assembly with possible details The parts of the major assembly is treated as individual geometric model , which is modeled individually in separate file .All the parts are previously planned generated feature by feature to construct full model Generally all CAD models are generated in the same passion given bellow : : Enter CAD environment by clicking, later into part designing mode to construct model. : Select plane as basic reference. : Enter sketcher mode. In sketcher mode: : Tool used to create 2-d basic structure of part using line, circle etc : Tool used for editing of created geometry termed as operation : Tool used for Dimensioning, referencing. This helps creating parametric relation. : Its external feature to view geometry in out : Tool used to exit sketcher mode after creating geometry. Sketch Based Feature : Pad: On exit of sketcher mode the feature is to be padded. (Adding material) Pocket: On creation of basic structure further pocket has to be created (removing material) Revolve: Around axis the material is revolved, the structure should have same profile around axis. Rib: sweeping uniform profile along trajectory (adding material) Slot: sweeping uniform profile along trajectory (removing material) Loft: Sweeping non-uniform/uniform profile on different plane along linear/non-linear trajectory : Its 3d creation of features creates chamfer, radius, draft, shell, threadà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ : Its tool used to move geometry, mirror, pattern, scaling in 3d environment Chapter 3 GAS TURBINE Gas Turbine A gas turbine is a rotating engine that extracts energy from a flow of combustion gases that result from the ignition of compressed air and a fuel (either a gas or liquid, most commonly natural gas). It has an upstream compressor module coupled to a downstream turbine module, and a combustion chamber(s) module (with igniter[s]) in between. Energy is added to the gas stream in the combustor, where air is mixed with fuel and ignited. Combustion increases the temperature, velocity, and volume of the gas flow. This is directed through a nozzle over the turbines blades, spinning the turbine and powering the compressor Energy is extracted in the form of shaft power, compressed air, and thrust, in any combination, and used to power aircraft, trains, ships, generators, and even tanks. Chronology Of Gas turbine Development : Types of Gas Turbine There are different types of gas turbines. Some of them are named below: 1. Aero derivatives and jet engines 2. Amateur gas turbines 3. Industrial gas turbines for electrical generation 4. Radial gas turbines 5. Scale jet engines 6. Micro turbines The main focus of this paper is the design aspects of micro turbine. Applications Of Gas turbine : Jet Engines Mechanical Drives Power automobiles, Trains,tanks In Vehicles(Concept car, racing car, buses, motorcycles) Gas Turbine Cycle The simplest gas turbine follows the Brayton cycle .Closed cycle (i.e., the working fluid is not released to the atmosphere), air is compressed isentropically, combustion occurs at constant pressure, and expansion over the turbine occurs isentropically back to the starting pressure. As with all heat engine cycles, higher combustion temperature (the common industry reference is turbine inlet temperature) means greater efficiency. The limiting factor is the ability of the steel, ceramic, or other materials that make up the engine to withstand heat and pressure. Considerable design/manufacturing engineering goes into keeping the turbine parts cool. Most turbines also try to recover exhaust heat, which otherwise is wasted energy. Recuperators are heat exchangers that pass exhaust heat to the compressed air, prior to combustion. Combined-cycle designs pass waste heat to steam turbine systems, and combined heat and power (i.e., cogeneration) uses waste heat for hot water production. Mechan ically, gas turbines can be considerably less complex than internal combustion piston engines. Simple turbines might have one moving part: the shaft/compressor/ turbine/alternator-rotor assembly, not counting the fuel system. More sophisticated turbines may have multiple shafts (spools), hundreds of turbine blades, movable stator blades, and a vast system of complex piping, combustors, and heat exchangers. The largest gas turbines operate at 3000 (50 hertz [Hz], European and Asian power supply) or 3600 (60 Hz, U.S. power supply) RPM to match the AC power grid. They require their own building and several more to house support and auxiliary equipment, such as cooling towers. Smaller turbines, with fewer compressor/turbine stages, spin faster. Jet engines operate around 10,000 RPM and micro turbines around 100,000 RPM. Thrust bearings and journal bearings are a critical part of the design. Traditionally, they have been hydrodynamic oil bearings or oil cooled ball bearings. Advantages of Gas Turbine 1. Very high power-to-weight ratio, compared to reciprocating engines. 2. Smaller than most reciprocating engines of the same power rating. 3. Moves in one direction only, with far less vibration than a reciprocating engine. 4. Fewer moving parts than reciprocating engines. 5. Low operating pressures. 6. High operation speeds. 7. Low lubricating oil cost and consumption Chapter 4 MICRO TURBINE Micro turbine Micro turbines are small combustion turbines which are having output ranging from 20 kW to 500 kW. The Evolution is from automotive and truck turbochargers, auxiliary power units (APUs) for airplanes, and small jet engines. Micro turbines are a relatively new distributed generation technology which is used for stationary energy generation applications. Normally they are combustion turbine that produces both heat and electricity on a relatively small scale. A micro (gas) turbine engine consists of a radial inflow turbine, a combustor and a centrifugal compressor. It is used for outputting power as well as for rotating the compressor. Micro turbines are becoming widespread for distributed power and co-generation (Combined heat and power) applications. They are one of the most promising technologies for powering hybrid electric vehicles. They range from hand held units producing less than a kilowatt, to commercial sized systems that