Recruit Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Recruit - Case Study Example The questions are designed to get complete information about the job since sections like background cover requirements such as travel, licensing needs and seasonal changes. The contacts section covers 62 questions on the level of supervision and the level of contacts with employees/clients. Similarly, the physical requirements section cover things like tools which are to be used on the job and other physical activities demanded by the position. Once the questionnaire has been filled, it can be used with reasonable accuracy to judge the type of position and the requirements for the position (HR Guide, 2001). Functional Job Analysis Scales have been used in America since the 1940s to deduce what exactly the requirements are for a particular job. Essentially, this is seen as a representative of what workers do in a job by analyzing the equipment used, the data needed, the people interaction, the instructions given and by analyzing their abilities of reasoning, math and verbal skills. Using these scales it is possible to analyze what the requirements for a cinema manager should be and how the cinema would employ his/her skills for a more efficient delivery of services (HR Guide, 2001). Another method which can be used is the OAI (Occupational Analysis Inventory) that locates and evaluates a person's performance on more than 600 responsibilities and duties which are part of any given job. This inventory looks at the goals of the job, the behaviour of the individual at the job, the mental activities required, the information handled by the person and the context in which the work is done. This inventory is then ranked against the rating scales defined for the task which includes the four elements of extent, application, and functions of the job or specific element of the job. While this method has been applied to many different types of work, it is less reliable then than the PAQ (HR Guide, 2001). The Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ) was developed in the 70s as a structured job analysis tool which connects the characteristics of a job to human characteristics found in individuals. The PAQ considers 195 components of work which are divided into five categories to understand where information comes from, the reasoning abilities used by the workers, the output created, relationships with other individuals and the context of the job in social and physical terms (HR Guide, 2001). As discussed earlier, there are several other methods for analyzing the requirements of a job and understanding what kind of individual would be best suited to fill a particular role. Clearly the application of experimentation and scientific analysis to the field of HR has had positive results since these surveys and questionnaires have had better than average success in predicting the requirements for a position in the work force. 2. Job Analysis for Cinema Manager Knowing about the activities of a cinema and the process of running of a cinema

Papa Johns Essay Example for Free

Papa Johns Essay It shouldnt have to be shared, but Papa Johns exists pretty strongly within the fast food environment. Power of buyers is high, substitutes are readily available, etc. Now, to explain their current strategy. Papa Johns, through their efforts, have allowed them to rise to having 6% of the market they exist in, but generally still pale in comparison to Pizza Hut and Dominos. However, their strategy that theyve picked for themselves seems to be working for their environment. Their strategy being that they promote themselves as a premium pizza, with superior quality and an attention to customers details. Theyve also differentiated themselves by having partnerships with larger corporations such as Coca-Cola and their suppliers. This is a key point. By having contracts with their suppliers, such as the quarterly contract with their cheese suppliers, keeping prices stable at all times is a very easy task, while the other pizza places will often have to vary their prices throughout the year. However, one mistake that has been coming up that they dont match the environment, has shown that they have tried placing too many stores too quickly. Theyve had to shut down several underperforming stores within the past year, which shows that trying to forcefully expand their market share into areas that already have strong brand loyalty with other competitors is not the answer. Their recent partnership to be the pizza sponsor of the Superbowl over the past three years is a correct way. This allows people to get a cheap premium pizza and try and understand its superiority. There are a few key issues that Papa Johns should expand on, especially in the next five years. Papa Johns, in terms of its menu, is drastically behind its competitors. Dominos and Pizza Hut both offer more alternative options in terms of just having pizza. If Papa Johns differentiated its product and included the same items that the competitors provide, such as sandwiches and salad options, their focus could be spread to more people that are not currently within their market share. This can also be solved through acquisition. Papa Johns was created by a company combining with a pizza company, so another acquisition of another type of food industry could drastically change Papa Johns for the better. Another key issue that none of the big three pizza companies are doing is touching the international market. All of them have stores, but they often are just moving their culture to other countries. Papa Johns is known for their customer details. Why not incorporate other countries tastes and cultures within their food details? At any rate, from the previous year, growth and sales are a bit down. In a market of strong brand loyalty, these minor differentiations are going to be what makes or breaks Papa Johns.

Hitler Youth: The Future of Germany :: Nazi German Hitler History Essays

Hitler Youth: The Future of Germany The Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend-HJ) were for Hitler the future of the Nazi party. Hitler’s dream of a thousand year Reich could only be accomplished through the youth, which were deemed the most important aspect of Germany's future as a powerful nation. "The future of the German nation depends on its youth, and the German youth shall have to be prepared for its future duties."(i) The youth were important because they would continue the Nazi legacy and spread propaganda to future generations. Hitler was so obsessed with his quest for the future of Germany, that he devoted most of his endeavors, such as the acquisition of Lebensraum and the elimination of the subhumans, for the purpose of gaining more land for the future generations. Hitler was not some all mighty God that was able to just snap his fingers and the youth would follow him, he was aided in the fact that the youth were on a quest of their own: independence. They were energetic, full of life, and had an overwhelming love for Germany along with spirit and a quest to find their position in life. Hitler recognized these characteristics of the youth and decided to incorporate them into his plan for the National Socialist German Worker's Party (NSDAP or Nazi Party) to flourish. These characteristics and Hitler's involvement became the leading tragedy and inspiration of the German youth movement. This youth movement began before World War I, was the result of the industrial revolution, and came to be known as the ‘Youth Revolution.’(ii) The Early Movement In the 1920's, the German youth were involved in about two thousand groups and organizations. The most popular organization was the Wandervogel, which was popular due to the involvement of sports. Boys were able to go on weekend retreats, where they would hike and learn to survive on their own in the wilderness. Organized sporting events of soccer and other various competitions kept the interests of the children. The Wandervogel were noted for their love of the land, not the new, modern conveniences of the cities. Hiking and skiing were chosen over activities such as watching a movie or going to a dance. The Wandervogel, which was formed November 4, 1901(iii), reflected the main attitudes of the of the youth movement. American Boy Scouts saluting Hitler Youth in Munich in 1935. Koch p. 196. In some ways the Wandervogel was a manifestation of the perceptible mood of boredom and restlessness appearance of Wilhelmian Germany was little more than a facade which

