Protein Concentration Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Protein Concentration - Lab Report Example The two most common examples are -helix and -sheet (fig. 1) Proteins are not completely rigid systems and they shift between several related structures while they perform their biological functions or roles. Such changes are often induced by the binding of a substrate to the protein's active site. The Biuret reagent is composed of potassium hydroxide (KOH), copper (II) sulphate (CuSO4) and potassium sodium tartrate (KNaC4H4O64H2O). This reagent is used in a protein assay, a colorimetric test to determine protein concentration by detecting the Cu2+ ion with the help of spectrometric methods. In the presence of proteins, this blue reagent turns purple, while when there are short-chain polypeptides in solution it turns pink [MadSci Network]. A spectrometer is an optical instrument used to measure properties of light (intensity, polarisation, etc) over a specific range of the electromagnetic spectrum (in this experiment UV-Vis at a 560nm). The independent variable is generally the wavelength of the light expressed as nanometers. These instruments are used in spectroscopy to measure the interaction between radiation and matter. In this experiment, UV/Vis spectroscopy is used to determine the concentration of a solution of proteins with the aforementioned Biuret agent. The Beer-Lambert law (A=lc, where A is the absorbance, is the absorption coefficient, l is the distance light travels through the material, c is the concentration of the species that absorbs the light) establishes that the absorbance of any solution is directly proportional to the concentration of the solution [Sheffield Hallam University]. To establish the concentration of a solution, it is necessary to know first how the absorbance changes with the concentration. In order to achieve this, the calibration curve must be determined. AIMS Protein solutions are colourless so cannot be easily determined by simple colorimetric methods. Biuret reagent (copper sulphate, sodium hydroxide, and sodium potassium tartrate) reacts with compounds containing two or more peptide bonds to give a purple-violet colour, so this reaction can be used for a colorimetric method for estimating the concentration of protein in solution. This experiment involves treating a series of proteins of known concentration with Biuret reagent. The data obtained may be used to draw a standard curve. This curve can then be used to estimate the concentration of 2 protein solutions for which the concentrations are not known. METHODS You have been provided with: (a) protein standard solution (albumin) 10 mg/ml (b) albumin solutions X and Y of unknown concentration (c) Biuret reagent (d) de-ionised water Prepare the following in labelled test tubes, mix well and leave for 20-30 minutes at room temperature: Tube A B C D E F G Protein standard (ml) 4 3 2 1 0 - - De-ionised water (ml) 0 1 2 3 4 - - Unknown albumin X (ml) - - - - - 4 - Unknown albumin Y (ml) - - - - - - 4 Biuret reagent (ml) 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Read the absorbance at 540nm for solutions A - G (first using tube E as the blank to zero the

Of mice and Men Analysis Essay Example for Free

Of mice and Men Analysis Essay In Of mice and Men several characters dream of a different and better life. Why is it not a surprise that the dreams never come true? Of Mice and Men is a novel written by john Steinbeck that features the hopes and aspirations of ordinary people living very simple lives. It features very strong characters each with their own dreams of a different and better life. But of course such dreams only remain dreams because they never do come true. The title of mice and men is taken from a poem by a famous Scottish poet Robert Burns that quotes. The beat laid schemes o mice and men Gang aft agley (often go wrong) And leave us nought but grief and pain For promised joy! This basically means that it doesnt matter how much you plan and dream, things very rarely go according to plan, which leaves us longing for promised dreams. John Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California in 1902. This may have been the reason he decided to set the novel Of mice and men in the Salinas valleys. It was hard to live in good conditions around the time the book was set (1930-1940) because of the Wall Street crash and the great Depression that followed. It was extremely hard to get a job and if you did get a job, it would be for minimal pay. During the 1930s there was very bad unemployment, which meant thousands of people never had a job in the USA, so agencies (like the one that Lennie and George got their work cards from, Murray and Readys) were set up to end farm workers to where they were needed. Despite these conditions many people believed in the American dream. The theory of the American dream was taken from the 17th centaury and basically mans that in America, it doesnt matter who you are or where you come from anybody can make it big and be satisfied with what they have achieved. A lot of characters in the novel also had dreams of making it big and owning something good that they have worked hard to accomplish. Lennie Small and George Milton are the main characters and they both had similar dreams although they were very different people in more ways then one. We first get a description of their dream in chapter 1 when George and Lennie were at their campsite about to eat their supper. The conversation about the dream started off when Lennie said to George tell me- like you done before about the rabbits. The dream was basically that they wanted their own land where nobody can boss them around and tell them what to do. They also wanted to raise animals such as pigs cows and chickens an live of the fatta da lan. From this dream the to characters Lennie and George both wanted different things. George wanted a place of his own and independence he also wanted security for Lennie but the main thing he wanted is a ranch like the one he lived on as a child. On the other hand the only thing Lennie wants from the dream is to tend the rabbits. At this point of the novel the dream that Lennie and George had was still just a fantasy not reality. This is because George and Lennie did not have much money, like many people who lived around the time of the great Depression. People found it hard to get jobs let alone make a lot of money and they had just run away from another ranch in Weed because of Lennies behaviour, so deep down George knew that it was virtually impossible for their dreams to become a reality, until Candy is an ageing, disabled ranch hand that has been on the ranch for a, long time and when he hears Lennie talking to George about the dream he realises that that was his golden ticket out of the ranch. Candy wants to leave the ranch because he feels that he has no future in the ranch he fears that he might be sacked in the near future because he cannot do his job as good as an able bodied person. Candy realises he has enough money to offer Lennie and George so he could be part of the dream, Lennie and George accepts Candys offer and then the dream becomes a reality because George knows a real place they could get. Crooks is a black ranch hand that is discriminated because of his colour. Crooks first gets to know about the dream when Lennie walks into his room, whilst looking for some companionship. When Lennie tells him the dream, at first he did not believe it and he thought it would never happen. But then candy walks into the room and confirms what Lennie was saying at this point candy starts to believe the ream and he offers to join them. Then Curleys wife walks in and has an argument with the three men and threatens crooks by saying se could heave him hung, it is after Curleys wife leaves the bunkhouse that crooks decides to withdraw his offer and end his dream. Curleys wife dream is different from all the other means dreams. When she was younger, a man said that he was a film producer and that when he went he would come back for her and she would be in the movie. She waited for long for the man to send for her but he never did, she thought it her mother hid the letters but I think the man was not a real director; he was just flirting with her. Curleys wife manages to end all of the dreams she firstly ends crooks dream by telling him that she could get him hung, then she ends everyone elses dream when she dies because Lennie killed her and George then knows their dreams are over and her dream is over because she dies.

DBQ 1820s 1830s Essay -- essays research papers

For quite some time Americans have been led to believe that during the 1820s and 30s, Jacksonian Democrats were the guardians of the people, and worked to improve the nation for the people. The truth remains, however, that during this period, President Jackson vetoed a bill to recharter the Bank of the United States of America, infringed on the rights of Native Americans, used â€Å"brute† force to bring Southerners under submission during the Tariff of 1832. He enacted the Spoils System which did not guarantee the best leadership, and was morally corrupt. Although the nation’s economy and political democracy flourished during the reign of President Jackson, constitutional rights, equal opportunity and individual liberties were discouraged. In her 1834 visit to America, british author Harriet Martineau wrote of the nation’s economy being strong and properous. The absence of poverty and ignorance and independence of every man are some of the observations she recorded (D). The national economy did in fact boom during the 1820s and early 30s. With Samuel Slater’s introduction of the â€Å"Factory System† to America, and Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin, the United States’ speed in manufacturing textiles increased rapidly. In 1837, however, America experienced a tremendous financial depression. Bad land speculation, and the fall of the Federal Bank (due to Jackson’s failure to recharter the Bank in 1832) were the two main factors that caused the financial crisis. ...

Motivation Letter Essay

Motivation Letter Application For Studying In University Paul Cezanne Aix Marseille To whom it may concern: In addition to all my documents provided, I would like to take this great opportunity to write a motivation letter to clarify my main reason that drives me to study in University Paul Cezanne Aix Marseille. After graduation from _____ University major in Industry International Trade, I acquired knowledge in an extensive business area, for example, accounting, finance, international trade, corporate management, law etc. I worked at Credit Control department at Accenture Consulting Company for around 2 years. My responsibility includes providing customer service to UK clients, collecting overdue debt, applying cash payments, making financial adjustments and analyzing credit status for customers. My interpersonal skills improved greatly and English skill was polished as well through daily contact with British customers. Currently I have been worked as assistant product manager at Golden Label 5 International Trade Company. My responsibilities are to communicate with the sales team, the distributors and the promotional girls in order to motivate them and to let them be more and more aware of our brands images to manage efficiently the existing marketing tools to participate in the development of new marketing tools and participate in the development of the promotions for the day market. I believe that my current working experience is the main reason that drives me to study in France. By choosing to study University Paul Cezanne Aix Marseille there are a few advantages that I can achieve my goal: My current job is to assist my French boss (marketing director) to communicate with the sales team, the distributors and the promotional girls in order to motivate them and to let them be more and more aware of our brands images. Meanwhile boost and maintain our brand image. In order to cooperate better with my boss, I started to learn French since last June. Although we still discuss in English during daily life, my French language does help me a lot when I explain some authentic French traditional wines and spirits knowledge to customers. I know more and more about French, French culture, French wine, etc. And I believe that what I will obtain in University Paul Cezanne Aix Marseille give me a global view of International corporate management and have a multi-culture background. France is a multicultural country, and University Paul Cezanne Aix Marseille is a well-known multicultural university. I can learn how to interact within different cultures to improve my interpersonal skills. I also can build up a network that comprises friends from different countries and areas. France has good relationship with China. And now China is becoming certainly the biggest potential market for France. With my multi- culture background and French experience and skills, when I have completed study in France and returns China, I can participate into the development of business cooperation or any other relationship. In short, by choosing to study in University Paul Cezanne Aix Marseille, I will benefit greatly from the extraordinary experience for building up my professional career, and I will help to build China, my motherland, into a well-managed market economy country. I am looking forward that my application can be assessed and approved at your earliest convenience! Kind Regards Li