produce tens or hundreds of kilowatts. Part of their s uccess is due to advances in electronics, which allows unattended operation and interfacing with the commercial power grid. Electronic power switching technology eliminates the need for the generator to be synchronized with the power grid. This allows the generator to be integrated with the turbine shaft, and to double as the starter motor. They accept most commercial fuels, such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, diesel, and kerosene as well as renewable fuels such as E85, biodiesel and biogas. Types of Micro turbine Micro turbines are classified by the physical arrangement of the component parts:1. Single shaft or two-shaft, 2. Simple cycle, or recuperated, 3. Inter-cooled, and reheat. The machines generally rotate over 50,000 rpm. The bearing selection-oil or air-is dependent on usage. A single shaft micro turbine with high rotating speeds of 90,000 to 120,000 revolutions per minute is the more common design, as it is simpler and less expensive to build. Conversely, the split shaft is necessary for machine drive applications, which does not require an inverter to change the frequency of the AC power. Basic Parts of Micro turbine Compressor 2. Turbine 3. Recuperator 4. Combustor 5. Controller 6. Generator 7. Bearing Advantages Micro turbine systems have many advantages over reciprocating engine generators, such as higher power density (with respect to footprint and weight), extremely low emissions and few, or just one, moving part. Those designed with foil bearings and air-cooling operate without oil, coolants or other hazardous materials. Micro turbines also have the advantage of having the majority of their waste heat contained in their relatively high temperature exhaust, whereas the waste heat of reciprocating engines is split between its exhaust and cooling system. However, reciprocating engine generators are quicker to respond to changes in output power requirement and are usually slightly more efficient, although the efficiency of micro turbines is increasing. Micro turbines also lose more efficiency at low power levels than reciprocating engines. Micro turbines offer several potential advantages compared to other technologies for small-scale power generation, including: a small number of moving par ts, compact size, lightweight, greater efficiency, lower emissions, lower electricity costs, and opportunities to utilize waste fuels. Waste heat recovery can also be used with these systems to achieve efficiencies greater than 80%. Because of their small size, relatively low capital costs, expected low operations and maintenance costs, and automatic electronic control, micro turbines are expected to capture a significant share of the distributed generation market. In addition, micro turbines offer an efficient and clean solution to direct mechanical drive markets such as compression and air conditioning. Thermodynamic Heat Cycle In principle, micro turbines and larger gas turbines operate on the same thermodynamic heat cycle, the Brayton cycle. Atmospheric air is compressed, heated at constant pressure, and then expanded, with the excess power produced by the turbine consumed by the compressor used to generate electricity. The power produced by an expansion turbine and consumed by a compressor is proportional to the absolute temperature of the gas passing through those devices. Higher expander inlet temperature and pressure ratios result in higher efficiency and specific power. Higher pressure ratios increase efficiency and specific power until an optimum pressure ratio is achieved, beyond which efficiency and specific power decrease. The optimum pressure ratio is considerably lower when a recuperator is used. Consequently, for good power and efficiency, it is advantageous to operate the expansion turbine at the highest practical inlet temperature consistent with economic turbine blade materials and to opera te the compressor with inlet air at the lowest temperature possible. The general trend in gas turbine advancement has been toward a combination of higher temperatures and pressures. However, inlet temperatures are generally limited to 1750 °F or below to enable the use of relatively inexpensive materials for the turbine wheel and recuperator. 4:1 is the optimum pressure ration for best efficiency in recuperated turbines. Applications Micro turbines are used in distributed power and combined heat and power applications. With recent advances in electronic, micro- processor based, control systems these units can interface with the commercial power grid and can operate unattended. Power Range for diff. Applications . Chapter 5 DIFFERENT PARTS AND THEIR DESIGNING OF MICRO TURBINE ROTOR The rotor is mounted vertically. The rotor consists of the shaft with a collar integrally machined on it to provide thrust bearing surfaces, the turbine wheel and the brake compressor mounted on opposite ends. The impellers are mounted at the extreme ends of the shaft while the bearings are in the middle. NOZZLE The nozzles expand the inlet gas isentropically to high velocity and direct the flow on to the wheel at the correct angle to ensue smooth, impact free incidence on the wheel blades. A set of static nozzles must be provided around the turbine wheel to generate the required inlet velocity and swirl. The flow is subsonic, the absolute Mach number being around 0.95. Filippi has derived the effect of nozzle geometry on stage efficiency by a comparative discussion of three nozzle styles: fixed nozzles, adjustable nozzles with a centre pivot and adjustable nozzles with a trailing edge pivot. At design point operation, fixed nozzles yield the best overall efficiency. Nozzles should be located at the optimal radial location from the wheel to minimize vaneless space loss and the effect of nozzle wakes on impeller performance. Fixed nozzle shapes can be optimized by rounding the noses of nozzle vanes and are directionally oriented for minimal incidence angle loss. The throat of the nozzle has a n important influence on turbine performance and must be sized to pass t

Role of the Midwife as an Educator