Alex Rikki Tikki

Both the book and the film used the same plot but spent a different amount of time on the explanation of the mall points. Hat are you trying to say) The plot of the book developed at a very quick pace during the orientation and became more detailed throughout the violence. The book of Rick Talk-Table explains the life of a young mongoose that Is separated from his family and normal environment due to a summer flood. The book involved two complications, one being Rick Tike's separation for his family and the other being that deadly snakes are in charge of the new environment that he Is having to adapt into.The climax of the story was Risk's first fight with a snake because it showed his revere and was the beginning of his adventure to defeating all the snakes. Rick Talk resolved both his problems by settling Into his new environment and found a new habitat. He also managed to kill the snakes and destroyed the eggs so that another dynasty of the snakes couldn't begin. The theme of the book version of Rick Talk-Table Is bravery and courage which are both demonstrated by Roll throughout the whole story. The plot of the film is also the same as the book except there are changes of sequences of events.The plot of the film developed gradually from a slow orientation and description of the story to a very quick explanation and showing of the violence. The film version of Rick Tike-Davit did not explain the life of the young mongoose but showed it instead which added an effect on the viewer because what was happening could be seen, The orientation In the film was narrated In detail and the film also had the same two complications as the book does as the story outline of both the film and book was the same.The climax of the film version of Rick Tike-Davit was the battle between Rick Tike and Nag In the bathroom as the lead up to this moment was very slow and it begun to become more intense. In the film Rick managed to resolve the complications by also adapting into his n ew home and killing the snakes and there eggs. The theme of the film version of Rick Tickle-Davit Is loyalty, bravery and courage which are noticeably demonstrated by Rick as he looked up to elders and showed his bravery through his victorious fights.The setting and characters were both key components for both the film and book. The film developed the characters and settings of Rick Tike-Davit better than the book. The characters ad different personalities and characteristics to each other. Nag and Angina are both represented as evil characters but Anglia is smarter than Nag Is. Dare and his wife are also the same except they both have a different personality and characteristic. Dare is a low self-esteemed character who is not very smart and is scared.Whereas his wife, Is the smarter one out of the two and will do whatever's required to guarantee her and her families safety, as shown when she flies down to slow down Angina during her battle with Rick. Characters' feelings were not o nly toy 2 Angina had a low, deep hiss that the viewer could straight away interpret anger from and to show Risk's anger his eyes changed into a sparkling red that helped the viewer identify his anger from. Anger was not the only characteristic shown through these visuals and sounds but it was the main one.Happiness was shown on Rick but the licking of his lips and his tail puffing up. Fear was shown through silhouettes and shadows creating a bigger version of the character. The setting in the film version of Rick Tike-Davit was explained in detail and was not only explained through words but also with visuals. Rather than having to describe the beginning of the story the filmmaker showed the audience and used sound effects to create a better understanding.The narrator in the film explained that the story was set in India whereas in the book it did not say where the story was set. The garden was the most described and was described positively through the perspective of Rick Tike-Davi t. â€Å"This is a splendid hunting ground† is an example of Rick enjoying the sight of the garden. Language features were used in the book to engage the reader. The book erosion of Rick Tike-Davit used language features to engage the reader throughout the story. He could fluff up his tail till it looked like a bottle brush† is an example of simile that the book uses. Rick Tike's tail is being compared to the fluffiness of a bottle brush and its softness. â€Å"Kicking and clucking† is an example of onomatopoeia that is used in at the beginning of the text through Risk's Journey getting washed away. An example of alliteration in the text is â€Å"Good gracious† and â€Å"bottle-brushy'. These two phrases use the same letter at the beginning of the word consecutively. Another example of simile used in the text is â€Å"as big as summer houses†.Multimode and visual features are key aspects throughout the film. The film version of Rick Tike-Davit uses multimode and visual features very effectively to make the story more entertaining and appealing. The sound and music of the film is used to make the segment being shown more realistic. At the beginning to allow the viewer to understand that the video is set in India it begins with Indian music and to make the summer flood more realistic sounds of thunder cracks and lightning strikes are used.Sound and music is also used to show adventure or in between segments when the narrator is not speaking. The film uses different camera shots, ranging from close ups to landscape shots. The film uses close ups mainly when Rick is angry to show his red eyes and its importance and signification to representing anger. Landscape or full shots were used to show the garden and all its beautiful and natural expressions. The film version of Rick Tike-Davit created a better understanding of the story and its outline rather than the book.This is because the film did not only tell the story like the book did but also showed it to help the viewer understand it much better. The book version had a lot of detail but lacked visuals and could have used more pictures so that the reader does not have to use their imagination. This is great work, Alex. Vive made a few suggestions (in red), but haven't corrected everything. I suggest that you re-read this critically and thoroughly and you'll see most things you might need to correct. One suggestion: use italics when you are talking about the book or film title Rick Tike-Davit.

Public Finance Entitlement Essay

Entitlement is said to be corrupting us according to the article written by Nicholas Ebertadt. According to him, as each day passes, the government focuses more attention to the pubic transfers of money, goods and services to individual citizens than any other goals. They spend more on the individual than the rest of other issues combined. In 2010 alone, the government spent over $2.2 trillion in money, goods and services. According to the article, two-thirds of resources and money goes into entitlement. This is what is causing people not to be hardworking citizens. People are depending too much on government spending rather than working hard for themselves. The American way of life has become the mentality of taking not working. On the article written by Willaim A. Gaslton, Entitlement is not corrupting but rather they are part of the civic compact. That is, entitlement is meant for future generations and those who cannot take care of themselves and not those who can do something for themselves but refuse to do so. The article suggest that it is ok for low wage income earners who are working hard but cannot afford certain amenities to seek for aid from the government. These groups of people can be described as interdependency. Well, for my point of view, I would not say Entitlement is corrupting us but rather it is an issue that needs to be looked at critically. My reasons being, first, many people are giving birth at age of 18 and 16 years that just completed high school or might still be in high school, and they believe is ok to be in that situation because after all the government will help. There a lot of people that I know that are about 18 years old and already has 2 kids plus one more on the way. What is she going to do to support her kids other than take form the rich and give to her, thus Medicaid, food stamps, etc. There are a lot of people who will give birth to a child they cannot support but just for the sake of getting tax money from the government. It is alright to help the ones that are working hard but still struggle taking care of some amenities and also the ones that cannot work due to reasonable factors. However, I think it is wrong for people to ask for government help when they are physically strong and capable of working but refuse not to. That is where the problem lies and needs to be fixed.

CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS OF MIDDLE EAR DISORDERS Essays

CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS OF MIDDLE EAR DISORDERS Essays CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS OF MIDDLE EAR DISORDERS Essay CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS OF MIDDLE EAR DISORDERS Essay Clinical DIAGNOSIS OF MIDDLE EAR DISORDERS Exploitation WIDEBAND ENERGY REFLECTANCE A Doctoral Thesis Presented to The Graduate College of Missouri State University In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Copyright 2008 by [ Alaaeldin Elsayed ] Clinical DIAGNOSIS OF MIDDLE EAR DISORDERS USING WIDEBAND ENERGY REFLECTANCE Communication Sciences and Disorders Abstraction Accurate diagnosing of in-between ear upsets in grownups and kids is a ambitious undertaking because of the complexness of disorders.A Wideband energy coefficient of reflection ( WBER ) technique provides simpleness and truth in naming in-between ear upsets across broad frequence range.A This research is spread outing the surveies of WBER to look into the in-between ear map in normal and pathological conditions of the in-between ear in grownups and kids. Findingss showed that WBER non merely can separate unnatural from normal in-between ear map but besides can qualify different in-between ear upsets in grownups and children.A Several specific WBER forms were established in a assortment of in-between ear upsets among grownups and kids that will assist in early diagnosing of such pathologies.A The ER form was including important higher Erbium in the kids control group than the grownup control group at 0.5 kilohertzs and 1 kilohertz, abnormally high or shallower in otosclerotic ears, ab normally low in ears with TM perforation and abnormally low ER with deep notch in ears with hypermobile TM.A In presence of negative middle-ear force per unit area, elevated ER at ambient force per unit area is besides expected.A Results besides showed that standard tympanometry was less sensitive in naming in-between ear upsets when compared to WBER particularly in otosclerotic instances. Further surveies are still required to formalize the clinical usage of ER in larger figure of persons with confirmed in-between ear upsets. KEYWORDS:A wideband energy coefficient of reflection, otosclerosis, otitis media with gush, eustachian tubing disfunction, tympanometry. This abstract is approved as to organize and content Wafaa Kaf, MD, MS, PhD Chairperson, Advisory Committee Missouri State Universit Clinical DIAGNOSIS OF MIDDLE EAR DISORDERS USING WIDEBAND ENERGY REFLECTANCETITLE OF THESIS By Alaaeldin Elsayed A Doctoral Thesis Submitted to the Graduate College Of Missouri State University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Doctorate, Audiology Recognitions I would wish to thank so many who encouraged me along this dissertation.A First and first, I am grateful to God for all his approvals. I am really thankful to Dr. Neil DiSarno for all his support and sort lovingness throughout my graduate school education.A A Further, I am so thankful to Dr. Wafaa Kaf, my doctorial adviser, for her counsel, encouragement, and support throughout this work. A In add-on, I would wish to demo grasp to my commission members for their helpful remarks and way for this dissertation.A Particular thanks besides to the module and secretarial staff of the Department of Communication Science and Disorders. Thankss to Dr. Walid Albohy, and Dr. Ahmad Alhag for their aid in roll uping informations for this survey. Particular thanks and grasp for my married woman Enass and my kids Mohamed and Nada, your love and delicious liquors has kept me traveling frontward. Dedication This work is dedicated To My beloved parents, My beloved Enass, Mohamed,andNothing , Who made all of this possible, for their eternal encouragement and forbearance. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Hearing mechanism and the in-between ear Sound transmittal. The hearing procedure includes the transmittal of sound energy through the audile canal to the tympanic membrane ( TM ) .A This sound energy consequences in quiver of the TM with an equal atmospheric force per unit area on both sides of the TM.A The mechanical quivers are, so, transmitted from the TM to the air-filled in-between ear infinite and bonelets ( hammer, anvil and stirrups ) , which farther amplify the sound energy and transmit it, via ellipse window, to the fluid-filled inner ear.A At the interior ear, the mechanical quiver is converted into electric moving ridges and transmitted as nervus signals that are interpreted by the encephalon as sounds. Mechanical belongingss of in-between ear.A The in-between ear is an air-filled pit that connects the outer ear canal to the maze of the interior ear. This connexion is established through the in-between ear ossicels-malleus, anvil and stirrups. The hammer is attached to the TM by its grip ; the anvil bone lies in the center between the hammer and the stirrups while the footplate of the stirrups is attached to the ellipse window of the interior ear.A The in-between ear pit is besides connected to the nasopharyngeal pit through the Eustachian tubing ( Musiek and Baran, 2007 ) . The Eustachian tubing is of import in keeping an equal force per unit area on both sides of the TM and airing of the in-between ear cavity.A The tubing besides drain the in-between ear into the nasopharynx ( Channell, 2008 ) . Figure 1 demonstrates conventional representation of the anatomy of the ear. When the sound force per unit area moves the TM the mallus and anvil accordingly travel together as one unit around a polar point.A In making so, both castanetss act as a lever ; the lever arm formed by the manubrium of the hammer is somewhat longer than that of the anvil ( about 1:1.3 ratio ) . In bend, the rotary motion of the long procedure of the anvil around its polar point leads to the dorsum and Forth ( piston-like ) motion of the stirrups footplate in the ellipse window of the interior ear.A The motion of the stirrups footplate is straight relative to the frequence and amplitude of the sound waves.A This path of sound transmittal is called the ossiculate path .A Acoustic path is another manner of conveying sound moving ridges straight from the TM and the ellipse window to the cochlea.A The direct acoustic stimulation of the ellipse and unit of ammunition Windowss, by go throughing the bonelets ( acoustic path ) , plays a portion in sound transmissionA A A In normal ears bot h mobs are working but the upper manus is for the ossiculate path ( Voss, Rosowski, Merchant, and Peake, 2007 ) . From the above information, it appears that the in-between ear dramas of import function in the hearing process.A The in-between ear chiefly helps to rectify the electric resistance mismatching between the air-filled in-between ear and the fluid-filled cochlea and to transform the acoustic energy at the TM into mechanical energy that will finally be transferred to the inner ear.A The Impedance fiting map of the in-between ear is carried out by three mechanisms: the lever action of the bonelets of the in-between ear, the country difference between the TM and the country of the stirrups footplate, and the buckling of the curved TM.A An result of these mechanisms is that the quiver obtained from the big country of the TM is focused to the much smaller egg-shaped window of the interior ear ( 21:1 country ratio ) , ensuing in a differential force per unit area between the ellipse window connected to scala vestibuli and the unit of ammunition window connected to the scala tympani.A This fo rce per unit area derived function is critical in maximising the flow of sound energy and activation of the cochlear constructions ( Cummingss, 2004 ) .A Consequently, in-between ear upsets are expected to impact the normal transmittal of sound, ensuing in conductive hearing loss ( discussed below ) . An illustration of the anatomical construction of External, Middle and Inner ear.A Modified from Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia: Ear anatomy . In add-on to rectifying the electric resistance mismatch between the air-filled in-between ear and the fluid-filled cochlea, the in-between ear besides protects the interior ear from loud sound via the acoustic reflex.A This chiefly occurs as a consequence of automatic contraction of the two in-between ear musculuss, the tensor kettle and the stapedius, in response to loud sound taking to increased stiffness of the oscicular concatenation, and therefore diminished sound transmittal ( Allen, Jeng, and Levitt, 2005 ) .A Given that the acoustic physiological reaction chiefly decreases the transmittal of low frequence sounds therefore, it improves speech favoritism in loud, low-frequency noisy environments.A Unfortunately, the physiological reaction does non protect the ear against unprompted sounds as gun shootings due to drawn-out latency in musculus contraction ( Lynch, Peake, and Rosowski, 1994 ) . Pathophysiology of in-between ear upsets To further understand the pathology of in-between ear upsets, it is of import to see the center ear system as a vibrating mechanical system.A Such a system is composed of three elements: mass, stiffness, and friction.A When the mass and stiffness constituents are equal, alleged resonating frequence of the in-between ear, it is expected that the amplitude of quiver of the in-between ear is at maximum.A On the other manus, when there is an addition in the mass without alteration in stiffness or clash the resonating frequence is lowered and the amplitude of quiver is lowered at frequences above the resonating frequency.A In contrast, when there is an addition in the stiffness constituent of the in-between ear the resonating frequence additions and the magnitude of quiver reduces for frequences below the resonating frequence ( Roeser, Valente, and Hosford-Dunn, 2000 ) . In-between Ear Disorders are a variable group of pathological conditions that includes, for illustration, in-between ear infection ( Otitis Media with Effusion: OME ) , chronic otitis media with perforation of the TM, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction ( ETD ) , ossiculate break or disruption and or/ otosclerosis.A Such in-between ear upsets may take to conductive hearing loss due to their effects on mass, stiffness, and/or clash elements of the normal in-between ear. Perforated TM is induced by chronic otitis media or injury to the ear. As a consequence, the normal construction and the map of the TM are altered. The grade of hearing loss is straight related to the size of the perforation ( Voss et al. , 2000 ) A The perforation leads to equalisation of force per unit area on both sides of the membrane which accordingly leads to perturbation of the ossiculate path and hearing loss ( Voss et al. , 2000 ) . Normally the inward motion of the stirrups is followed by an