My Relationship

Brittany English 101-B35 9/28/2012 A relationship between two people can have very different meanings. In some relationships such as two lovers, they can also be best friends because they share good communication. A relationship between a parent and child has a special bond because they share love, and affection for each other. However, there are times when a relationship can go bad because there is no understanding, lack of communication, and a feeling of distance in the relationship.Relationships in all parts of our lives contribute to our well-being. Through our relationships, we are sustained in our personal growth and development. Our relationships provide us with the support we need to grow and to handle challenges we can face. In relationships, people like, respect, and trust each other. These are paramount foundations to a healthy relationship. We can accept each other for who we are, including the ways people grow and change over time.For an example I’ve been with my boyfriend Michael for almost three years now and although we’ve gone a lot of problems he has always been there for me. I’ve been able to over a lot of things in my life with him by my side, he’s helped me build confidence and made me realize that everyone as an opinion that doesn’t mean I have to take to heart. I really have no idea what I would without him by my side.The toughest thing that we’ve had to overcome in our relationship is when I was pregnant earlier this year and my dad wasn’t very happy about it so he kicked me out. I moved in with Michael and things got really tough that we decided to part ways, so I moved in with my mother but he said he was going to do all that he could to make things right even if we weren’t together he was going to be there for our child and be the dad he never had, three months down the road we lost our child.After our loss I moved back in with my father and things went back to normal. Since then Michael and I got back together and so many things have changed with our relationship all the problems have seemed to disappear and we’ve become closer despite my parents not wanting me with him. He truly is the perfect guy for me. As for his looks go he’s crazy tall, 6’5† which makes me happy because I love a guy much taller than me being that I’m 5’6† myself. He has big brown eyes that when the light hits them they like look a dark green.He’s a little over weight but it something he’s working on. He has four tattoos, two on right shoulder and one on his left and on the left side of his chest my favorite out of them all would be the tree that has he has on his right shoulder, I don’t know why I just have a fascination with nature and trees. As for his personality He’s Kind, compassionate, and sympathetic. Has a great sense of humor and is loyal. He’s Strong enough to lean on when I need to but comfor table enough to cry if things get bad.He has an easy going temperament and not afraid to say sorry when he is wrong. He even goes out of his way to cheer me up when I am blue. He is completely trust worthy and I can’t talk to him about everything, he’s truly are amazing. He truly has showed me what love really is and I wouldn’t want it any other way For as long as I have been with him people have asked me â€Å"why are you with him†? During our difficult times I seriously had to sit and think about the reasons why I was with him, for the longest time I didn’t really see what we had in common.I mean we don’t have the same taste in music; I am rather organized where he is rather sloppy, we don’t like the same types of food, our childhood upbringing and family could not be any dis similar. So as I reviewed these different aspects of what I expect most people to have in common I started to realize that we didn’t have anything in co mmon, It wasn’t until I got so frustrated and angry that I actually confronted him telling him we had nothing in common, that he showed me a different way to look at it.He said with a smile on his face â€Å" of course we don’t have any of those things in common, but that’s not why I love you† after he said those words I realized I didn’t love him for any of those reasons either , but it was all the intangible things about him that I loved some much, and after I saw that, I realized we did in fact have some things in common that I never even thought about, like each of us has an appreciation for art, beauty, and nature.We both love animals and the ocean, but I don’t think I would have ever actually seen all the things we do have in common until I stretched my brain a little to look outside the normal view of what most of my peers have in common with their significant others, and it made me smile to think that even though we both together mig ht act like silly little children and laugh about the stupidest things most times, we really have a loving and mature relationship (most of the time).I would say the song that describes our relationship the best would be the perfect to by auburn. The song displays the true love between these two people and how they go hand and hand, that they wouldn’t be anything without one another. To me a romantic relationship is a commitment, compromise, acceptance, and love.You must commit yourself to work on improving the relationship, you must often compromise to come to an agreement on many issues, and you must accept the other person for who they are and not try to change them, as change can only come from within. You must love yourself before you can love someone else, and you must love the other person enough to put their needs before your own. Auburn. â€Å"Where the Perfect Two. † Perfect Two. Beluga Heights , 2011.

cordless tech essays

cordless tech essays Wireless technology, from cell phones to business networks is revolutionizing the world we live in. Now we can access the Internet while in our cars, on the beach, and even at dinner. This wave of technology will soon be felt in full force as we begin to travel with the assistance of a computer, run businesses with high quality networks, and check last nights game on our digital phones and personal digital assistants (PDA). Advancements made by wireless technology are allowing us greater degrees of freedom, security, and efficiency. Cars are feeling the wave of wireless technology as we speak. General Motors Corp.s navigation systems subsidiary, OnStar Communications, will provide drivers voice access to the Internet, starting with 30 of its 2001 models. The OnStar service provides airbag deployment notification, remote door unlocking, location services, stolen-vehicle tracking, and remote diagnostics (Wallace). It is easy to see why this technology is sought after, authorities will arrive on the seen faster, thieves will be detoured, and locking ones keys in the car wont incorporate the vandalistic approach once used. Also it is figured that 50-80% of all cellular phone calls are made from vehicles, with this new technology voice activated technology, users can expect to have both hands free while talking. With the new services, drivers will set up profiles from their desktop PC that are then kept on servers in OnStars service centers. With a hands free, voice-activated interface, OnStar subscribe rs will use voice prompts, such as Start my E-mail or Start my stock quotes to receive information via the Internet. The service will convert Internet text to speech and read the information via synthesizes voice (Wallace). And if that isnt enough, the price ranges from $199 to $399 a year, a great buy, as it will cut one ...