Role of the Midwife as an Educator The researcher has used the terms â€Å"tutor† and â€Å"midwife† in an interchangeable format. Midwifery is about far more than delivering babies. The skills that a midwife needs to carry out her job successfully are legion. In this essay we shall specifically consider the role of the midwife as an educator, and her ability to impart information successfully to a group in a planned parenting session. In order to do this successfully it is obviously important for the midwife (or tutor) to appreciate how adults learn optimally in a different way from children. In this essay we shall explore both the theoretical and practical principles which underpin the delivery of a successful course for prospective parents. We shall also consider the importance of course evaluation in the construction and presentation of future courses. It is important to appreciate that adults learn optimally in a different way to children. The dichotomy is often refered to as pedagogy and andragogy. The fundamental difference between the two is that pedagogy is essentially the process whereby the tutor instructs the students and andragogy is the process which involves more of an interaction between the two, with the tutor guiding the students. (Cervero, R. M et al 1999) In the prospective parenting classes clearly the group are likely to be mainly young adults (the researcher states that they are making a number of assumptions here) and an alternative name for andragogy is experiential learning. This involves the tutor drawing out various experiences that the group, collectively, have had and using them as a basis for discussion and communal learning. (Donaldson, J. F et al. 2000) One could reasonably assume that the participants in the group have not had previous direct experience of parenting, but this does not preclude this method of teaching in this circumstance. They certainly will have observed friends, family and others bringing up their children and of course will have their own experiences with their own upbringing which will have formed a number of their opinions, expectations and values. These can usefully be explored and brought out in discussion for the whole group to use as a learning experience. It is likely that a typical group will include participants from different social backgrounds, ethnic groups and classes. This is also a valuable asset which can be exploited for the benefit of all. Specific examples could be the breast feeding and weaning habits of different ethnic communities and how they differ from what is currently considered to be best practice. Clearly this type of learning is quite different from that which could be used for children (pedagogy) who have very little life experience to draw on. (Johnson-Bailey, J et al 1997) Obviously the midwife will have their own professional learning and agenda together with a vast wealth of practical experience. This should ideally be presented in a sensitive but authoritative way, so that the group can have the opportunity to discuss, evaluate and adopt those elements that they collectively feel are or value and importance to themselves. (Ross-Gordon, J. M et al 2002). Although adults will clearly need to assimilate information – as this is a basic definition of learning – they are far more amenable to techniques which involve self motivation and self-directed learning. (Sheared, V et al. 2001). In this context it is important that the midwife, in addition to simply acting as a tutor and resource, should also suggest other sources of information. Local libraries, NHS leaflets, Local Authority pamphlets and of course the Internet, are all valuable resource options that the prospective parents can access themselves. Part of the information providing responsibility incumbent on the midwife, is the generation of interest which will allow the group members to feel empowered to make further exploration of the area themselves. (EHC 1999) The concept of metacognition is also important in this area. Traditionally a midwife might expect to give a talk on various important points of parenting and the prospective parents would sit passively and absorb the elements that they felt were important to them. The talk would finish and the group would disperse. Metacognition is the ability of the student to appreciate the overall context and content of what they are learning about. This is primarily a two way interaction between student and tutor. (Smith, M. C et al. 1998). If the midwife is able to establish a dialogue between herself and the group it is easier to evaluate and assess the gaps in knowledge and then to suggest strategies for filling them. Equally, it is a valid strategy to establish where the gaps are and then to encourage the student to find the information for themselves in order to bring back to the group for discussion on the next occasion. (Titmus, C 1999). When the tutor is constructing the course, if the andragogical approach is chosen as the most appropriate then they should: Encourage the group members to participate and put forward their own life experiences as much as possible in order to utilise them as exploratory and discussion tools for the group as a whole. Demonstrate to the group how their collective life experiences can be adapted and utilised within the framework of the current discussion (after Merriam, S. B et al. 1999). This is a difficult topic since evaluation is ultimately the most appropriate tool to assess whether the particular course has been successful. There are basically three appropriate viewpoints of evaluation – whether the tutor feels that they have delivered the course successfully, whether the student feels that they have benefited from the course and whether an independent assessor would consider the course appropriate. (Vaske, J. M et al 2001). There is not space to fully appraise all of these eventualities, but clearly it is utterly appropriate to consider the student’s appreciation of the course, whether it fulfilled their expectations and needs together with an assessment of the various areas where they felt that the learning experience was either good or lacking. This is clearly vital, not only from the point of view of deciding whether it is appropriate to continue delivering the course as a public service, but possibly more importantly, to