outward motion at the unit of ammunition window ( push and draw mechanism ) . In the presence of TM perforation, this push and draw mechanism of the bonelets is disturbed and the sound waves energy making the ellipse window is reduced. Ossicular disruption normally follows a violent injury to caput or as a effect of chronic otitis media and/or cholesteatoma. Disarticulation of the incudostapedial jointA due to traffic accident was the most common pathlogy of ossiculate break ( Yetiser s, 2008 ) .A With the exclusion break due to chronic otitis media, the disruption of the bonelets may or may non be accompanied by TM rupture. The hurt consequences in loss of the electric resistance fiting mechanism of the in-between ear and a conductive hearing loss of about 40-60 dubnium ( Merchant, Ravicz, and Rosowski, 1997 ) . Otosclerosis is a progressive disease of bone reabsorption and reformation that affects castanetss derived from the auricular capsule.A The etiology of the disease is non to the full understood.A The disease leads to osteodystrophy and arrested development of the stirrups in the egg-shaped window.A Among the most recognized eatiological factors is familial factors and viral infection.A Otosclerosis is characterized clinically by progressive hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness ( Menger and Tange, 2003 ) .A Both conductive and centripetal nervous hearing loss has been reported in otosclerotic patients ( Ramsay and Linthicum, 1994 ) .A Otosclerosis may impact the cochlea and other parts of the maze every bit good ( Menger and Tange, 2003 ) .A The ensuing arrested development of the footplate of the stirrups leads to increased stiffness of the ossicular concatenation early in the disease. Increased stiffness of the in-between ear affects the transmittal of low frequence sounds. At ulter ior phases of the disease, the bone starts to turn adding a mass consequence. This addition in mass of the in-between ear affects the transmittal of high frequence sounds every bit good ( Shahnaz and Polka, 1997 ) . More upsets include inflammatory conditions of the in-between ear such as otitis media ( OM ) and media with gush ( OME ) , chronic otitis media, and cholesteatoma.A OM normally consequences from upper respiratory infections or allergic reactions that lead to obstructor of the Eustachian tubing ( Channell, 2008 ) .A As a effect, negative force per unit area develops in the in-between ear ensuing in earache due to stretching of the TM and mild hearing loss due to the increased stiffness of in-between ear conveying mechanism.A If the negative force per unit area inside the in-between ear is non relieved, a transudation accumulates inside the in-between ear. The status is so called OME. The hearing is farther affected by the mass- clash consequence. The grade of hearing loss depends on the type and the sum of the transudation. The combination of fluid and force per unit area in the in-between ear was found to cut down TM motion at the umbo by 17 dubnium over the audile frequence scope ( Dai, Wood, and Gan, 2008 ) . In-between ear map steps Tuning fork proving. The tuning fork testing is one of the traditionally used qualitative hearing tests.A They are used to analyze the conductive constituent of hearing loss ( external or in-between ear pathology ) .A Several trials have been descried including: Rinne, Schwabach, Bing, and Weber tests.A For Rinne trial, the vibrating tuning fork is held against the skull, normally on the mastoid procedure bone behind the ear to do quivers through the castanetss of the skull and interior ear.A To do quivers in the air next to the ear, the vibrating fork is so held following to, but non affecting, the ear.A In the trial the patient is asked to find if the sound heard through the bone is louder or that heard through the air.A The consequences of the trial are categorized as positive, negative, or equivocal.A A negative Rinne trial is indicated when the sound is heard louder by bone conductivity than by air conductivity which suggests a conductive constituent of the hearing loss.A Although Rinne trial was found to be extremely specific in one survey ; the same writer has suggested that it should be carried out merely as a battalion up trial forA pure tone audiology in audiological rating of hearing loss ( Browning and Swan, 1988 ; Thijs and Leffers, 1989 ) .A The Schwabach tuning fork t rial compares patient s bone conductivity to the normal tester. Bing tuning fork trials determines the presence or absence of the occlusion effect.A Weber tunning fork trial determines the type of a one-sided hearing loss.A While Rinne trial compares air conductivity to cram conductivity in the same patient.A Although the tuning fork testing is easy and dependable ; it is still a subjective trial that depends on the response of the patient and the grade of hearing loss.A Additional drawbacks are that tuning fork testing is a qualitative and non a quantitative trial, and does non name the etiology of the conductive hearing loss. Pure-tone Audiometry. Pure-tone Audiometry is a behavioural trial that measures hearing threshold.A The trial has been used to name type and grade of hearing loss for more than one hundred old ages. During trial scene, the patient is subjected to different tones to prove the hearing mechanisms via air-conduction and bone conduction.A Typically, the normal degree of pure tone audiogram air and bone conductivity will lie between 0-15 dubnium HL for kids and 0-25 dubnium HL for adults.A Harmonizing to Northern and Downs ( 1991 ) , the grade of hearing loss can be classified in grownups as ( 0-25 dubnium HL ) within normal bounds, Mild ( 26-40 dubnium HL ) , Moderate ( 41- 55 dubnium HL ) , Moderate-Severe ( 56-70 ) , Severe ( 71-90 dubnium HL ) or Profound ( 91 + dubnium HL ) hearing loss.A In kids it is classified as normal ( 0-15 dubnium HL ) , Slight ( 15-25 dubnium HL ) , Mild ( 25-30 dubnium HL ) , Moderate ( 30-50 dubnium HL ) , Severe ( 50-70 dubnium HL ) , Profound ( 70 + dubnium HL ) hearing loss.A This categorization is applied to PTA of 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz ( Roeser et al, A 2000 ) .A Different types of hearing loss are interpreted by comparing air conductivity thresholds to cram conductivity thresholds.A When the air conductivity threshold elevated to a maximal around 60-70 dubnium HL in the presence of normal bone conductivity threshold, this type of hearing loss is called conductive hearing loss.A In sensorineural hearing loss the pure tone audiogram shows both air and bone conductivity thresholds are elevated and with a 10 dubnium HL or less in between.A Mixed hearing loss shows lift in both air and bone conductivity thresholds, but with the bone conductivity threshold at better strengths than the air conductivity by 10 dubniums HL or more.A In both conductive and assorted hearing loss, the difference in air and bone conductivity thresholds is called air-bone spread ; and it represents the sum of conductive hearing loss nowadays ( Roeser et al, A 2000 ) . The usage of pure-tone audiology provides quantitative information sing the grade and type of hearing loss.A However, it does non name the cause of hearing loss and can non be used in babies, immature kids, and difficult-to-test subject.A Mannina ( 1997 ) reported that the diagnosing of in-between ear upsets in school-aged kids is less efficient when utilizing pure-tone audiology alone.A To better the diagnosing of in-between ear upset, Yockel ( 2001 ) demonstrated that the add-on of tympanometry to audiology does better the diagnosing of OME than utilizing audiology entirely. Measuring Middle ear map is a really of import measure in early diagnosing and intervention of conductive hearing loss.A Since the normally used subjective trials, the tuning-fork and pure tone audiology, can non place the etiology of underlying in-between ear disease, other nonsubjective steps such as acoustic immittance are needed for differential diagnosing and accurate diagnosing of specific in-between ear upsets. Acoustic Immittance. Several nonsubjective measurings of in-between ear map have been developed over the last four decades.A Various anatomical constructions of the in-between ear represent composite web system that affects the sound presented to the ear.A Not all the sound represented to the in-between ear is delivered to the cochlea, but some of the power is absorbed by the bony construction of the in-between ear ( Zwislocki, 1982 ) .A Acoustic Immittance utilizing tympanometry assess the in-between ear position by mensurating the transmitted sound energy to the in-between ear. Acoustic Immittance provides nonsubjective information about the mechanical transportation map in the outer and in-between ear.A Acoustic Immittance is defined, as the speed with which an objects moves in relative to an applied force, while Acoustic Impedance ( Za ) is the resistance offered by in-between ear and the TM to the flow of energy.A Mathematically acoustic entree ( Ya ) of a system is the reciprocal of impedance.A Acoustic Immittance refers jointly to acoustic entree, acoustic electric resistance or both ( Tympanometry. ASHA Working Group on Aural Acoustic-Immittance Measurements Committee on Audiologic Evaluation , 1988 ) .A Research workers have found that abnormalcies in the in-between ear transmittal might be reflected in the acoustic status of the TM ( Allen et al, 2005 ) .A Acoustic Immittance can be measured to individual probe-tone frequence ( individual frequence tympanometry ) or to series of multiple investigation frequences ( multifrequency tympanometry ) . Single frequence tympanometry. Tympanometry is one of the earliest nonsubjective methods used to measure in-between ear function.A Tympanometry measures the acoustic immittance of the in-between ear as a map of altering the air force per unit area in the ear canal.A A individual investigation tone tympanometry is the conventional step of in-between ear map in response to low frequence investigation tone, 226 Hz, under changing inactive air pressure.A A Evaluation of the acoustic immittance of normal and different in-between ear upsets was done by Otto Metz, 1946, and confirmed subsequently by Feldman, 1963 ( Katz, 2009 ) In 1970, James Jerger began to integrate immittance measuring into the everyday audiological evaluation.A Jerger classified tympanograms as type A, B, or C depending on the form of the tympanogram ( with or without extremum ) and location of the extremum when nowadays. Type A is the normal tympanogram with the extremum at or near the atmospheric force per unit area ( +25 to -100 daPa ) . Type A is farther divided into subtypes Ad and As for high and low peaked type A tympanograms severally ( Feldman, 1976 ) .A Type B tympanogram has no extremum and relates to middle