Creating A Benchmark Quality in Human Resource Essays

Creating A Benchmark Quality in Human Resource Essays Creating A Benchmark Quality in Human Resource Essay Creating A Benchmark Quality in Human Resource Essay Creating A Benchmark Quality in Human Resource BY WLY3925 **Delegates from Singapore companies can now enjoy the benefits under the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) Scheme plus cash bonus under PIC Bonus! ** Please refer to terms and conditions below. Course Facilitator: Creating a Benchmark Quality Human Resources Organization Build a HR Organization That Is a Competitive Standard In The Market Through Assessments and Partnerships! Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ? 26th 27th August 2013 Mark Eichi Mark Eichinger hinger Founder International Human Resources Coaching and Consulting Awards Recognitions ? Westinghouse Electric Corporation: Golden Grid Award Best Communications Campaign Human Resources Award -Compensation Projects Testimonials Mark is an outstanding leader who can focus not Just on HR, but on the operation of the business at large, both domestically and internationally. Mark is able to look at both the business and HR strategically, and plan at that level, meanwhile can still ensure that his organization executes the details with excellence. ? Vice President Human Resources, SPX Corporation Mark, is a terrific senior human resources leader and has worked in developing and riving strategic talent programs across a diverse set of business environments. President Electrical Segment, Eaton Corporation Marks energy and enthusiasm. ? Senior Consultant, Hewitt Associate FREE TAKEAWAYS ? Process tools drive measurable improvement in your HR organization ? Assessment tools to evaluate and measure your departments position and progress ? Career tools that will create greater HR organization leverage in the organization ? Valuable website references for management and leadership Mark is able to navigate through challenging situations with his sincere interest in thers, his sense of humor/optimism, his pragmatic approach to issues, and his genuine passion a round talent and creating success for the business. ? Vice President APAC Regional Director, Consulting Solutions at PDI Ninth House Capitalize on the expert knowledge to gain maximum value on these vital issues: Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) Scheme All business in Singapore can enjoy up to 400% tax deduction for external training* provided by UNI Strategic Pte Ltd for up to $ 400,000 for year of assessment 2013. You can enjoy up to 68% of tax savings from attending our trainings which means you only need to pay 1/3 of the course ees Alternatively, businesses can opt for a nontaxable cash payout option of 60% of up to $100,000 for year of assessment 2013 meaning up to a maximum of $60,000 * This includes both trainings in Singapore and overseas * Both local and foreign employees are eligible * Course fees only PIC Bonus (as announced in Budget 2013) On top of the existing 400% tax deductions/ allowances and/or 60% cash payout (PIC cash businesses a dollar-for-dollar matching cash bonus for YAS 2013 to 201 5, subject to an overall cap of $15,000 for all 3 YAS combined. Businesses must incur at least $5,000 in PIC-qualifying expenditure uring the basis period for the YA in which a PIC Bonus is claimed. The PIC Bonus is taxable. Please refer to https://www. iras. gov. sg/irasHome/ page04. aspx? d=14566 for more info DEPLOY a renewable process that leads to continuous improvement OPEN avenues of communication LEVERAGE your management organization to increase your departments effectiveness BUILD valuable partnerships in your organization LEAD your department in a new direction building benchmark quality practices CHALLENGE your department to take a larger role in the organization MANAGED skillfully, the assessment process can leverage and build greater partnerships in your rganization, and benchmark quality practices. DEMONSTRATE a simple, compact, cost effective, and easy to administer assessment process UNI training courses are thoroughly researched and carefully structured to provide practical and exclusive training applicable to your organization. Benefits include: ? Thorough and customized programs to address current market concerns ? Illustrations of real life case studies ? Comprehensive course documentation ? Strictly limited numbers Proudly Organised by: DAY 1 | 26th August 2013 Workshop Overview Assessment processes can radically improve the value of Human Resources (HR) epartments. They can transform the function from staid and unresponsive organization units to partners on the leadership team, customer-oriented suppliers, and respected, productive, sought-after resources in the business. Assessments are pathways to benchmark quality. They can inspire pro-active and effective leadership and can provide a definitive, measurable return-on-investment on the resources the organization commits to them. When assessments are approached as a process, continuous improvement is the outcome. Over time, when fully implemented, assessments build and reinforce great organization cultures. Delivers valuable behavior and communications tools necessary to successfully drive continuous improvement from assessment results as well tools necessary for career path success A structured process which evaluates and analyzes the contribution of the HR departments work Produces a baseline point from which ongoing improvement can be measured Provides and supports a continuous management and leadership environment improvement WHO SHOULD ATTEND Directors, VPs, HODs and Senior Managers of: Human Resource Human Capital HR Strategic Planning HR Analyst HR Professionals INTRODUCTIONS AND ASSESSMENT OF DELEGATE EXPECTATIONS Understanding effective behaviors that are critical to teamwork Organize teams and review member roles for the weeks exercises Discussion of teams expectations to guide or adjust the weeks projects Learning the groups successes, issues for use going forward How HR Assessment fits in and interacts within the organization? COMMUNICATIONS, THE NERVE CENTER OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Communications role in the organization, so simple, so complex Assess and review the four major elements of effective communications Plan your communications to construct a successful project Analyze and critique communications structure through case tudies Comparing communications needs for generational differences IMPORTANCE OF CONSTRUCTING PROCESSES IN DELIVERING ASSESSMENTS improvement, metrics Relate process tools and their role in assessments Compare process structure, formats and flexibility Analyze a process used by Dragon Tea Enterprises Topical applications for HR Managers in assessment projects Mapping results and metrics for action planning and ASSESSOR TRAINING WHY YOU CANNOT MISS THIS EVENT If you have a desire to increase the leverage of your HR organization, if you would like to build great partnerships with leaders and anagers, if you are looking for measurable results and process techniques that drive improv ement with visible ROI, you should attend this event. Designing assessor structure and formats for effective assessments Learning the behaviors that drive successful assessments Mining data from assessment interviews The Right Questions Developing effective reports: Foundations for improvement Role play: Preparation for Day 2s inter-team assessment THE ASSESSMENT TOOL IMPLICATIONS AND ROLES Program Schedule (Day 1 Day 2 08:30 Impact of assessments on the broader organization Factors for success in organizing assessments in the organization Effectively using the assessment tool, preparing for interviews Creating a basis for improvement Outcomes and Result Registration og:oo Morning Session Begins 10:40 11:00 12:45 Luncheon 14:00 Afternoon Session begins In-House Training 1 5:30 15:50 Refreshments Networking Break 17:00 Course Ends Cost effective In-house courses, tailored specifically to your organisations needs, can be arranged at your preferred location and time. If you would like to discuss further, please contact our In-house division at [emailprotected] com. DAY 2 | 27th August 2013 ASSESSMENT ROLE PLAYS Simulating the assessment at a model company Key roles of, assessors and observers in the assessment process Application of assessment tools in a case study environment Organizing raw data into opportunities for improvement Effectively creating and delivering Customer feedback and report MANAGING ASSESSMENTS RESULTS FOR ORGANIZATION SUCCESS Behaviors are the overwhelming career and organization derailers Functional and Effectiveness Competencies: The keys to effectively deploying assessment results and improvements Comparing the use of competencies in organizations, relationships and careers Appraising competency use in management The 80/20 Manager Valuing the impact on customers (internal or external) and their attitudes BE A CUSTODIAN OR BE A PARTNER; DRIVING Defining, understanding the Managers Brand Relating brands to Assessment Outcomes and Success Integrating brands, assessment and HRS influence Developing brands HRS role Demonstrating brands The New Managers Message RECOGNIZING THE VALUE OF METRICS Create and build influence with metrics Metrics can differentiate your work; assess competitive positions Be creative, analytical Finding the data for charts and graphs Team Exercise: Analytical tools in use today; CEO Metrics Examples and applications sing metrics LAST BUT NOT LEAST ABOUT YOUR COURSE FACILITATOR Mark Eichinger is the owner of International Human Resources Coaching and Consulting, LLC (IHRCC). His passions are in Human Resource Assesment, Performance and Talent Management, Culture Management, Employee Development and Engagement, and Career Coaching for success. His experience as a trained business system examiner included conducting business assessments in Europe, Brazil, Canada, North America and Asia. Assessments included analysis of six areas of criteria: Leadership, Strategic Planning, Customer Focus, Measurement Analysis and Knowledge Management, Workforce Focus, Results. Human Resource Assessments were part of each of these criteria areas. He believes values need to be the foundation of all business and personal relationships. He prizes integrity, humility, diversity, innovation, compassion, humor, adaptability, balance and Judgment. Mark has more than 20 years of experience in global Human Resources management and leadership. Prior to starting IHRCC, he worked for two $98 manufacturing and service corporations holding positions in operations and corporate at the Vice President and Director levels to include Vice President Human Resources Operations and International and Vice President Human Resources Asia Pacific based in Shanghai China. In Asia Pacific he was the corporate US-Asia H. R. Liaison, established the Asia Pacific HR headquarters and operating location HR teams, the leader development programs, Chinas university relations program, and the Asia Pacific key leader and professional development processes. He is a trained Malcolm Baldrige based business system examiner, a graduate of Youngstown State University, certified in Lean Manufacturing by the University of Tennessees Thunderbird School of Global Management. Partial List of Companies that have benefited from Marks Expertize: PetroVietnam Oil Corporation Petroliam Nasional Berhad Chevron Unithai Shipyard and Engineering Ltd Cuel Ltd Thailand Exploration Production Ltd Apply your learning experience at work: Barriers and solutions Revisiting day 1 expectations; did we meet your expectations Delegate evaluation of learning experiences and resources Key Takeaways for success with assessments Website Resources Web sites references that delegates can use to assist them in their work and careers Bank of Ceylon United Overseas Bank (Thai) Public Company Ltd Maybank Bank Simpanan Nasional SMRT Corporation Ltd Malaysia Airport Holding Berhad PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia TBK Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Universiti Teknologi Mara Mars Corporation ABT Media PRE-COURSE QUESTIONNAIRE Westinghouse Corporation To ensure that you gain maximum value from this course, a detailed questionnaire will be forwarded to you upon registration to establish your exact training needs and issues of concern. Your completed questionnaire will be analysed by the course trainer prior to the event and addressed during the event. You will receive a comprehensive set of course documentation to enable you to digest the subject matter in your own time. Your Encore, Inc. In addition the client list above, he has experience working with company locations in Europe, Brazil, Canada, North America Creating a Benchmark Quality Human Resources Organization Venue and Date Sales Contract Please complete this form immediately and fax back to JACK (JLC): (65) 6825 9580 DELEGATES DETAILS Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Workshop 26th 27th August 2013 Workshop Fee Name: SGD 3,295 per delegate Position: SGD 3,095 per delegate if 2 or more delegates sign up Fee inclusive of course documentation, luncheons, refreshments and 15% services charge. The above amount payable is net withholding taxes or any other taxes, if any. Registration and Enquiries Email: *Company Details Organisation: 20 Science Park Road, #01-26/30, TeleTech park, Singapore Science Park II, Singapore 117674 contact JACK (JLC) General Line: (65) 6825 9579 Ext: 356 General Fax: (65) 6825 9580 Email: Jack. [emailprotected] com Address: Payment Method Credit Card: Please debit my Town: State: Postcode: Card Ho lders Name: Tel: ( Card Number: Fax: ( Nature of Business: Company Size: *Finance Department Contact Details VISA MASTERCARD

When Getting Fired Is Actually a Good Thing

When Getting Fired Is Actually a Good Thing Nobody likes getting fired. It is a universally unpleasant experience. But what if it could lead to something great? If you’re afraid of losing your job, or might be in danger of being imminently fired, read on. Roy Choi is the widely acknowledged â€Å"godfather of the food truck movement,† thanks to his enormously successful gourmet Korean taco venture. He’s won tons of awards and owns several restaurants, but more interesting is how he got to where he is.Choi didn’t always work in food trucks. In fact, the genesis of his massive success was the result of being fired from his job as a chef in a regular kitchen. His life as he knew it collapsed around him and, luckily, he had the presence of mind to trust his gut and go out and do what he’d been dreaming of. And it paid off.Next time you have your back against a wall and feel desperate, make small steps in the direction of something you think is valuable or important, and more often than not the re st will fall into place. A few hard-won freelance gigs could turn into a lucrative career. An entry-level job can turn into a managerial position. An idea for a food truck could turn you into a celebrity.Sometimes you learn a lot about yourself and what you want- not to mention what you’re capable of- when you find yourself at the bottom. Don’t give up. Dig deep. Figure out what you can do, what you want to do, and then work really hard until you get somewhere.Chances are you’ll end up much better off.