provide feedback to the tutor on just how their delivery was perceived and received. There is obviously no value in presenting a course which is neither appreciated nor useful to the recipients (Tice, E. T et al 1997). Conclusions It is clear that the presentation of a successful adult-orientated course is not just a matter of chance and an informed professional standing up and presenting a series of facts. It is obviously important to optimise the impact and usefulness of the effort involved with an appreciation of the theory and practice of adult learning. The involvement of the audience group, particularly with an invitation and an expectation to share and learn from their own collective experiences, is clearly an important learning tool and should be maximally exploited by the tutor. It is also important to the overall optimisation of the learning experience for the student, that the tutor should develop clear and concise learning objectives for the group and tailor the structure of the group to those objectives. Central to that process is the formulation of an appropriate learning plan, which, in this particular format does not necessarily have to be a formal written plan, but can take the form of either notes or a mentally organised format by the tutor. (Taylor, K et al 2000). Cervero, R. M., and Wilson, A. L. 1999 Beyond Learner-Centred Practice: Adult Education, Power, and Society. Journal for the Study of Adult Education 13, no. 2 (November 1999): 27-38. Donaldson, J. F.; Flannery, D. D.; and Ross-Gordon, J. M. 2000 A Triangulated Study Comparing Adult College Students Perceptions of Effective Teaching with Those of Traditional Students. Continuing Higher Education Review 57, no. 3 (Fall 2000): 147-165. EHC 1999 Effective Health Care. Getting evidence into practice. York: University of York, 1999. Johnson-Bailey, J., and Cervero, R. M. 1997 Beyond Facilitation in Adult Education: Power Dynamics in Teaching and Learning Practices. In Crossing Borders, Breaking Boundaries. Proceedings of the 27th Annual SCUTREA Conference, edited by P. Armstrong et al. London: Birkbeck College, 1997. (ED 409 438) Merriam, S. B., and Caffarella, R. S. 1999 Learning in Adulthood. A Comprehensive Guide. 2d ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1999. Ross-Gordon, J. M., ed. 2002 Contemporary Viewpoints on Teaching Adults Effectively. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education no. 93. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, Spring 2002. Sheared, V., and Sissel, P. A., eds. 2001 Making Space: Merging Theory and Practice in Adult Education. Westport, CT: Bergin Garvey, 2001. Smith, M. C., and Pourchot, T., eds. 1998 Adult Learning and Development. Perspectives from Educational Psychology. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 1998. Taylor, K.; Marienau, C.; and Fiddler, M. 2000 Developing Adult Learners. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2000. Tice, E. T. 1997 Educating Adults: A Matter of Balance. Adult Learning 9, no. 1 (Fall 1997): 18-21 Titmus, C. 1999 Concepts and Practices of Education and Adult Education: Obstacles to Lifelong Education and Lifelong Learning? International Journal of Lifelong Education 18, no. 5 (September-October 1999): 343-354. Vaske, J. M. 2001 Critical Thinking in Adult Education: An Elusive Quest for a Definition of the Field. Ed.D. dissertation, Drake University, 2001. ############################################################# Word count 1,611

Comparing the Han Dynasty and the Roman Empire Essay -- Han Dynasty vs

The Han Dynasty and the Roman Empire were two grand empires that rose out of preexisting territories and provided relative peace over wide areas. The collapse of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), which was the first great land-based empire in East Asia, came after a period of war, confusion, and tyrannical rule. Due to the political disorder that stemmed from the early dynastic activity, the emergence of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE- 228 CE) sprung to focus on restoring order. On the other hand, the rise of the Roman Empire (44 BCE- 476 CE) originated from consolidating authority over aristocratic landlords and overriding the democratic elements of the earlier Republic. Instead, the Roman Empire redefined the concept of â€Å"citizen† as subjects to the Roman emperor. Both empires shared similar agendas to exploit their vast territories and resources, which helped them expand their political dominance; however, despite having similar political goals and foundations, their government system, cultural ideologies and imperial expansionist natures diverged. Both the Han and Roman empires emphasized on territorial expansions. By utilizing their powerful militaries, they consolidated their power within and across borders, which created stable trade networks for their economic bases. Land equated to wealth and power. Through integration of the local domains, both empires succeeded in political stability. For the Han Empire, their expansion abroad pushed through ecological limits under Emperor Wu Di ( 181-87 BCE), who made military service compulsory. The army expanded bordered into northern Vietnam and southeastern China. Although there were military threats from the Xiongnu, the nomadic people of the north, Wu launched defense attacks that made ... ... weaker state will remain neutral from a military strength. Melians’ loss reaffirms the absolute power of imperial conquests and nationalism in theories of realism. Since the Melians were allied with the Spartans and failed to cooperate, it is justifiable that the Athenians had the right to want to rule and invade the Melians as means to protect their own strengths. Works Cited Gochberg, Donald S. World Literature and Thought. Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt College, 1997. Print. Pomeranz, Kenneth, James Buchanan. Given, Laura Jane Mitchell, and Robert L. Tignor.Worlds Together, Worlds Apart: A Companion Reader. New York: W.W. Norton &, 2011. Print. Polybius, Rome at the End of the Punic Wars. Ancient History Sourcebook Poetry of the Han Dynasty Thucydides, The Melian Debate Tung Chung-Shu, Luxuriant Gems of the Spring and Autumn Annals.