ear gush, infection with normal ear canal volume, or due to big TM perforation with big ear canal volume.A Type C is a negatively shifted tympanogram that reflects Eustachian tubing disfunction, a precursor of serous OM, largely evolved from type B ( Katz, 2009 ) . Since 1970, individual frequence Tympanometry is the conventional clinical center ear step because it is a non-invasive, nonsubjective, and inexpensive index of many in-between ear pathologies in kids and adults.A Unfortunately, low frequence investigation tone tympanometry has high false negatives in babies younger than seven months ( Holte, Margolis, and Cavanaugh, 1991 ) . This is explained by the motion of the baby s ear canal wall with force per unit area alterations in the external ear canal due to immatureness of the cadaverous portion of the external auditory canal.A In add-on, tympanometry was found to be comparatively insensitive to many lesions that affect the ossiculate concatenation of the in-between ear ( Lilly, 1984 ) .A Furthermore, Keefe and Levi ( 1996 ) reported false positive tympanometry consequences compared to energy coefficient of reflection, a recent in-between ear map measure.A They found normal in-between ear energy coefficient of reflection at higher frequ ences in babies with level low investigation tone tympanometry.A A A A A A A A A A A A A Multifrequency tympanometry. Multifrequency TympanometryA ( MFT ) , which was foremost introduced by Colletti in 1976, measures in-between ear electric resistance utilizing multiple frequence investigation tones runing from 226-Hz to 500 HzA and up to 2000 Hz ( Colletti,1976 ) .A Similar to old treatment about the three elements of the mechanical system of the in-between ear, entree of the in-between ear has three constituents: stiffness ( compliant susceptance ) , aggregate susceptance and conductance ( opposition ) . A tympanometric form was developed by Vanhuyse and co-workers in 1975 that helped in construing the underlying in-between ear pathology utilizing MFT.A The Vanhuyse tympanometric form is based on the premise of the forms and locations of reactance ( X ) and opposition ( R ) tympanograms.A Using a transition equation the theoretical account can foretell the forms of susceptance ( B ) and conductance ( G ) tympanograms.A Vanhuyse et Als proposed four normal forms: 1B1G, 3B1G, 3B3G, and 5B3G as shown in Figure 2. 1B1G form is the normal tympanogram with a one susceptance ( B ) and one conductance ( G ) peak.A It occurs when reactance ( X ) is negative and its absolute value is greater than opposition ( R ) at all force per unit area used ( the ear stiffness is controlled ) .A As the investigation frequence increases the curve becomes more complex and notched. 3BIG theoretical account has three extremums of susceptance ( B ) and one conductance ( G ) peak.A It represent negative reactanc e ( X ) with an absolute value greater than opposition ( R ) at low force per unit area and smaller than opposition ( R ) at high pressure.A The 3rd theoretical account ( 3B3G ) appears when the ear is mass-controlled. In 3B3G theoretical account the reactance is positive and less than opposition ( X lt ; R ) at low force per unit area and negative at high force per unit area. 5B3G pattern occurs when the reactance is positive and greater than opposition ( X gt ; R ) at low force per unit area and going negative at high force per unit area ( Margolis, Saly, and Keefe, 1999 ) . Figure 2. A in writing presentation of the theoretical account presented by Vanhuyse, Creten and Van Camp ( 1975 ) .A The opposition ( R ) , negative opposition ( -R ) and the reactance ( X ) tympanograms is shown in the upper left corner of each panel.A Negative R is shown to compare the magnitude of the reactance X.A The corresponding entree ( Y ) , ( lower left corner ) , susceptance ( B ) , ( upper right corner ) and conductance ( G ) , ( lower right corner ) are besides shown in each panel.A Four forms are presented and classified harmonizing to the figure of extreme point in the susceptance B and conductance G tympanograms.A The form ( 1B1G ) in panel one shows both susceptance and conductance have individual extreme point and reactance is negative.A The form ( 3B1G ) in panel two shows conductance G is individual peaked with three extreme points in susceptance B, reactance Ten is still negative but its absolute value is greater than opposition at high pressure.A The form ( 3B3G ) in pan el three shows three extreme point in susceptance B, conductance G, and entree Y tympanograms, reactance Y is positive but less than opposition R.A The form ( 5B3G ) in panel four shows five extreme point in susceptance B tympanogram and three extreme point in conductance G, and entree Y tympanograms, reactance Y is positive and greater than opposition R at low force per unit area. Because of the usage of mensurating in-between ear map to several investigation tone frequence, MFT is considered superior to individual frequence tympanometry in observing high electric resistance pathological conditions of the in-between ear such as in-between ear gush, otosclerosis, and cholesteatoma.A Such pathological conditions were non detected by conventional tympanometry ( Colletti, 1976, Keefe and Levi, 1996, Shahnaz et al 2009 ) .A Several surveies have shown that MFT has higher sensitiveness and specificity in observing in-between ear pathologies such as TM mass or adhesions ( Margolis, Schachern, and Fulton, 1998 ) .A Besides, MFT is more sensitive than individual frequence tympanometry in placing normal and unnatural in-between ear status in newborns ( Shahnaz, Miranda, and Polka, 2008 ) .A However, MFT is of limited clinical usage for several grounds: long proving clip, limited frequence scope, and undependable informations above 1000 Hz ( AllenA et al, A 2005 ) .A The usage of wideband energy coefficient of reflection is shown to turn to the above restrictions of MFT. Wideband energy coefficient of reflection. The wideband energy coefficient of reflection ( WBER ) is a new technique that has been introduced late to measure in-between ear disfunction ( Keefe, Ling, and Bulen, 1992 ) .A Simply the thought of WBER is that incident sound to the ear is transmitted through the ear canal and TM, some of this sound energy is absorbed through the in-between ear and cochlea and portion of it is reflected back ( Figure 3 ) .A The energy coefficient of reflection ( ER ) is defined as the square magnitude of force per unit area coefficient of reflection AÂ ¦R ( degree Fahrenheit )AÂ ¦2, which represents the ratio of the sound energy reflected from the TM to the incident sound energy at frequence (degree Fahrenheit) .A ER ratio ranges from one to zero ( 1.0 = all incident sound energy is reflected, and 0.0 = all sound energy is absorbed ) ( Allen et al, A 2005 ) .A ER is an index of the in-between ear power to reassign sound ( Feeney, Grant, and Marryott, 200 3 ) . Energy coefficient of reflection ( ER ) measurers middle ear map over a broad set of frequences ( 0.2- 8 kilohertz ) .A ER is the ratio of the reflected energy ( ruddy pointer ) to the incident energy ( xanthous pointer ) .A When all incident sound energy is reflected back ER ratio peers one.A When all incident sound energy is absorbed ER peers zero.A Red pointer represents reflected sound energy ; xanthous pointer represents incident sound energy ; green pointer represent absorbed sound energy.A Modified from Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia: Ear anatomy . WBER measures in-between ear map utilizing a chirp stimulation at 65 dubnium SPL over a broad frequence scope, typically 0.2 to 8 kilohertzs and at fixed ambient force per unit area ( Feeney et al, 2003 ) .A Normative information has shown that most incident acoustic power is reflected back to the ear canal ( ER ratio closes to 1 ) at frequence scope below 1 kilohertzs or above 10 kilohertz that besides show hapless hearing threshold or at frequences below 1 kilohertzs and above 4 kilohertz ( less efficient in-between ear map ) ( Keefe, Bulen, Arehart, and Burns, 1993 ) .A More specifically, 50 % of the acoustic power is transmitted to the in-between ear between 1-5 kilohertz frequence scope, bespeaking that the most effectual in-between ear transportation map ( ER is at its lowest values, closer to one ) occurs around 1-5 kilohertz ( Allen et al, A 2005 ; Keefe et Al, 1993 ; Schairer, Ellison, Fitzpatrick, and Keefe, 2007 ) .A WBER has been used in mensurating normal in-between ear map and in-between ear upsets utilizing ambient force per unit area ( Allen et al, A 2005 ; Feeney et Al, A 2003 ; Shahnaz et al. , 2009 ) .A In other surveies the research workers used force per unit area to mensurate the acoustic stapedial physiological reaction ( Feeney and Sanford, 2005 ; Schairer et Al, A 2007 ) .A Development of the in-between ear in babies was besides investigated utilizing WBER ( Keefe and Abdala, 2007 ; Keefe e Al, 1993 ; Keefe and Levi, 1996 ) . Wideband energy coefficient of reflection in neonatal showing Keefe et Al. ( 1993 ) and Keefe and Levi ( 1996 ) reported that the acoustic response belongingss of the external and in-between ear varies significantly over the first 2 old ages of life.A These alterations, largely physical alterations, are responsible for the mass-dominant baby s in-between ear system with lower resonant frequency.A The chief constituents of this mass-dominant consequence is the pars flaccida of the TM, ossicles, and perilymph in the cochlea ( Van Camp, Margolis, Wilson, Creten, and Shanks, 1986 ) . The mesenchyme in baby s in-between ear may add to the mass consequence ( Meyer, Jardine, and Deverson, 1997 ) . This is wholly in contrast to adult s in-between ear, which is a stiffness-dominant system at low frequence ( Holte et al, 1991 ; Keefe and Levi, 1996 ) . The TM, sinews and ligaments, the infinite between the mastoid and the in-between ear pit, and the viscousness of the perilymph and the mucose liner of the in-between ear pit constitute the stiffness const ituent of the in-between ear ( Van Camp, Margolis, Wilson, Creten, and Shanks, 1986 ) . Recently, Shahnaz ( 2008 ) have compared MFT and WBER findings between normal grownups and normal-hearing newborns in the neonatal intensive attention units ( NICU ) , who passed the neonatal hearing testing test.A The research worker found maximal soaking up ofA the incident energy at narrower scope of frequenciesA ( 1.2 2.7 kilohertz ) in normal babes compared to grownups ( 2.8 4.8 kilohertz ) ( Shahnaz, 2008 ; Shahnaz et Al, 2008 ) .A This preliminary normative informations from 49 neonatal ears reflects the possible diagnostic benefits of the WBER trial in observing in-between ear gush in newborns. Wideband energy coefficient of reflection in otosclerosis A A A Although the chief unequivocal di