Select a set of media freedom violations-related either to the Essay

Select a set of media freedom violations-related either to the Israeli-Palestinian OR the Iraq conflict or to both - Essay Example What is â€Å"responsible journalism†? It is such that the journalist is not biased and does not ignore all the details surrounding the subject or issue being reported. Since responsible means liable to give account of one’s actions and duty therefore responsible journalism can mean the journalist being answerable for what he/she reports. However, in this world driven by profits media has also been affected and as a result in order to gain a greater audience news is often sensationalized and comprises of half-truths. A greater audience helps in ensuring greater number of advertisements on the media and hence more revenue. As far as media responsibility is concerned what is meant by responsibility in this case is defined by the media regulatory body in the county. For example PEMRA is Pakistan’s electronic media regulatory body and it does not allow the ads run and programs aired on TV to be against the fundamentals of Islam or derogatory towards important Islamic personalities. However, having a media regulatory body alone is not enough for any country and punishing media for not following the guidelines provided must be followed strictly to ensure compliance. One problem with media regulatory bodies is that every country has its own culture and religion because of which the guidelines that apply on journalism in one country can be contradictory to those applicable on journalism in another country. This can result in the coverage of the same story in very different ways. In the paragraphs below the Israel/ Palestinian nuclear controversy will be discussed as reported by two famous media groups namely the middle-east based Al-Jazeera and Haareetz. After doing so the approach of the two groups towards the same issue will be compared and ultimately it will be found out who was involved in responsible journalism. Let’s look at two reports found on the internet regarding the

Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 4

Philosophy - Essay Example For this argument to proceed Aquinas’s idea is that human beings have to think of something as an effects of God and in the fourth way of argument, this thing is the best effect of God The understanding of the Aquinas’s arguments for the existence of god therefore begins with the analysis of his gradation criteria. He talks about good, better, and best. He finds some things to be â€Å"better†, true, and noble while others are less good, true or noble respectively (Elders, 114). In this way of argument, it is difficult to integrate his arguments especially when it comes to this kind of comparison. Many philosophers and researchers have questioned his arguments asking questions. For example if comparing two or more things, then you say that A is better than B, is Aquinas trying to assert that there is something better compared to the two and many others whose perfection cannot be challenged? This forms the basis for criticisms of the Aquinas fourth argument. The c hallenge here is to prove that there is actually something that is perfect beyond improvement. However as observed by Soccio (228), it would be misleading to argue that given a number of things with different degrees of goodness, there is one among those things that would not be possible to make any changes with regard to improving it. In other words, he asserts that there is no point believing Aquinas’s idea that there is something perfect beyond improvement. It therefore forms the weaker point of the Aquinas arguments since he believes that if we have to group different things together, yes we will have some of the best things, however, it would still be possible to improve that thing with regard to the degree of goodness. It is also possible to improve better to become better than the best. Another critic of Aquinas’s fourth way of argument is that he describes God in a sequence of being best among a group but denies later in the proceeding metaphors that he cannot group him in a group of the same kinds. In the next lines, he states that he does not think of God as the best or a group of things that can be graded together with respect to intelligent (Soccio, 230). The question therefore is; how can you compare things as good, better and best or truer, nobler, etc if in the first place you can’t group them together or they are not similar? In this way, it does not explain or describe the truth about the existence of God in this fourth way of argument because it is not clear. While Aquinas describes the effects, it is also important to note that we can only compare things with similar characteristics but God has no characteristics similar to any as he explains. However other philosophers have argued that this use of parallel texts is not misleading but it is misinterpreted by the individual’s readers of the Aquinas texts. According to Wippel (469), the perfections mentioned by the Aquinas are the transcendental perfections. In this context the interpretation of things like the â€Å"more† or less do not necessarily mean that the arguments are based on the things that are perceived by the senses and known by the intellect. In this point of view, the true of the text does not refer to the logical truth of intellect but to the ontological truth of things. With this regard, it is

Health Care Informatics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Health Care Informatics - Research Paper Example It requires ample data related to the patient’s condition both before and during the illness to assess a near interpretation of the disease. Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDDSS) exceptionally fulfils the data requirement for optimum diagnosis. However, the problem to be solved originates in the minds of the clinician or health care personnel and a DSS could not be expected to lead direct to a confirmed conclusion. But the DSS are designed chiefly to avoid gross anomaly in diagnosis due to variance in expertise among clinicians. Thus Decision Support Systems facilitate potential reconciliation of one group of information with other. A refined definition of DSS is hence put as: A computer – based algorithm that assists a clinician with one or more component steps of diagnostic process. (Eta S.Berner, 1999) The term DSS is commonly construed as computer based system, since the micro views of clinical settings are generally contained within the perspectives of data bases, model bases, knowledge bases and graphical user interface. However, the broader view of clinical setting is provided by system wide organisational perspective. In view of effective organisational management, the health industry has absorbed and created a virtual dependency on automation, making the usefulness and applicability of computers inevitable. (Joseph K.H. Tan et al, 1998) Technological developments emerge as a result of innovation. The cult of innovation, although is universally recognised and accepted by virtue of its novelty at its core, the power of innovation is typically uncoiled at the intersection of three components namely, innovation, creativity and environment. (Barbara A. Blakeney et al, 2009). The authors of this article have well established their notion on innovation by delineating two different models of innovation: User-driven innovation & Disruptive innovation. The team

CRITIQUE OF PROFESSIONAL READING JOURNAL Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

CRITIQUE OF PROFESSIONAL READING JOURNAL - Essay Example Her recent work has focused largely on similar issues such as the fundamental processes in learning to read English by Chinese students: both - children as well as adults, and learning to read Chinese by skilled English readers (online, 20101). Dr. Keiko Koda works as Professor of Japanese and Second Language Acquisition at the Univeristy of Illinois, and has extensive experience in the field of second langauge reading competence. Her recent works include a series of studies aimed at investigating the conjoint impacts of first language literacy and second language print exposure on the formation of reading sub-skills in typologically diverse second languages (Chinese, English, Korean, and Japanese). (online, 20102). Second language acquisition and development is a widely researched subject and has been used by various researchers to explore the nuances of language learning among second language learners. The topic discussed in the present article deals with diverse issues related to language acquisition, such as the word identification skills among different sets of college students having diverse linguistic backgrounds (Chinese and Korean) and enrolled in learning English as a second language. The main objective of the authors was to understand the language acquisition process employed by students belonging to diverse cultural backgrounds through exploring the similarities and differences between their methods of learning a common language. Such a study would pave way for further research and bring about major changes and improvements in the manner in which second language training is imparted and courses designed. For this purpose, a study was conducted on two distinct groups of college students all of whom were ESL students. They were tested by way of a naming experiment and an auditory category judgment task.

Planning care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Planning care - Essay Example Various nursing care plans can be applied in the health care of a patient but selection on which plan to use can be best stated according to the type of medical conditions of the patient or type of health care conditions requested for. Patient’s introduction Mrs. Mary johns is 72 years old woman admitted at the health care facility after suffering a stroke at her home. She lives with her 45 years old daughter. The patient brought in by the daughter after resuscitation after suffering a minor stroke. The daughter being the only member of the family and has to work long hour shifts to support her mother fears for life and well being of the mother. This prompted her to check in the mother at the facility for more investigations and better care as she recovers as opposed to staying at home alone as the daughter goes to work. Apart from the daughter signing her mother in at the facility, the mother is fully responsive, and she also mutually agreed to be brought into care it the fac ility. The condition and agreement is to investigate the sole cause of the minor stroke and nurture her back to her normal health condition prior to the stroke (Taylor and Lillis, 2001). Orem self care model This is a self care deficit theory proposed by Orem in self care providence, and it is a combination of the theory of self care, self care deficit, and nursing systems. In the theory, of self care it details self care as the activities carried out by an individual to maintain their self health condition. While self care agency refers to the acquired to perform an individual’s self care self care activities and highly determined by various basic conditions such as the individual’s family system, age and health care system among others (George, 2000). The third Orem’s theory of self care is the therapeutic, self care demand. This is the totality of all the self care measures required for such an individual. The carrying out of self care is to ensure the fulfil lment of the self care requisites of which there are three main types of self care requisites such as developmental, universal and deviation self care requisites. Through a full assessment, of the patient by the health care giver the deficit identified. Upon this identification, of the deficit or need, the nurse then selects the most appropriate nursing systems to provide care. These are partly compensatory, wholly compensatory, or educative and supportive systems. The health care given to the individual in accordance to the total degree of deficit or want the patient is showing of and once the health care provided the total nursing activities and the use of nursing systems for the case are to be evaluated to allow am assessment of whether the mutually planned objective met or not. Care planning A nursing care process described as being cyclical made up of various interconnecting elements and having a dynamic nature. It has been for long been an accepted feature of nursing care plan ning used in conjunction with selected nursing models. It facilitates evidence based care nursing, consistency and enables the application of correct and updated health care providence care documentation. The care planning nursing process consists of four supremely distinct phases. Each phase holds a vital role in the health care planning strategy while still being independent on functioning

The role of race in drug prosecutions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7500 words

The role of race in drug prosecutions - Essay Example nd historical premises behind all the increasing tendency of South Asian men to be found in Britain’s prisons.The Paper concludes that given that it is true that the majority of offenders are Asian and are perceived as a threat to public order and drug prevention they should be understood for their relative economic and social conditions. This is particularly true for drug offences and acquisitive crime. The biases of the police and the ordinary public are accordingly reviewed with their reasons in this regard. Household crimes – For household offences, all members of the household can be regarded as victims, so the respondent answers on behalf of the whole household. The offence categories concerned are: bicycle theft; burglary; theft in a dwelling; other household theft; thefts of and from vehicles, and vandalism to household property and vehicles. Personal crimes – For personal offences, the respondent reports only on his/her experience to the BCS. This applies to the following offence categories: assault, sexual offences, robbery, theft from the person, and other personal theft. Information is also collected on threats. Sampling error – A sample is a small-scale representation of the population from which it is drawn. As such, the sample may produce estimates which differ from the figures which would have been obtained if the whole population had been interviewed. Statistical significance/Weighted data – Raw data from the survey is adjusted in various ways at the data processing stage to correct for imbalances introduced in sampling and by the design of the interview. The overall aim of this study is to provide an understanding of how violence and drug crime has been understood from the perspective of race particularly for South Asian offenders in England. Therefore this study will aspire to enhance current explanations, and explore connections between various forms of violence and race, with a view to aid prevention, reduction and eventual