History of Anesthesia Essay -- Biology Medicine

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I will be telling you my short little paper on the History of Anesthesia. I will be telling what some terms mean that will be used in anesthesia history. Also I will be telling a some dates from years before our time on how anesthesia came from and who was there, and what drugs came out.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First I will be starting out with several definition of the term anesthesia. The absence of normal sensitiation, especially to pain, as induced by an anesthetic substance or by hypnosis or as occurs with traumatic or pathophysiologic damage to nerve tissue. Anesthesia induced for medical or surgical purposes may be topical, local, regional, or general and is named for the anesthetic agent used, the method of the procedure followed, or the area or organ anesthetized. The people who are permitted to give anesthesia to a patient is an anesthesiologist or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). (Mosby’s Pocket Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health) There is also two different ways of describing Anesthesia you could either call it anesthesia or analgesic. In the next couple paragraphs I will be going over ways on how anesthesia would be given to a patient who will be going under a surgery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  General anesthesia is the most common way that anesthesia is given to a patient. The absence of sensation and consciousness as induced by various anesthetic agents, given by inhalation or intravenous injection. Most of the time a general anesthesia is given to the patient through an IV to the patient.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Local anesthesia is another common way of inducing a patient. The administration of a local anesthetic agent into tissues to induce the absence of sensation in a small area of the body. Topical anesthesia is a surface analgesia produced by application of a topical anesthetic in the form of a solution, gel, or ointment to the skin, mucous membrane, or cornea. Regional anesthesia is an anesthesia of an area of the body by injecting a local anesthetic to block a group of sensory nerve fibers. Next one would be a caudal anesthesia which would an injection of an agent into the caudal part of the epidural space through the sacral hiatus to anesthetize sacral and lower lumbar nerve roots. An epidural anesthesia is an injection A type of regional block in which a local  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  anesthetic is injected into the epidural... ...imetry added to the standards for basic monitoring when it comes to an anesthestized patient. 1992 Desflurane was finally made that it could be used clinically. Desflurane is one the anesthesia drugs that must be heated because it is unsable in room temperature. 1994 Sevoflurane also was passed to be used in a clinically stable medical field. 1995 House of Delegates of the ASA approves Practice Guidelines for Preoperative Transesphageal Echocardiography. 1996 End trial carbon dioxide monitoring added to the standards for basic monitoring. End trial carbon dioxide can also be used as EtCO2. Also in this year the Bispectral Index Monitoring System approved for Clinical use. House of the ASA approves Practice Guidelines for Office Based Anesthesia. Last thing in this year Rapacuronium used clinically and it is also always known as a IV drug. WORK CITIED The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 3rd. Edition. 21 November 1846 Longnecker, David E., Murphy, Frank L. Introduction to Anesthesia. Copyright 1997 Dorsch, Jerry A., Susan E. Understanding Anesthesia Equipment Construction, Care, and Complications (3rd. Edition). Copyright 1993

Using The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Essay -- Personality Tests Psych

Using The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test measures personality according to eight traits, in twos. The first set of traits tested is introversion and extroversion. When taking this test, I scored twenty-two introversion points and only six extroversion points. According to the test, I am an introvert. This means that I better relate to the world of ideas rather than the world of people or things. Introverts are energy conservers. They hold in stress, feelings, and ideas and they build up as long as possible. This type of person would push to the limit all day and hold as much in as possible. When they sit down at the end of the day, they are exhausted. This is what I do. Introverts are quiet but friendly and generally reserved with incredible drives for their own ideas. I feel that I am an introvert because I relate more to ideas and feelings than people. I am very shy and reserved but friendly. I have trouble remembering names and faces but I am interested in what people do and say. I am very detailed and somewhat of a perfectionists, carefully thinking about things before I act. The second set of traits are the sensate and intuitive. The sensate involves a preference to work with known facts while the intuitive is a preference to look for possibilities and relationships. Sensate personalities are characterized by those who do research and observation. This type of person wants to know the facts and can see what is on the outside. They te...

Frostbite Chapter 19