The Future of Human Space Exploration

The Future of Human Space Exploration From Here to There: Human Space Flight People have a solid future in space, with regular flights to the International Space Station continuing to bring astronauts to low-Earth orbit for science experiments. But, the ISS isnt the only extent of our push to the new frontier. The next generation of explorers is already alive and preparing for journeys to the Moon and Mars. They could be our children and grandchildren, or even some of us reading stories online right now. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station in blue jumpsuits. NASA Companies and space agencies are testing new rockets, improved crew capsules, inflatable stations, and futuristic concepts for lunar bases, Mars habitats, and orbiting lunar stations. There are even plans for asteroid mining. It wont be long before the first super-heavy-lift rockets such as the next-generation Ariane (from ESA), SpaceXs Starship (Big Falcon Rocket), the Blue Origin rocket, and others will be blasting off to space. And, in the very near future, humans will be aboard, too.   Space Flight is in Our History Flights to low-Earth orbit and out to the Moon have been a reality since the early 1960s.  Human exploration of space actually began in 1961. Thats when Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man  in  space. He was followed by other Soviet and U.S. space explorers who landed on the  Moon circled Earth in space stations and  labs and blasted off aboard shuttles and space capsules. Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly to space. alldayru.com Planetary exploration with robotic probes is ongoing. There are plans for an asteroid exploration, Moon colonization, and eventual Mars missions in the relatively near future. Yet, some people still ask, why explore space? What have we done so far? These are important questions and have very serious and practical answers. Explorers have been answering them throughout their careers as astronauts. Living and Working in Space The work of the men and women who have already been in space have helped establish the process of learning  how to live and there.  Humans have established a long-term presence in low-Earth orbit with the International Space Station, and U.S. astronauts spent time on the Moon in the late 1960s and early1970s. Plans for human habitation of Mars or the Moon are in the works, and some missions- such as the long-term assignments in space of such astronauts as Scott Kellys year in space- test astronauts to see how the human body reacts on long missions to other planets (such as Mars, where we already have robotic explorers) or spend lifetimes on the Moon.  In addition, with long-term explorations, its inevitable that people will start families in space or on another world. 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Since the space shuttle fleet retired in 2011, Russian rockets have been blasting off with Americans (and astronauts of other nationalities) to the ISS. NASAs Commercial Crew and Cargo program are working with companies such as Boeing, SpaceX, and United Launch Associates to come up with safe and cost-effective ways to deliver humans to space.  In addition, Sierra Nevada Corporation is proposing an advanced space plane called the Dream Chaser, and already has contracts for European use.   The current plan (in the second decade of the 21st century) is to use the Orion crew vehicle, which is very similar in design to the Apollo capsules (but with more-advanced systems), stacked atop a rocket, to bring astronauts to a number of different locations, including the ISS. The hope is to use this same design to take crews to near-Earth asteroids, the Moon, and Mars. The system is still being built and tested, as are space launch systems (SLS) tests for the necessary booster rockets. Water recovery of the Orion crew capsule in testing. NASA   The design of the Orion capsule was widely criticized by some as a giant step backward, particularly by people who felt that the nations space agency should try for an updated shuttle design (one that would be safer than its predecessors  and with more range). Due to technical limitations of the shuttle designs, plus the need for reliable technology (plus political considerations that are both complex and ongoing), NASA chose the Orion concept (after the cancellation of a program called Constellation).   Beyond NASA and Roscosmos The United States is not alone in sending people to space. Russia intends to continue operations on the ISS, while China has sent astronauts to space, and the Japanese and Indian space agencies are moving ahead with plans to send their own citizens as well. The Chinese have plans for a permanent space station, set for construction in the next decade. The China National Space Administration has also set its sights on the exploration of Mars, with possible crews setting foot on the Red Planet beginning perhaps in 2040. India has more modest initial plans. The Indian Space Research Organization (which has a mission at Mars) is working to develop a launch-worthy vehicle and carry a two-member crew to low-Earth orbit perhaps in the next decade. The Japanese Space Agency JAXA has announced its plans for a space capsule to deliver astronauts to space by 2022 and has also tested a space plane. The far distant future may well hold new ways of getting around space. Here, two spaceships enter a wormhole in outer space to get to another part of the galaxy. Such travel isnt possible yet, so humans are still constrained to exploring near-Earth space. Corey Ford/Stocktrek Images The interest in space exploration continues. Whether or not it manifests itself as a full-blown race to Mars or rush to the Moon or trip to mine an asteroid remains to be seen. There are many difficult tasks to accomplish before humans are routinely jetting off to the Moon or Mars. Nations and governments need to evaluate their long-term commitment to space exploration. The technological advancements to deliver humans to these places are taking place, as are the tests on humans to see if they really CAN withstand the rigors of long space flights to alien environments  and safely live in a more dangerous environment than Earth. It now remains for the social and political spheres to come to terms with humans as a space-faring species.

Classic Literature for the Supernatural Lover

Classic Literature for the Supernatural Lover If you are you a fan of supernatural fiction, be sure to check out these superb classic novels that explore supernatural themes.   H.P. Lovecraft, a champion of the genre, once wrote, â€Å"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.† In that spirit, the list below includes some of the best examples of early speculative fiction, for modern readers who might like to know where it all began! The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794) by Anne Radcliffe This is perhaps the quintessential Gothic romance. It is filled with now well-established themes of physical and psychological terror, including remote and crumbling castles, a dark villain, a persecuted heroine, and supernatural elements. The extensive descriptions can be a bit much for some readers, but the effort is worth it in the end. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886) by Robert Louis Stevenson Although only a novella, this story packs a wallop. Split personalities, science gone wrong, an inquisitive friend and a trampled young woman. What more could one want from a supernatural thriller? Well, how about a number of film adaptations and incessant cultural references? You got it! Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus (1818) by Mary Shelley Shelleys work is the standard-bearer for the Romantic genre. The 1800s were a time of rapid scientific advancements, and literature of the time reflects these marvels and the fears and doubts they generated. Frankenstein is written in epistolary form and is inspired by a number of epic predecessors, including John Miltons Paradise Lost, Samuel Taylor Coleridges Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and, of course, Ovids Promethean myth. The Tempest (1611) by William Shakespeare The Tempest is a romantic tragicomedy inspired by the courtly masque that differs quite substantially from Shakespeares other works. It follows a neoclassical style and seems to comment on itself as a play quite openly, in what critics would later discuss in fiction as meta-narrative. Theatrical illusion mirrors story magic and supernaturalism to create a play that is both entertaining and self-reflective. The Turn of the Screw (1898) by Henry James The Turn of the Screw is a strange sort of ghost story. Jamess novella is perhaps most brilliant in its open-endedness and in its ability to create in the reader a personally significant confusion and sense of suspense. There is an evil hinted at throughout the story, but the nature of it is never really explained. Christabel (1797/1800) by Samuel Taylor Coleridge Coleridges long narrative poem was published in two parts, with three more parts planned but never completed. There is an odd sensation created by the rigid rhythm of the poems form (a consistent four beats to each line) juxtaposed against the mysticism of the tale itself. Modern critics have examined the poem through lesbian and feminist lenses, but it is the demonic presence which drives the action that makes Christabel so supernaturally appealing, even to the point of inspiring the great master of macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. Carmilla (1872) by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu The lady Carmilla gains strange powers at night but is oddly restricted from crossing the threshold of a house. What rules keep her out without invitation? What mysteries of ​at  midnight drive her strength? This Gothic novella comes replete with castles, forests, and outlandish romantically-charged relationships between young women. The Complete Tales and Poems (1849) by Edgar Allan Poe Although Edgar Allan Poe wrote poetry (some macabre, some not) as well as being a literary critic and journalist, he is probably best known for his mysterious and imaginative short stories. Tales such as , The Pit and the Pendulum, Mask of the Red Death, and The Tell-Tale Heart, along with eerie poetry such as The Raven have made Edgar Allan Poe a household name worldwide.