Planning care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Planning care - Essay Example Various nursing care plans can be applied in the health care of a patient but selection on which plan to use can be best stated according to the type of medical conditions of the patient or type of health care conditions requested for. Patient’s introduction Mrs. Mary johns is 72 years old woman admitted at the health care facility after suffering a stroke at her home. She lives with her 45 years old daughter. The patient brought in by the daughter after resuscitation after suffering a minor stroke. The daughter being the only member of the family and has to work long hour shifts to support her mother fears for life and well being of the mother. This prompted her to check in the mother at the facility for more investigations and better care as she recovers as opposed to staying at home alone as the daughter goes to work. Apart from the daughter signing her mother in at the facility, the mother is fully responsive, and she also mutually agreed to be brought into care it the fac ility. The condition and agreement is to investigate the sole cause of the minor stroke and nurture her back to her normal health condition prior to the stroke (Taylor and Lillis, 2001). Orem self care model This is a self care deficit theory proposed by Orem in self care providence, and it is a combination of the theory of self care, self care deficit, and nursing systems. In the theory, of self care it details self care as the activities carried out by an individual to maintain their self health condition. While self care agency refers to the acquired to perform an individual’s self care self care activities and highly determined by various basic conditions such as the individual’s family system, age and health care system among others (George, 2000). The third Orem’s theory of self care is the therapeutic, self care demand. This is the totality of all the self care measures required for such an individual. The carrying out of self care is to ensure the fulfil lment of the self care requisites of which there are three main types of self care requisites such as developmental, universal and deviation self care requisites. Through a full assessment, of the patient by the health care giver the deficit identified. Upon this identification, of the deficit or need, the nurse then selects the most appropriate nursing systems to provide care. These are partly compensatory, wholly compensatory, or educative and supportive systems. The health care given to the individual in accordance to the total degree of deficit or want the patient is showing of and once the health care provided the total nursing activities and the use of nursing systems for the case are to be evaluated to allow am assessment of whether the mutually planned objective met or not. Care planning A nursing care process described as being cyclical made up of various interconnecting elements and having a dynamic nature. It has been for long been an accepted feature of nursing care plan ning used in conjunction with selected nursing models. It facilitates evidence based care nursing, consistency and enables the application of correct and updated health care providence care documentation. The care planning nursing process consists of four supremely distinct phases. Each phase holds a vital role in the health care planning strategy while still being independent on functioning

Consider the value of mobilisation theory in understanding trade union Essay

Consider the value of mobilisation theory in understanding trade union activism in all its forms - Essay Example The trade unions probably had a role in advancing equality between gender and equality among races. They have been mobilised to combat the onslaught of the HIV-AIDS in the working places and were important conduits to better health for employees and the proletariat. It can also be argued that trade unions are among the leading organizations in the fight against HIV-AIDS and all scourge of humanity (Trade Union Congress of the United Kingdom 2011). At the same time, however, trade unions are organizations that are relatively to radicalize in society. Marx, Engels, Trotsky, and other leaders of Marxism and several generations of the Communist and Socialist International have focused on the trade unions for their revolutionary work. The charisma of communist and socialist organisations has once threatened the industrial revolution in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The Marxist liberations movements strengthened by the trade unions have almost wiped out capitalism in the face of globe. Once upon a time, the Marxist liberation movements have covered much of Europe through Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and through the â€Å"people’s republics† of China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. ... II. Mobilisation Theory: the Kelley and the Johnson-Jarley perspectives The emergence of mobilization theory is attributed to John Kelly. According to Johnson and Jarley, Kelly’s mobilisation theory moved industrial relations discourse â€Å"away from collective bargaining and its associated institutions and towards an examination of the processes that converts individual grievances into collective action† (2004, p. 543). Kelly’s work had emphasized that â€Å"injustice serves as the central organizing principle for mobilizing workers, and as such provides a potential powerful construct for understanding industrial relations processes† (Johnson and Jarley 2004, p. 543). The tone and content of the work of Johnson and Jarley (2004) supported Kelly’s perspective. In interpreting the trade union history of the United States, Johnson and Jarley pointed out the trade union rhetoric had centred their demands on â€Å"workplace dignity† and â€Å"s ocial justice†. However, perhaps we should not forget that there was no other alternative then but to centre on the rhetoric because the industrial revolution was probably associated as well with growing inequality. In the United Kingdom, I believe it is well known that the industrious revolution has been associated with long working hours and enslavement of women and children in factory grounds as a few lived in luxury. Women and children have to work for long hours during the early phase of the industrial revolution as the factory owners were enriching themselves. The work of Johnson and Jarley (2004) was built on testing the argument that member participation in trade union work is a function of workplace injustice and justice perceptions. The Johnson and Jarley

Market Structures Essay Example for Free

Market Structures Essay According to McConnell and Brue (2004), a monopoly occurs when a single firm is the sole producer of a product for which no close substitutes exist. Since the United States Postal Service (USPS, 2008) has no close substitutes, competition does not exist. The Postal Service’s universal service obligation (USO) is broadly outlined in multiple statutes and encompasses multiple dimensions: geographic scope, range of products, access to services and facilities, delivery frequency, affordable and uniform pricing, service quality, and security of the mail (USPS 2008). When monopolists are not protected by law from competition, the companies may have to keep their prices low in order to keep competition from entering the market. However, USPS is considered a pure monopoly and barriers of entry are in place. USPS is the only federal operating system that sends and delivers mail. USPS has competition in the market with services such as package delivery. Now, the agency has to compete with major companies such as UPS and FedEx. United States Postal Services depends on operation funding from postage and fees. Comparatively, the Postal Service provides a higher level of service and does so at low, affordable prices (USPS, 2008). The University of Phoenix (UOP) is an institution for profit and it operates in a market structure with pure competition. According to McConnell and Brue (2004), â€Å"pure competition involves a very large number of firms producing a standardized product (that is, a product identical to that of other producers, such as corn or cucumbers). New firms can enter or exit the industry very easily,† (University of Phoenix, 2004). There are many universities, colleges, community colleges, and vocational schools for students to choose from. They offer education in the U. S. and overseas. Different educational institutions offer programs that are identical or similar to UOP. However, the tuition is not the same for all schools. UOP does not have a perfect substitute because of the many campus locations and varied degree programs. UOP does not have a significant control over the price of education. It can not change the market price; it can only adjust to it. University of Phoenix participates in Federal Student Aid grant and loan programs with attractive terms. All students seeking federal financial aid benefits must be admitted to a financial aid eligible degree or certificate program in order to determine financial aid eligibility. In order to be eligible for tuition deferment under the Financial Aid Plan, at least 50% of student’s annual tuition must be funded through the federal financial aid benefits and there are extremely strict policies that the UOP must adhere to in order to be eligible for Title IV. University of Phoenix observes the federal regulations regarding student loan requirements, including pricing and non-pricing strategies. The Arizona Student Loan Code of Conduct is designed to create and ensure uniform student loan practices that focus on the best interest of borrowers. In the Arizona Student Loan Code of Conduct, restrictions are defined to manage the relationships among school employees, learning institutions, lender advisory board members, and student loan organizations. In education, universities can freely enter and existing firms can freely leave purely competitive industries. According to McConnell and Brue (2004), â€Å"a few industries more closely approximate pure competition than any other market structure. In particular, we can learn much about markets for agricultural goods, fish products, foreign exchange, basic metals, and stock shares by studying the pure-competition model. Also, pure competition is a meaningful starting point for any discussion of price and output determination. Moreover, the operation of a purely competitive economy provides a standard, or norm, for evaluating the efficiency of the real-world economy,† (University of Phoenix, 2004). Nike is an example of a monopolistic competition. This type of market structure has many sellers. Each firm in this market sells only a small share of the industry’s output. The key to this is product differentiation. While there are many firms selling similar products, it’s the price and quality differentiation that makes the consumer choose one product over another. (Forgang Einolf, 2006) These markets are extremely competitive and each manufacturer tries to appeal to the consumer on a different level of expert service or material. (University of Phoenix, 2004). The Nike swoosh has certainly become a brand mark that consumers are willing to pay a higher price for, however, Nike must also consider the current economy and the value offered for that higher price. Their products must truly be manufactured with superior quality and materials. Nike must walk a fine line with their pricing strategy. Too high a price will cause the consumer to opt for a less expensive brand and too low a price will not offset the superior manufacturing or costs paid to athletes to endorse or assist with design on the product. Therefore, Nike continuously battles between a relative price for the average consumer and making an acceptable profit. Also, Nike must constantly put a new, trendy product on the market. Styles must change frequently and certain quantities of the product must be produced without saturating the market with similar products. The niche Nike has chosen is to eliminate certain styles within a time frame therefore, causing the consumer to upgrade to the newest, latest, styles. The J. C. Penny Company, commonly known as â€Å"Pennies,† is an American department store aligned with the practice of oligopoly. The characteristics of oligopoly have commercial groups entwined in price collusion while refusing to compete on the basis of price. It was noted by McConnell and Brue that commercial groups â€Å"share of the total market is typically determined through product development and advertisement,† (University of Phoenix, 2004). In short, oligopoly happens when a certain market is manipulated by small commercial groups. In most cases, there are two or more commercial groups controlling the market. Pennies is a retail store that carries a wide verity of health and beauty products, fine jewelry, electronics, clothing for infants, teenagers, men and women, and home decor. In most cases, oligopolies would avoid using price cutting methods. Oligopolistic commercial groups are highlighted by the existence of several commercial groups having significant portions of the market. Those commercial groups buy into calculated behavior and they have a hard time existing without each other. Consequently, the actions of one commercial group can be directly affected by the moves of rival groups and the products they produce may virtually be nearly uniform or meaningful. Another example of an oligopoly (overt) is the OPEC cartel. According to Kaplan (1999), an oligopoly is an industry that is dominated by a few firms that display highly coordinated behavior and examples of oligopoly include the auto and oil industries. Concerning the oil industry, the oil cartel OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is a pure example of an oligopoly. OPEC is the alliance of thirteen countries that have significant influence on the price of international oil and â€Å"creating a balance between oil supply and demand† (Iran, 2008). Generally, oligopolies operate in collusion or employ price leadership. OPEC relies on these secret agreements (collusion) to govern oil in the international market. Additionally, these countries can unify and offer prices â€Å"in response to changes in costs or demands†, making other firms react quickly (Kaplan, 1999). â€Å"It is not uncommon to see several gas stations on the same block with identical prices even though they appear to be in a very competitive environment. If one stations cuts the price per gallon, the others must quickly follow of they will rapidly lose market share as consumers switch to the lower priced station† (Kaplan, 1999). This uniformity still does not have the power to ignore consumer taste. When examining the dynamic history between OPEC and consumers, it is clear that there is a cause-and-effect for OPEC’s decision. For example, OPEC has famously used oil as a leverage tool to importer nations. In 1973, OPEC and a supplementary organization decided to place an embargo on oil and subsequently raised the price of crude oil. However, Western nations transitioned creatively as they found new oil markets in other countries. Thus, the price hike did not have much bearing on the Western nations. The monopolist seeks maximum total profit, not maximum price. The monopolist shuns higher price because they yield a smaller-than-maximum total profit. Some high prices that could be charge would reduce total sales and total revenue too severely to offset any decrease in total cost† (McConnell Brue, 2004). Moreover, OPEC miscalculated production and consumer demand for oil, which resulted in too much oil production in the world market. Thus, prices began to decline due to surplus while OPEC lost much revenue and division because of competing opinions on oil prices and arguments about oil production. Recently, the 9/11 attacks and the Iraqi invasion prompted world oil prices to rise higher than OPEC quotas, which severely impacted the purchase price to Western consumers. Yet, automobile firms began vehicles with alternative fuel options, hybrid models, and decreasing the retail prices of vehicles during the economic recession. Additionally, many consumers have reacted to price hikes by using public transportation, carpooling, purchasing hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles, and/or moving closer to the city. Lastly, Western importer nations are discovering new oil markets separate from OPEC. Still, collusion allows OPEC to â€Å"reach agreements to fix prices, divide up the market, and otherwise restrict competition amongst themselves. By controlling price through collusion, oligopolists may be able to reduce uncertainty, increase profits, and perhaps even prohibit the entry of new rivals† (McConnell Brue, 2004). In respect to today’s global economic condition, a recession can severely disable a cartel’s ability to manipulate output and increase profits. â€Å"Long-lasting recession usually serves as an enemy of collusion because slumping markets increase average total cost. Firms find that they have substantial excess production capacity, sales are down, unit costs are up, and profits are being squeezed. Under such conditions, businesses may feel they can avoid serious profit reductions by cutting price and thus gaining sales at the expense of rivals† (McConnell Brue, 2004). As recently as November 2008, OPEC is considering reducing oil output. â€Å"But if crude prices continue to fall, then an additional OPEC cut may be needed. â€Å"The producer group agreed to cut output from November 1 by 1. million barrels per day (bpd) after oil prices dived from a July record of $147 a barrel to less than that. Venezuela said on Tuesday it will propose another cut of 1 million bpd at the cartel’s next meeting† (Iran, 2008). Thus, â€Å"investor concerns over further declines in crude oil demand under the impact of the global financial crisis have kept pressing recent oil prices lower† (Iran, 2008). With the drop in gas prices, consum ers are able to purchase more gas based on oil price reduction, income, and inelasticity of gas as a resource. In the Market Structures Simulation, Quasar starts as a leader in the industry with its technology. Quasar has the monopoly on the market at the start of the scenario. After the initial surge of manufacturing and selling the products, Quasar realizes it must invest in advertising and upgrades to production to keep the edge. Orion begins to produce a similar product at a lower price. Quasar must understand that stabilizing the price at this time will create an oligopoly market structure and stabilize the industry. As Quasar adjusts its price accordingly, profits stay steady and Quasar is able to invest in its own branding and innovation once again. As time goes on, we see Quasar move to a perfect competition where inventory is reduced, manufacturing processes are improved, and prices are stable. At this point, Quasar needs to maintain its market share by staying on top while continuing to increase the efficiency of its processes to maximize profits.