Nineteen I HATE BEING POWERLESS. AND I hate going down without a fight. What had taken place outside in the alley hadn't been a real fight. If it had- if I'd been beaten into submission †¦ well, yeah. Maybe I could accept that. Maybe. But I hadn't been beaten. I'd barely gotten my hands dirty. Instead, I'd gone quietly. Once they had us sitting on the floor of the van, they'd bound each of our hands behind our back with flex-cuffs- strips of plastic that cinched together and held just as well as anything made of metal. After that, we rode in near silence. The men occasionally murmured something to each other, speaking too softly for any of us to hear. Christian or Mia might have been able to understand the words, but they were in no position to communicate anything to the rest of us. Mia looked as terrified as she had out on the street, and while Christian's fear had rapidly given way to his typical haughty anger, even he didn't dare act out with guards nearby. I was glad for Christian's self-control. I didn't doubt any of these men would smack him if he got out of line, and neither I nor the other novices were in a position to stop them. That was what really drove me crazy. The instinct to protect Moroi was so deeply ingrained in me that I couldn't even pause to worry about myself. Christian and Mia were the focus. They were the ones I had to get out of this mess. And how had this mess started? Who were these guys? That was a mystery. They were human, but I didn't believe for an instant that a group of dhampirs and Moroi had been random kidnapping victims. We'd been targeted for a reason. Our captors made no attempts to blindfold us or conceal our route, which I didn't take as a good sign. Did they think we didn't know the city well enough to retrace our steps? Or did they figure it didn't matter since we wouldn't be leaving wherever they were taking us? All I sensed was that we were driving away from downtown, off toward a more suburban area. Spokane was as dull as I'd imagined. Unlike where pristine white snow lay in drifts, slushy gray puddles lined the streets and dirty patches dotted the lawns. There were also a lot fewer evergreen trees than I was used to. The scraggly, leafless deciduous trees here seemed skeletal by comparison. They only added to the mood of impending doom. After what felt like less than an hour, the van turned down a quiet cul-de-sac, and we drove up to a very ordinary- yet large- house. Other houses- identical in the way suburban homes often are- stood nearby, which gave me hope. Maybe we could get some help from the neighbors. We pulled inside the garage, and once the door was back down, the men ushered us into the house. It looked a lot more interesting on the inside. Antique, claw-footed sofas and chairs. A large, saltwater fish tank. Swords crossed over the fireplace. One of those stupid modern art paintings that consisted of a few lines splayed across the canvas. The part of me that enjoyed destroying things would have liked to study the swords in detail, but the main floor wasn't our destination. Instead, we were led down a narrow flight of stairs, down to a basement as large as the floor above. Only, unlike the main floor's open space, the basement was sectioned off into a series of halls and closed doors. It was like a rat's maze. Our captors led us through it without hesitation, into a small room with a concrete floor and unpainted drywall. The furniture inside consisted of several very uncomfortable-looking wooden chairs with slatted backs- backs that proved to be a convenient place for rebinding our hands. The men seated us in such a way that Mia and Christian sat on one side of the room, and the rest of us dhampirs sat on the other. One guy- the leader, apparently- watched carefully as one of his henchmen bound Eddie's hands with new flex-cuffs. â€Å"These are the ones you especially have to watch,† he warned, nodding toward us. â€Å"They'll fight back.† His eyes traveled first to Eddie's face, then Mason's, and then mine. The guy and I held each other's gaze for several moments, and I scowled. He looked back over at his associate. â€Å"Watch her in particular.† When we'd been restrained to his satisfaction, he barked out a few more orders to the others and then left the room, shutting the door loudly behind him. His steps echoed through the house as he walked upstairs. Moments later, silence fell. We sat there, staring at each other. After several minutes, Mia whimpered and started to speak. â€Å"What are you going to- â€Å" â€Å"Shut up,† growled one of the men. He took a warning step toward her. Blanching, she cringed but still looked as though she might say something else. I caught her eye and shook my head. She stayed silent, eyes wide and a slight tremble to her lip. There's nothing worse than waiting and not knowing what'll happen to you. Your own imagination can be crueler than any captor. Since our guards wouldn't talk to us or tell us what was in store, I imagined all sorts of horrible scenarios. The guns were the obvious threat, and I found myself pondering what a bullet would feel like. Painful, presumably. And where would they shoot? Through the heart or the head? Quick death. But somewhere else? Like the stomach? That would be slow and painful. I shuddered at the thought of my life bleeding out of me. Thinking of all that blood put me in mind of the Badica house and maybe having our throats slit. These men could have knives as well as guns. Of course, I had to wonder why we were still alive at all. Clearly they wanted something from us, but what? They weren't asking for information. And they were human. What would humans want with us? Usually the most we feared from humans was either running into crazy slayer types or those who wanted to experiment on us. These seemed like neither. So what did they want? Why were we here? Over and over, I imagined more awful, gruesome fates. The looks on my friends' faces showed I wasn't the only one who could envision creative torments. The smell of sweat and fear filled the room. I lost track of time and was suddenly jolted out of my imaginings when footsteps sounded on the stairs. The lead captor stepped into the hall. The rest of the men straightened up, tension crackling around them. Oh God. This was it, I realized. This was what we'd been waiting for. â€Å"Yes, sir,† I heard the leader say. â€Å"They're in here, just like you wanted.† Finally, I realized. The person behind our kidnapping. Panic shot through me. I had to escape. â€Å"Let us out of here!