The Intellectual and Institutional Development of Globalization Research Paper

The Intellectual and Institutional Development of Globalization - Research Paper Example The states now share center stage with international entities like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization. Treaties among states create these international organizations. The WTO, World Bank, and the IMF have been main players in the formation and managing of the modern world economy. These financial institutions have become major targets of the anti-globalization bodies. They are resented and are seen as imposing Western capitalism on unstable states without monitoring the social impacts of their activities (Zweifel, 2006). There are concerns among many countries over their economic sovereignty. Sovereignty is defined as the complete and exclusive control of all people and property within a territory. Key aspects of power, be it political, ideological or economic must be focused within the nation-state. Globalization has challenged the pre-eminence of nation-state, the mounting presence, and increasing responsibilities of non-nation-state actors in overall governance. Economic power becomes decoupled from the nation-state and is, therefore, essential in the progress of 21st century universal control. Global organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), World Bank, and International Monetary Fund were developed to promote post-war reconstruction and economic development. Economically stable governments and corporations advocate for neoliberal policies and free-market solutions of international trade and debt-based finance. These are considered as the routes to poverty cutback support the functions of these organizations. Within the aggressive universal framework, third world nations are left with little choice other than to conform to the pre-set neoliberal program. Consequently, these states are often left with a weak economy and mounting debt. According to Peet (2003), the aim of International Monetary Fund (IMF) is to guard international fiscal stability, particularly by keeping a cap on inflation. This is achie ved through pressuring countries to limit public spending. Furthermore, it maintains fiscal stability by making disbursements to nations with balance of payment issues, stimulates growth and employment. Such countries are granted loans and credits to settle their debts and readjust the adopted economic policies so that they are not exposed to further financial crises in the future. Each year, the IMF sends economists to each of its member countries to assess individual nation’s economic condition. The economists examine macroeconomic conditions, exchange rate, monetary and fiscal policies, and other related policies, such as trade policy, labor policy, and social policy. The aim of this research is to give an external check on state’s fiscal decisions that might have an impact on the global economic system. WTO was formed in 1995 and acted as a forum for negotiating international trade agreements. Additionally, the organization aims to lower tariffs and non-tariffs bar riers in order to increase international trade. The World Bank original mandate is to provide long-term loans for reconstruction and fund multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects in developing countries. The loans are given in phases to make sure that the borrowing nations move forward with the development reforms. Loans are settled for long periods depending on the nature of the

Good Night, and Good Luck, directed by George Clooney, from 2005. film Essay

Good Night, and Good Luck, directed by George Clooney, from 2005. film analysis - Essay Example This is not as appealing as it would be to watch such events as they occur. The photography as done in black and white seems to indicate that the film is in fact, black and white. It means that Murrow is white for his right actions and McCarthy is black due to his wrongful doings. McCarthy continues to do wrong with the film for accusing communists (innocent people) for their beliefs, as he does not have sufficient proof (Clooney & Heslov 39). The news crew and Murrow are right for standing up against McCarthy as nobody else shows the viewers why his actions are wrong. Photographic styles of black and white appear to make the theme of the movie. It made the audience more alert to the immediate environment within the movie. This is because black and white appears relatively boring and dull, the movie’s theme really stands out. Irrespective of the film focusing on the conflict between historical figures, Senator Joseph McCarthy, and journalist extraordinaire Edward Murrow and the roles been played by actors under a dramatic script, the film does not fully fit as a documentary. The question brings to light various cinematographic elements of Clooneys film. Clooney, having directed and co-written the film chooses to depict the film in a manner that mimics direct cinema methodologies such as in other documentaries exhibited between the1950s and 1960s (Clooney & Heslov 35). First, the camera used in the film is hand-held and follows the action to plan the way the director takes black and white shots. It appears to capture all aspects of reality while they happen. The line is so blurry for an effective distinguisher between nonfiction and fiction. Sen. McCarthy is presented by himself through digital restoration of clips about him. Past this technique, the film also includes various dramatic structures that are similar to those of a documentary. With love stories taking over, the

Organic and analytical chemistry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Organic and analytical chemistry - Essay Example IR provides information about the functional groups that are present in the molecules. NMR provides information about the structural relationship of the nuclei in a molecule. Mass Spectrometry: A mass spectrometer measures the deflection of charged particles as they travel across a magnetic field. This depends on their mass and velocity. A small amount of a sample material injected into the device becomes fragmented into various electrically-charged bits of molecules. These ions are then accelerated into the magnetic field section where they travel along a curved trajectory determined by their mass-to-charge ratio, m/e. Adjusting their velocity as they enter this section allows particles of each different mass to strike a detector. The rate at which different particles are detected provides the relative number of pieces of different mass in the molecule. The most important fragment is the M+ fragment, corresponding to the whole molecule. This gives a direct measurement of the molecular weight of the compound. Other fragments can be assigned to certain structural units. But MS cannot provide information about the relative positions of those parts in the m olecule. Infra-red Spectroscopy: IR spectroscopy measures the frequency of infra-red light that is absorbed as it passes through a thin film sample of a compound. The different bonds in a molecule undergo various vibrations and rotations. The frequencies of those motions depends on the masses of the atoms involved and the particular type of motion, and correspond to frequencies in the IR spectrum of light. As IR light is passed through the sample, each bond absorbs energy at its characteristic frequency. The IR spectrograph records the amount of light absorbed at each frequency across the IR spectrum. Some absorbances are characteristic of specific functional groups and appear in very certain ranges of wavelengths. The overall pattern of an

LAW FOR BUSINESS Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

LAW FOR BUSINESS Assignment - Essay Example In general, compensation for economic loss resulting from damage to property can be recovered. As such, it is difficult to clearly distinguish between pure and consequential economic loss. This was demonstrated in Spartum Steel and Alloys Ltd v Martin &Co, wherein, the defendant had by inadvertence caused damage to an electronic cable in the plaintiff’s factory. The outcome of this act was a reduction in profits, and a general delay in the functioning of the factory. The court while awarding damages for the pure economic loss caused, rejected the claim for general damages (Speaight, 2009, p. 23). The compensation was with regard to the economic loss that was the direct outcome of the damage to property. The floodgates argument has several features. One of these contends that allowing recovery for pure economic loss in some instances would result in a plethora of lawsuits, which would effectively diminish the functioning of the courts. Furthermore, the imposition of widespread liability would unfairly and disproportionately burden a defendant. In addition, the defendant would be hard pressed to assess his potential liability on causing damage to the effects of a primary victim (von Bar, Drobnig, & Alpat, 2004, p. 124). The number of secondary loss sufferers becomes indeterminate and depends on all those who have an economic interest in the primary victim’s property. ... 19). On several occasions, the floodgates argument has been employed, in order to restrict liability. Thus, the House of Lords admitted this argument in Majrowski v Guys and St. Thomas’s NHS Trust. In this case, it was held that an employer could be deemed to be vicariously liable for an employee’s breach of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Moreover, in Conn v City Council of the City of Sunderland, the Appellate Court ruled that classifying an act as harassment would depend upon the place and context in which it had taken place. Consequently, it dismissed the plaintiff’s claim of injury as the language employed by the supervisor had been what was commonplace in that industry. In the case of Weller v Foot and Mouth Disease Research Institute, the inadvertent release of a virus from the defendant’s institute, resulted in a near epidemic of foot and mouth disease among the cattle of that area. As a result, the farmers in that area had to slaughter th eir cattle, and auctions could not be conducted. The auctioneers made a claim for damages. In its ruling, the court held that the auctioneers had merely undergone an indirect financial loss, and were therefore not eligible to claim damages (Harpwood, 2008, p. 87). Thus, the floodgates argument has been successfully contained by the judiciary. This is evident from the ruling in the above cited cases. Question Two: Extent of Accountant’s Liability to Non – Clients An accountant’s liability, with regard to clients and non-clients was determined through the judgement of the courts in the following cases. A negligent misrepresentation, despite being honest, can result in a claim for damages. This holds good, even if there had been no contract