Copyright in Taiwan :: Taiwan Copyright Essays

Copyright in Taiwan Introduction The economic structure of Taiwan has been undergoing rapid changes in the recent thirty years. Taiwan has moved offshore from a labor-intensive industrialized country to an export-oriented economy. With the concentration of capital and technology, and the rapid diversification of hi-tech professional services, the structure of Taiwan industries has also changed greatly since late 1970s. The total annual production value accounted for by technology intensive industries has increased from 60 percent in mid 1980s to 75 percent in mid 1990s. These figures are a clear indication of successful liberation and internationalization of Taiwan economy as a whole. With the advanced technology and mass production of the computer hardware and software, new problems created for society by computer arose. In addition, as the cost of computer hardware declined, the importance of software increased: software is where the action and the money are these days. The total world market for software is now approaching $100 billion a year. Partly as a result, copying computer programs, often referred as software piracy, has become a major growth industry. At the core of the global copyright problem, Taiwan is one of the â€Å"king† of software piracy in Asia. The Business Software Association estimates that U.S. software companies lose over $800 million a year because of Taiwan software piracy. The newest threat to the software and multimedia industries in Taiwan is the use of computers and the internet to illegally digitize and copy information, including software, music, and movies. With the growth of Internet users populations, it has created a market for pirated products by making illegal copies of the latest software programs, music, and movies available to anyone with a computer, anywhere in the world, at the click of a mouse. Other ways to trade copyright material, such as peer to peer sharing, have also challenged copyright law. Adequate Intellectual Property Right (IPR) protection is a vital element in the development of high technology, high value-added production, and the professional services. The government of Taiwan is fully aware of this fact. They understand that they must make revisions to its current copyright laws in order to strengthen the degree to which IPR is protected in Taiwan. Over the years, Taiwan government has made progress, the Patent Law has undergone two revisions, the Trademark Law three revisions, and the Copyright Law five revisions. As for enforcement, apart from increasing the penalties for infringement of rights and increasing the power of Customs officials to inspect suspected counterfeit shipments, the MOEA has also created the Anti-Counterfeiting Committee with responsibility for processing charges of piracy.

Comparing the Oedipus of Sophocles and Senaca :: comparison compare contrast essays

Comparing the Oedipus of Sophocles and Senaca         The myth of Oedipus is one of a man brought down by forces aligning against him. Over the years, different playwrights have interpreted his character in various fashions. In Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, Oedipus is a man who is blind to the path on which his questions take him and exemplifies the typical tyrannical leader in ancient times; in Senaca’s Oedipus, it is the fear of his questions that give Oedipus a greater depth of character, a depth he must overcome if he is to survive his ordeal. Sophocles creates a character of extreme wrath and ferocity to deal with the source of the blight on the city. He curses out the killer of King Laius, the killer who has brought the blight. "Upon the murderer I invoke this curse – whether he is one man and all unknown or one of many – may he wear out if life in misery and doom! If with my knowledge he lives at my hearth I pray that I myself feel my curse. On you I lay my charge to fulfill all of this for me, for the God, and for this land of our destroyed and blighted, by the God forsaken (Soph. O.T. 245-254)." When it is suggested that Oedipus himself could be the source of the plague, his anger emerges in full force. "(Truth has strength,) but not for you (Teiresias); it has no strength for you because you are blind in mind and ears as well as in your eyes (Soph. O.T. 370-371)." The Oedipus of Senaca’s play is not nearly so rash. He seems to dread what will come from his exploration into the death of Laius, even though the condition of his city is just as terrible as that of Sophocles’. "I shudder, wondering which way fate will steer. My shaky mood could waver either way. When joys and griefs so close together lie, the mind is doubtful. How much should one see? How much is best to know? I’m dubious (Sen. Oed. 204-208)." This Oedipus even has thoughts that the plague might have something to do with him, that his rule might be the pollution that has descended upon the city (Sen. Oed. 40). It is this anxiety that Seneca wishes to bring out in his play, one of the emotion s that are the downfall of man.