† I yelled, straining at my bindings. â€Å"Let us out of here, you son of a- â€Å" I stopped. Something inside of me shriveled up. My throat went dry. My heart wanted to stop. The guard had returned with a man and a woman I didn't recognize. I did, however, recognize that they were †¦ †¦ Strigoi. Real, live- well, figuratively speaking- Strigoi. It all suddenly clicked together. It wasn't just the Spokane reports that had been true. What we'd feared- Strigoi working with humans- had come true. This changes everything. Daylight wasn't safe anymore. None of us were safe anymore. Worse, I realized these must be the rogue Strigoi- the ones who had attacked the two Moroi families with human help. Again, those horrible memories came to me: bodies and blood everywhere. Bile rose in my throat, and I tried to shift my thoughts from the past to the present situation. Not that that was any more reassuring. Moroi had pale skin, the kind of skin that blushed and burned easily. But these vampires†¦their skin was white, chalky in a way that made it look like the result of a bad makeup job. The pupils of their eyes had a red ring around them, driving home what monsters they were. The woman, actually, reminded me of Natalie- my poor friend whose father had convinced her to turn Strigoi. It took me a few moments to figure out what the resemblance was because they looked nothing alike. This woman was short- probably human before becoming Strigoi- and had brown hair with a bad highlighting job. Then it hit me. This Strigoi was a new one, much as Natalie had been. It didn't become obvious until I compared her with the Strigoi man. The Strigoi woman's face had a little life in it. But his †¦ his was the face of death. His face was completely devoid of any sort of warmth or gentler emotion. His expression was cold and calculating, laced with malicious amusement. He was tall, as tall as Dimitri, and had a slender frame that indicated he'd been Moroi before changing over. Shoulder-length black hair framed his face and stood out against the bright scarlet of his dress shirt. His eyes were so dark and brown that without the red ring, it would have been almost impossible to tell where pupil ended and iris began. One of the guards shoved me hard, even though I'd been silent. He glanced up at the Strigoi man. â€Å"You want me to gag her?† I suddenly realized I'd been hunching into the back of my chair, unconsciously trying to get as far away from him as possible. He realized this too, and a thin, toothless smile crossed his lips. â€Å"No,† he said. His voice was silky and low. â€Å"I'd like to hear what she has to say.† He raised an eyebrow at me. â€Å"Please. Continue.† I swallowed. â€Å"No? Nothing to add? Well. Do feel free to pipe up if something else comes to mind.† â€Å"Isaiah,† exclaimed the woman. â€Å"Why are you keeping them here? Why haven't you just contacted the others?† â€Å"Elena, Elena,† Isaiah murmured to her. â€Å"Behave yourself. I'm not going to pass up the chance to enjoy myself with two Moroi and †¦Ã¢â‚¬  He walked behind my chair and lifted my hair, making me shudder. A moment later, he peered at Mason and Eddie's necks as well. â€Å"†¦three unblooded dhampirs.† He spoke those words with an almost happy sigh, and I realized he'd been looking for guardian tattoos. Strolling over to Mia and Christian, Isaiah rested a hand on his hip as he studied them. Mia could only meet his eyes for an instant before looking away. Christian's fear was palpable, but he managed to return the Strigoi's scrutiny. It made me proud. â€Å"Look at these eyes, Elena.† Elena walked over and stood beside Isaiah as he spoke. â€Å"That pale blue. Like ice. Like aquamarines. You almost never get that outside of the royal houses. Badicas. Ozeras. The occasional Zeklos.† â€Å"Ozera,† said Christian, trying very hard to sound fearless. Isaiah tilted his head. â€Å"Really? Surely not†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He leaned closer to Christian. â€Å"But the age is right†¦and that hair†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He smiled. â€Å"Lucas and Moira's son?† Christian said nothing, but the confirmation on his face was obvious. â€Å"I knew your parents. Great people. Unparalleled. Their deaths were a shame†¦ but, well†¦ I daresay they brought that on themselves. I told them they shouldn't have gone back for you. Would have been wasteful to awaken you so young. They claimed they were going to just keep you around and waken you when you were older. I warned them that that would be a disaster, but, well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He gave a delicate shrug. â€Å"Awaken† was the term Strigoi used among themselves when they changed over. It sounded like a religious experience. â€Å"They wouldn't listen, and disaster met them in a different way.† Hatred, deep and dark, boiled behind Christian's eyes. Isaiah smiled again. â€Å"It's quite touching that you should find your way to me after all this time. Perhaps I can realize their dream after all.† â€Å"Isaiah,† said the woman- Elena- again. Every word out of her mouth seemed like a whine. â€Å"Call the others- â€Å" â€Å"Stop giving me orders!† Isaiah grabbed her shoulder and shoved her away- except that the push knocked her across the room and almost through the wall. She just barely threw her hand out in time to stop the impact. Strigoi had better reflexes than dhampirs or even Moroi; her lack of grace meant he'd completely caught her off guard. And really, he'd barely touched her. The push had been light- yet it had packed the force of a small car. This further enforced my belief that he was in another class altogether. His strength beat hers by magnitudes. She was like a fly he could swat away. Strigoi power increased with age- as well as through the consumption of Moroi blood and, to a lesser extent, dhampir blood. This guy wasn't just old, I realized. He was ancient. And he'd drunk a lot of blood over the years. Terror filled Elena's features, and I could understand her fear. Strigoi turned against each other all the time. He could have ripped her head off if he wanted. She cowered, averting her eyes. â€Å"I†¦ I'm sorry, Isaiah.† Isaiah smoothed his shirt- not that it had been wrinkled. His voice took on the cold pleasantness he'd affected earlier. â€Å"You clearly have opinions here, Elena, and I welcome you voicing them in a civilized manner. What do you think we should do with these cubs?† â€Å"You should- that is, I think we should just take them now. Especially the Moroi.† She was clearly working hard not to whine again and annoy him. â€Å"Unless†¦you aren't going to throw another dinner party, are you? It's a complete waste. We'll have to share, and you know the others won't be grateful. They never are.