Motivation Paper – Organization Behavior

The subject of human motivation is quite complicated for a number of reasons. Firstly, humans mature more slowly than any other organisms on this planet, and for this, the motivational tendencies are acquired more slowly too. Secondly, the individual is dependent on many of his fundamental satisfactions on other people; this is illustrated on his/her use of symbolic language to communicate these needs to others. Motivation is defined as the concept that represents the fundamental influence that drives behavior and providing its direction (Morris et al., 1999, p 284).In organizational behavior the principles in the study of behavior, especially on motivational theories, are applied in the workplace. Such theories help explain what motivates people in their attitudes toward work, their employers and other aspects of employment in general. One major motivational model or theory more often used in organizations and industries is the theory by Abraham Maslow. More prominently called as th e hierarchy of needs, this theory explains an individual’s needs on different levels.On the theory, Maslow defines basic or fundamental needs as the individual’s biological needs like hunger, thirst and rest. Maslow believes that on this basic level lies the â€Å"evolution† of the other so-called â€Å"higher† needs. If the lower levels are not satisfied, the implications mean the individual cannot or will not move onto the higher levels (Morris et al., 1999, p.302).   Maslow’s theory became a phenomenal one especially in industry because of its humanistic desirability; they seemed significant to people. It helps clarify why some work incentives are not effective for some people and situations. And managers in work settings can implement interventions in their workplaces based on their understanding of human behavior according to the hierarchy of needs (Berry, 2002, p. 240).Figure 1.1 The following pyramid diagram illustrates Maslow’s hie rarchical levels where the â€Å"more basic needs must be largely satisfied before higher motives can emerge.† Morris et al. 1999 in A.H.Maslow. Copyright Ó1954 by Harper & Row.Application4D industries’ top management has emphasized productivity as its top priority but where quality of service and loyalty to the company are not to be compromised. However, the company wanted a clear cut procedure on how this will be carried out. The services of OAKZ consultancy was asked to address 4D’s concerns. OAKZ consultancy drew a blueprint with an initial focus on 4D’s administrative staff. The rationale: 4D’s administrative staff has the direct supervision on the company’s production.They also become the top management’s echo or voice regarding company policies and direction; hence, the administrative staff’s critical role in the sales and production or rank and file workers’ output. When the staff doesn’t perform to th eir utmost, this has a domino effect on the whole workforce. This was further enlightened by OAKZ’ consultancy leadership. After a survey from all levels to look into concerns or problems that plague the company, the OD (Organization Development) consultant gave the following recommendations.Since 4D (population 780 inclusive of -rank & file and middle management/administrative staff) is quite huge by rural/county standards, the company has tried to make their interventions as much as possible on a collective manner rather than on an individual set-up. Motivating the 150 administrative staff members to function to their utmost includes 1.) Looking into their status in the company, whether how many are probationary, casuals, contractuals, and permanent,   to determine the extra incentives they will be receiving; 2.) What privileges and perks have they received as a collective group and as individuals, so far; 3.)What forms will the incentives take: i.e. cash and/or travel pr ivileges, others; 4.) The measures that 4D will use to be able to assess the effects of the incentives to the individual workers (HR Metrics). The OD consultant from OAKZ pointed out that based on the Maslow model (above), an assumption is made that these staff members will perform better when their first three level needs will be secured and this is done through the following step: the company should start to give away additional compensation in the form of increased salary commensurate to the output (quality time, punctuality, initiative, attitude, and participation in meetings and work discussions, etc.) of staff members. Underlying principle:This addresses the satisfaction of biological needs; Security Needs (can provide for more than food plus how to make the home more safe etc);   and Belongingness Needs (more freedom to enjoy friendships because they can now afford, or fiends will appreciate them because they are no longer dependent on other people).   The second importan t feature of the proposed program or scheme is the rotation basis (will schedule) for staff members (could either be by twos) to attend national and/or international conferences for professional growth according to their specialty or would-be specialty. This addresses their Esteem and Self-actualization needs.Today, with the monitoring and guidance of the OD from OAKZ consultancy, 4D industries have started to implement the long-term program. There is high morale in the workplace and the rank and file and production people are influenced by the contagious self-confidence of the middle management. There are rumors circulating around that the next plan will soon include their numbers.Reference:1.   Berry, Lilly M.1997. Psychology at Work An introduction to Industrial and Organizational Psychology. 2nd Ed. New York: McGraw Hill.2. Morris, Charles G., and Maisto Albert A., 1999. Understanding Psychology 4th Ed. Prentice Hall. New Jersey.

Last Sacrifice Chapter Thirty-three

CRIES AND SCREAMS FROM THE audience told me my disguise was gone. Many eyes also went to Dimitri. Adrian had dropped that illusion too, once I'd shed mine. And, as we'd been expecting, the guardians who had been gradually taking up position around us surged forward, armed with handguns. I still thought that was cheating. Fortunately, my mother and Mikhail moved quickly into place to block our attackers and deter any gunshots. â€Å"Don't,' I snapped at Dimitri, who I knew was probably about to join our two defenders. It was crucial he and I stay perfectly still, so we weren't taken as threats. I even went as far as to hold up my arms, and–reluctantly, I suspected–Dimitri did too. â€Å"Wait. Please listen to us first.' The guardian circle was tight, with no gaps. I was pretty sure my mom and Mikhail were the only thing keeping them from shooting us then and there. Guardians would always avoid fighting other guardians if possible. Two blockers were easy to take down, though, and these guardians wouldn't wait forever. Jill and Abe suddenly moved forward, taking positions next to us. More shields. I saw one of the looming guardians grimace. Civilians complicated things. Adrian had not moved, but the fact that he was enclosed in the circle at all still made him an obstacle. â€Å"Haul us off later if you want,' I said. â€Å"We won't resist. But you have to let us talk first. We know who killed the queen.' â€Å"So do we,' said one of the guardians. â€Å"Now, the rest of you †¦ back away before you're hurt. These are dangerous fugitives.' â€Å"They need to talk,' said Abe. â€Å"They have evidence.' Again, he pushed forward with his case, acting confidently about things he had no clue about. He was staking it all on me. I was starting to like him. It was kind of unfortunate that our evidence wasn't as 100 percent solid as I'd hoped, but as I'd said earlier †¦ technicalities. â€Å"Let them talk.' It was a new voice, but a voice I knew by heart. Lissa pushed her way through two of the guardians. They held their tight position, the immediate concern being that we not escape. This allowed her to slip through–but only so one could grab her arm and stop her from reaching us. â€Å"They've come this far. They were right about †¦ Jill.' Boy, that was not easy for her to say with a straight face, seeing as she hadn't entirely come to terms with the issue. My imminent death was probably the only thing distracting her from the earth shattering experience of learning she had a potential sibling. She too was taking a lot on faith here, confident I was telling the truth. â€Å"You've got them. They can't go anywhere. Just let them talk. I've got evidence to support their case too.' â€Å"I'd hold off on sharing that, Liss,' I said in a low voice. Lissa still believed Daniella was the killer and wasn't going to like hearing the truth. Lissa flashed me a confused look but didn't protest. â€Å"Let's hear them,' said one of the guardians–and not just any: Hans. â€Å"After an escape like they pulled, I'd really like to know what brought them back.' Hans was helping us? â€Å"But,' he continued, â€Å"I'm sure you two will understand we'll have to restrain you before you make your great reveal.' I looked at Dimitri who had already turned to me. We'd both known what we were getting ourselves into, and honestly, this was a better scenario than I'd envisioned. â€Å"Okay,' said Dimitri. He glanced at our noble protectors. â€Å"It's okay. Let them get through.' My mom and the others didn't move right away. â€Å"Do it,' I said. â€Å"Don't end up as our cellmates.' I thought for sure those loveable fools wouldn't listen to me. But Mikhail backed off first, and then the others did too, practically in sync. In a flash, guardians seized them all, leading them away. Dimitri and I stayed put, and four guardians moved in, two for Dimitri and two for me. Adrian had retreated with the others, but Lissa still stood a few feet away from us, all her trust in me. â€Å"Get on with it,' said Hans. He gripped my right arm tightly. I met Lissa's eyes, hating what I had to say. But, no. She wasn't the one I was worried about hurting the most. Looking out into the audience, I found Christian, who was understandably watching this drama with avid attention. I had to turn away and stare at the crowd as a whole, refusing to see individual faces. Just a blur. â€Å"I didn't kill Tatiana Ivashkov,' I said. Several people grumbled doubtfully. â€Å"I didn't like her. But I didn't kill her.' I glanced at Hans. â€Å"You've questioned the janitor who testified about where I was during the murder, right? And he ID'd the man who attacked Lissa as the one who paid him off to lie about where I was?' I'd learned from Mikhail that Joe had eventually admitted to taking money from the mystery Moroi, once the guardians had cornered him with the picture. Hans frowned, hesitated, and then nodded for me to continue. â€Å"There's no record of his existence–at least not with the guardians. But the Alchemists know who he is. They saw him at one of their facilities–acting as someone's bodyguard.' My eyes fell on Ethan Moore, who stood with the guardians near the door. â€Å"A bodyguard for someone who was let in to see Tatiana the night she died: Tasha Ozera.' There was no need for any uproar from the audience this time because Tasha more than made up for it on her own. She'd been sitting next to Christian and sprang up from her chair. â€Å"What on earth are you saying, Rose?' she exclaimed. â€Å"Are you out of your mind?' When I'd stood there defiantly, ready to face the crowd and demand justice, I'd been full of triumph and power. Now †¦ now I was just sad as I stared at someone I'd always trusted, someone who was staring back at me with so much shock and hurt. â€Å"I wish I was †¦ but it's true. We both know it is. You killed Tatiana.' Tasha's disbelief grew, tinged now with a little anger, though she still seemed to be giving me the benefit of the doubt. â€Å"I never, never believed you killed her–and I've fought for you on that. Why are you doing this? Are you playing on the Strigoi taint in our family? I thought you were above that kind of prejudice.' I swallowed. I'd thought getting evidence would be the hard part. It was nothing compared to revealing it. â€Å"What I'm saying has nothing to do with Strigoi. I almost wish it did. You hated Tatiana for her age law and refusal to let Moroi fight.' Another memory came to me, when Tasha had learned about the secret training sessions. Tasha had been aghast with what I now suspected might have been guilt at misjudging the queen. The crowd was riveted and stunned, but one person came to life: an Ozera I didn't know but who apparently had family solidarity on his mind. He stood up, crossing his arms defiantly. â€Å"Half this Court hated Tatiana for that law. You among them.' â€Å"I didn't have my bodyguard bribe a witness or attack Lis–Princess Dragomir. And don't pretend you didn't know the guy,' I warned her. â€Å"He was your bodyguard. You were seen together.' Ian's description of her when she visited St. Louis had been perfectly clear: long black hair, pale blue eyes, and scarring on one side of her face. â€Å"Rose, I can't even believe this is happening, but if James–that was his name–did whatever you're talking about, then he acted alone. He always had radical ideas. I knew that when I hired him as outside protection, but I never thought he was capable of murder.' She glanced around, looking for someone in charge, and finally settled on the Council. â€Å"I've always believed Rose was innocent. If James is the one responsible for this, then I'm more than happy to tell you whatever I know to clear Rose's name.' So, so easy. The mystery Moroi–James–was almost everywhere Tasha had been. He'd also been spotted in suspicious situations where she hadn't been–like Joe's bribery and Lissa's attack. I could save Tasha and just blame it all on him. He was already dead. Tasha and I could stay friends. She'd acted on principle, right? What was wrong with that? Christian stood up beside her, looking at me like I was a stranger. â€Å"Rose, how can you say any of this? You know her. You know she wouldn't do it. Stop making a scene and let us figure out how that James guy killed the queen.' So, so easy. Blame the dead man. â€Å"James couldn't have staked Tatiana,' I said. â€Å"He had an injured hand. It takes both hands for a Moroi to stake someone. I've seen it happen twice now. And I bet if you can get a straight answer out of Ethan Moore †¦' I glanced over at the guardian who had gone pale. He could probably jump into a fight and kill without hesitation. But this kind of scrutiny? And eventual interrogation by his peers? I didn't think he'd hold up. It was probably the reason Tasha had been able to manipulate him. â€Å"James wasn't there the night Tatiana died, was he? And I don't think Daniella Ivashkov was either, despite what Princess Dragomir was told earlier. But Tasha was. She was in the queen's chambers–and you didn't report it.' Ethan looked like he wanted to bolt, but his odds of escape were about as good as mine and Dimitri's. He slowly shook his head. â€Å"Tasha wouldn't kill anyone.' Not exactly the confirmation of her location I wanted–but close. The guardians would get more out of him later. â€Å"Rose!' Christian was pissed off now. Seeing him look at me with such outrage hurt even more than Tasha's expression. â€Å"Stop it!' Lissa took a few hesitant steps forward. I could feel in her mind that she didn't want to believe what I was saying either †¦ yet she still trusted me. She thought of a controversial solution. â€Å"I know it's wrong †¦ but if we used compulsion on the suspects †¦' â€Å"Don't even suggest that!' exclaimed Tasha, turning her sharp eyes on Lissa. â€Å"Stay out of this. Your future's on the line here. A future that could make you great and achieve the things our people need.' â€Å"A future you could manipulate,' I realized. â€Å"Lissa believes in a lot of the reforms you do †¦ and you think you could convince her of ones she doesn't. Especially if she's with your nephew. That's why you've fought so hard to change the quorum law. You wanted her to be queen.' Christian started to step forward, but Tasha laid a restraining hand on his shoulder. It didn't stop him from speaking. â€Å"That's idiotic. If she wanted Lissa to be queen, why make that James guy attack her?' That was a mystery for me too, one of the holes I hadn't quite figured out. But Dimitri had. Conscious of his two guards, he shifted closer to me. â€Å"Because no one was supposed to die.' Dimitri's low, resonant voice sounded wonderful with the room's acoustics. He needed no microphone as he directed his words to Tasha. â€Å"You didn't expect a guardian to be with her.' He was right, I realized. Eddie had been drafted that night under weird circumstances and only barely made it back in time to see Ambrose with Lissa. â€Å"James was probably going to fake an attack and run †¦ enough to generate sympathy and more support for Vasilisa. Which it certainly did–just a little more severely.' The outrage on Tasha's face transformed to something I couldn't entirely gauge right away. She'd seemed offended at my accusations, but from Dimitri–it was more. She looked legitimately hurt. Crushed. I knew that look. I'd seen it on Adrian's face a couple hours ago. â€Å"Dimka, not you too,' she said. Through Lissa's eyes, I watched the colors of Tasha's aura shift, burn a little brighter as she gazed at Dimitri. I could see exactly what Sonya had explained to me, how the aura showed affection. â€Å"And that's why I took the fall,' I murmured softly. No one but Dimitri and our guardians heard me. â€Å"Hmm?' Dimitri asked. I just shook my head. All this time, Tasha had still loved Dimitri. I knew she had last year, when she'd made him an offer to hook up and have kids–not something a lot of dhampir men had the chance to get. He'd refused, and I thought she had accepted simply being friends with him. She hadn't. She'd still loved him. When Lissa had revealed my relationship with Dimitri to Hans, Tasha had already known. But for how long? I wasn't sure. She'd obviously known about the relationship before killing Tatiana, and putting the murder on me left Tasha free and clear and opened back up her chances with Dimitri. There was no point in bringing up her personal motives for blaming me. Tatiana's murder was the real issue at stake. I just looked at Hans. â€Å"You can take me into custody, I meant it. But don't you think you've got enough to take her–and Ethan–in too?' Hans's face was unreadable. His feelings toward me had always gone back and forth, since the day we met. Sometimes I was a troublemaker without a future. Other times I had the potential to be a leader. He'd believed I was a murderer, yet he'd still allowed me to address the crowd. He didn't really like my friends either. What would he do now? He lifted his eyes from my face and looked to where several guardians were stationed in the audience, ready for any action. He gave a curt nod. â€Å"Take Lady Ozera. And Moore. We'll question them.' Seeing as Tasha was seated amidst other people, there was a bit of fear and panic when four guardians moved toward her. They avoided injuring other audience members as much as possible, but there was still plenty of pushing and shoving. What came as a total surprise was how fiercely Tasha fought back. She was trained, I remembered. Not in the same way guardians were, but enough to make it hard to get a hold of her. She could kick and punch–and stake queens–and even managed to knock one guardian down. She might actually try to fight her way out of here, I realized–though I didn't believe for an instant she could. It was too crowded and chaotic. Guardians were heading toward the fray. Terrified Moroi were trying to get away from the fight. Everybody seemed to be getting in everyone else's way. Suddenly, a loudcrack echoed through the room. A gunshot. Most of the Moroi dropped to the floor, though guardians kept coming. Holding a handgun she must have seized from the guardian she'd knocked over, Tasha grabbed the first Moroi she could with her free hand. So help me, it was Mia Rinaldi. She'd been sitting near Christian. I didn't think Tasha even noticed her hostage choice. â€Å"Don't move!' Tasha yelled at the encroaching guardians. The gun was at Mia's head, and I felt my heart stop. How had things escalated to this point? I'd never foreseen this. My task was supposed to be neat and tidy. Reveal Tasha. Put her away. Done. The guardians froze, less because of her command and more because they were sizing up how to deal with the total threat. Meanwhile, Tasha began to slowly–very slowly–make her way toward the exit, dragging Mia along. Her progress was slow and unwieldy, thanks to all the chairs and people in the way. The delay gave the guardians time to solve this ugly dilemma. They come first. Mia's life–a Moroi life–was on the line. The guardians didn't want Mia killed, but a gun-toting warrior Moroi also couldn't be allowed to go free. The thing was, Tasha wasn't the only warrior Moroi in the room. She had probably picked the worst hostage possible, and I could tell by the glint in Mia's eyes that she was not going to go quietly. Lissa realized this too. One or both of them were going to get killed, and Lissa couldn't let that happen. If she could get Tasha to look at her, she could compel her into submission. No, no, no, I thought. I didn't need another friend involved. Both Lissa and I saw Mia tensing to break her way out of Tasha's hold. Lissa realized she had to act now. I could feel it through the bond. I could feel her thoughts, the decision, even the way her body's muscles and nerves moved forward to get Tasha's attention. I felt it all so clearly, as if we shared the same body. I knew where Lissa would move before she even did. â€Å"Tasha, please don't–‘ Lissa sprang forward, her plaintive cry interrupted as Mia kicked back at Tasha and broke away, slipping down out of the gun's reach. Tasha, startled on two fronts, still had her gun pointed out. With Mia out of her grasp and everything happening so fast, Tasha frantically fired off a couple shots at the first threat moving toward her–which wasn't the rapidly approaching guardians. It was a slim figure in white who had shouted at Tasha. Or, well, it would have been. Like I said, I'd known exactly where Lissa would step and what she would do. And in those precious seconds before she acted, I broke out of my captors' hold and threw myself before Lissa. Someone leapt after me, but they were too late. That was when Tasha's gun had gone off. I felt a biting and burning in my chest, and then there was nothing but pain–a pain so complete and so intense it was almost beyond comprehension. I felt myself falling, felt Lissa catching me and yelling something–maybe to me, maybe to someone else. There was so much commotion in the room that I didn't know what had happened with Tasha. There was just me and the pain that my mind was trying to block out. The world seemed to grow quieter and quieter. I saw Lissa looking down on me, shouting something I couldn't hear. She was beautiful. Brilliant. Crowned in light †¦ but there was darkness closing in around her. And in that darkness, I saw the faces †¦ the ghosts and spirits that always followed me. Thicker they grew, closing in. Beckoning. A gun. I had been brought down by a gun. It was practically comical. Cheaters, I thought. I'd spent my life focusing on hand-to-hand combat, learning to dodge fangs and powerful hands that could snap my neck. A gun? It was so †¦ well, easy. Should I be insulted? I didn't know. Did it matter? I didn't know that either. All I knew in that moment was that I was going to die, regardless. My vision was growing dimmer, the blackness and ghosts closing in, and I swore, it was like I could hear Robert whispering in my ear: The world of the dead won't give you up a second time. Just before the light completely vanished, I saw Dimitri's face join Lissa's. I wanted to smile. I decided then that if the two people I loved most were safe, I could leave this world. The dead could finally have me. And I'd fulfilled my purpose, right? To protect? I'd done it. I'd saved Lissa, just like I'd sworn I'd always do. I was dying in battle. No appointment books for me. Lissa's face shone with tears, and I hoped that mine conveyed how much I loved her. With the last spark of life I had left, I tried to speak, tried to let Dimitri know I loved him too and that he had to protect her now. I don't think he understood, but the words of the guardian mantra were my last conscious thought. They come first.