† â€Å"I'm not making a dinner party out of them,† he declared loftily. Dinner party? â€Å"But I'm not killing them yet either. You're young, Elena. You only think about immediate gratification. When you're as old as me, you won't be so †¦ impatient.† She rolled her eyes when he wasn't looking. Turning, he swept his gaze over me, Mason, and Eddie. â€Å"You three, I'm afraid, are going to die. There's no avoiding it. I'd like to say I'm sorry, but, well, I'm not. Such is the way of the world. You do have a choice in how you die, however, and that will be dictated by your behavior.† His eyes lingered on me. I didn't really get why everyone seemed to be singling me out as the troublemaker here. Well, maybe I did. â€Å"Some of you will die more painfully than others.† I didn't need to see Mason and Eddie to know their fear mirrored mine. I was pretty sure I even heard Eddie whimper. Isaiah abruptly turned on his heels, military-style, and faced Mia and Christian. â€Å"You two, fortunately, have options. Only one of you will die. The other will live on in glorious immortality. I'll even be kind enough to take you under my wing until you're a little older. Such is my charity.† I couldn't help it. I choked on a laugh. Isaiah spun around and stared at me. I fell silent and waited for him to throw me across the room like he had Elena, but he did nothing else but stare. It was enough. My heart raced, and I felt tears brim in my eyes. My fear shamed me. I wanted to be like Dimitri. Maybe even like my mother. After several long, agonizing moments, Isaiah turned back to the Moroi. â€Å"Now. As I was saying, one of you will be awakened and live forever. But it will not be me who wakens you. You will choose to be awakened willingly.† â€Å"Not likely,† said Christian. He packed as much snarky defiance as he could manage into those two words, but it was still obvious to everyone else in the room that he was scared out of his mind. â€Å"Ah, how I love the Ozera spirit,† mused Isaiah. He glanced at Mia, his red eyes gleaming. She shrank back in fear. â€Å"But don't let him upstage you, my dear. There's strength in common blood, too. And here's how it will be decided.† He pointed at us dhampirs. His gazed chilled me all over, and I imagined I could smell the stink of decay. â€Å"If you want to live, all you have to do is kill one of these three.† He turned back to the Moroi. â€Å"That's it. Not unpleasant at all. Just tell one of these gentlemen here you want to do it. They'll release you. Then you drink from them and are awakened as one of us. Whoever does this first walks free. The other will be dinner for Elena and me.† Silence hung in the room. â€Å"No,† said Christian. â€Å"No way am I killing one of my friends. I don't care what you do. I'll die first.† Isaiah waved a dismissive hand. â€Å"Easy to be brave when you aren't hungry. Go a few days without any other sustenance †¦ and yes, these three will start to look very good. And they are. Dhampirs are delicious. Some prefer them to Moroi, and while I myself have never shared such beliefs, I can certainly appreciate the variety.† Christian scowled. â€Å"Don't believe me?† asked Isaiah. â€Å"Then let me prove it.† He walked back over to my side of the room. I realized what he was going to do and spoke without fully thinking things through. â€Å"Use me,† I blurted out. â€Å"Drink from me.† Isaiah's smug look faltered for a moment, and his eyebrows rose. â€Å"You're volunteering?† â€Å"I've done it before. Let Moroi feed off me, I mean. I don't mind. I like it. Leave the rest of them alone.† â€Å"Rose!† exclaimed Mason. I ignored him and looked beseechingly at Isaiah. I didn't want him to feed off me. The thought made me sick. But I had given blood before, and I'd rather him take pints from me before he touched Eddie or Mason. I couldn't read his expression as he sized me up. For half a second, I thought he might go for it, but instead he shook his head. â€Å"No. Not you. Not yet.† He walked over and stood before Eddie. I pulled against my flex-cuffs so hard that they dug painfully into my skin. They didn't give. â€Å"No! Leave him alone!† â€Å"Quiet,† snapped Isaiah, without looking at me. He rested one hand on the side of Eddie's face. Eddie trembled and had gone so pale, I thought he would faint. â€Å"I can make this easy, or I can make it hurt. Your silence will encourage the former.† I wanted to scream, wanted to call Isaiah all sorts of names and make all sorts of threats. But I couldn't. My eyes flicked around the room, searching for exits, as I had so many times before. But there were none. Just blank, bare white walls. No windows. The one precious door, always guarded. I was helpless, just as helpless as I'd been from the moment they'd pulled us into the van. I felt like crying, more from frustration than fear. What kind of guardian would I be if I couldn't protect my friends? But I stayed quiet, and a look of satisfaction crossed Isaiah's face. The fluorescent lighting gave his skin a sickly, grayish hue, emphasizing the dark circles under his eyes. I wanted to punch him. â€Å"Good.† He smiled at Eddie and held his face so that the two made direct eye contact. â€Å"Now, you won't fight me, will you?† As I've mentioned, Lissa was good at compulsion. But she couldn't have done this. In seconds, Eddie was smiling. â€Å"No. I won't fight you.† â€Å"Good,† repeated Isaiah. â€Å"And you'll give me your neck freely, won't you?† â€Å"Of course,† replied Eddie, tilting his head back. Isaiah brought his mouth down, and I looked away, trying to focus on the threadbare carpet instead. I didn't want to see this. I heard Eddie emit a soft, happy moan. The feeding itself was relatively quiet- no slurping or anything like that. â€Å"There.† I glanced back when I heard Isaiah speak again. Blood dripped from his lips, and he ran his tongue across them. I couldn't see the wound on Eddie's neck, but I suspected it was bloody and horrible too. Mia and Christian stared wide-eyed, both with fear and fascination. Eddie gazed off in a happy, drugged haze, high from both the endorphins and the compulsion. Isaiah straightened up and smiled at the Moroi, licking the last of the blood off his lips. â€Å"You see?† he told them, moving toward the door. â€Å"It's just that easy.†