How Technical Communication Textbooks Fail Engineering Students Assignment

How Technical Communication Textbooks Fail Engineering Students - Assignment Example However, the textbooks used by students are not able to address the issue, as engineering students find themselves to remain limited to established formats, which are meant mainly for students going for humanities based courses. The prescribed technical communication textbooks provide the advice to engineering students for such communication details. However, the information and tools mentioned in these textbooks do not match with the standards required in meeting the engineering or scientific knowledge, which these students gain from their professional courses. The areas covered by these textbooks include the use of active and passive voice, which is more oriented towards humanities. The other major concern refers to citation formats, which are not compatible with engineering studies. The books do not have enough instructions for presentation methods regarding data visualization and research papers, on technical matters. There is little evidence in the textbooks that can provide guidance on arguments and evidence presentation, which is the major requirement for all engineering students who want to become successful technical writers. There is enough evidence that passive voice is necessary to report certain technical details. Most technical communication textbooks prescribe MLA, APA and other citation formats, which favors writing on humanities subjects. However, textbook by Beer & McMurray is the only book that discusses the engineering citation style, IEEE. These books must have enough information regarding interpretation of data and making a conclusion about scientific studies. The learning methods explained in these books must aim at presentation of â€Å"bottom line† conclusions, which are properly highlighted and emphasized. This would help busy readers capture the important aspects of the presented data. In addition, the presentation of data in the form of tables and figures must support the bottom line conclusion. The books must have

LAW FOR BUSINESS Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

LAW FOR BUSINESS Assignment - Essay Example In general, compensation for economic loss resulting from damage to property can be recovered. As such, it is difficult to clearly distinguish between pure and consequential economic loss. This was demonstrated in Spartum Steel and Alloys Ltd v Martin &Co, wherein, the defendant had by inadvertence caused damage to an electronic cable in the plaintiff’s factory. The outcome of this act was a reduction in profits, and a general delay in the functioning of the factory. The court while awarding damages for the pure economic loss caused, rejected the claim for general damages (Speaight, 2009, p. 23). The compensation was with regard to the economic loss that was the direct outcome of the damage to property. The floodgates argument has several features. One of these contends that allowing recovery for pure economic loss in some instances would result in a plethora of lawsuits, which would effectively diminish the functioning of the courts. Furthermore, the imposition of widespread liability would unfairly and disproportionately burden a defendant. In addition, the defendant would be hard pressed to assess his potential liability on causing damage to the effects of a primary victim (von Bar, Drobnig, & Alpat, 2004, p. 124). The number of secondary loss sufferers becomes indeterminate and depends on all those who have an economic interest in the primary victim’s property. ... 19). On several occasions, the floodgates argument has been employed, in order to restrict liability. Thus, the House of Lords admitted this argument in Majrowski v Guys and St. Thomas’s NHS Trust. In this case, it was held that an employer could be deemed to be vicariously liable for an employee’s breach of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Moreover, in Conn v City Council of the City of Sunderland, the Appellate Court ruled that classifying an act as harassment would depend upon the place and context in which it had taken place. Consequently, it dismissed the plaintiff’s claim of injury as the language employed by the supervisor had been what was commonplace in that industry. In the case of Weller v Foot and Mouth Disease Research Institute, the inadvertent release of a virus from the defendant’s institute, resulted in a near epidemic of foot and mouth disease among the cattle of that area. As a result, the farmers in that area had to slaughter th eir cattle, and auctions could not be conducted. The auctioneers made a claim for damages. In its ruling, the court held that the auctioneers had merely undergone an indirect financial loss, and were therefore not eligible to claim damages (Harpwood, 2008, p. 87). Thus, the floodgates argument has been successfully contained by the judiciary. This is evident from the ruling in the above cited cases. Question Two: Extent of Accountant’s Liability to Non – Clients An accountant’s liability, with regard to clients and non-clients was determined through the judgement of the courts in the following cases. A negligent misrepresentation, despite being honest, can result in a claim for damages. This holds good, even if there had been no contract

Alabama Immigation Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Alabama Immigation Law - Essay Example Hence, illegal immigrants even though not entitled to public benefits are given equal access for the simple reason that there is presumption that they are present in the US legally. The main thrust of the Act is to give jobs and services where these are due—particularly US citizens—to satisfy their needs before illegal aliens. It is also intended to create a fair living environment for legal citizens and immigrants whom must be accorded sole access to the basic necessities and to live the American dream, namely—decent job, pay, health care, education and other services that taxpayers work hard for. It is the task of this paper to examine the effects of the Act in general. Understandably, the purpose of the law is laudable as basic social services are now exclusively reserved to legal residents. This is in accordance with the fundamental reason for the existence of government—to provide its legal residents decent living conditions as well as to protect them from harm. However, the Act, despite its seemingly protective characteristics, is strongly opposed even by its legal residents not only as it curtails civil liberties but the economic benefits touted for is far from happening. By virtue of the Act, legal residents are prohibited from transacting or doing business with illegal immigrants. The prohibition comes with the threat of criminal prosecution should they employ, house, transact or otherwise enter into a contract with illegal immigrants. Even simple acts of kindness or humanitarian actions in favor of illegal immigrants come within the purview of the prohibition which means criminal liability against the legal residents failing to verify an individual’s immigration status before extending the needed help or assistance. This oppressive Act led to the massive exodus of migrant workers to other parts of the US with more lenient immigration laws leaving farm lands, construction sites and other entities requiring hard labor without dedicated, skilled and reasonably paid workers. The lack of manpower is one of the most noticeable effects of the stern immigration law. The requirement of nationalization or legal documentation before being accepted for employment ushered economic slowdown instead of a booming economy. According to an article published by the Immigration Policy Centre entitled "Bad for Business: How Alabama's Anti-Immigration Stifles State Economy", the new law has already caused untold hardship for Alabama's business and citizens. Alabama is predominantly an agricultural state that employs a large amount of labor force. (American Immigration Council) Callous hands and people willing to get their hands dirty are conditions for employment. In 2010 alone, unauthorized immigrants comprise 4.2% or 95000 workers; (American Immigration Council) and as a result of the new law, undocumented residents have crippled the operation of local businesses as they had to flee to other places for the fear of getting caught. Interestingly, one of the main purposes of the Act is to provide employment for unemployed Americans however its valiant purpose is defeated as only few Americans have signed up to take the

The Globalization of Service Marketing Essay Example for Free

The Globalization of Service Marketing Essay Nowadays, the globalization pushes the service marketing into the fierce competition. Furthermore ,we can not avoid it ,because it influence every aspect of our lives. So many people think whether it is an opportunity or a challenge in this fierce competition? How Can they take use of the service to dominate the marketplace. This essay will discuss how does the globalization affect the service marketing, how do the companies manage the service in the globalization? The overview There is no doubt that the rapid progress in science and technology improve the quality of the products. but because of the sharing technology, there is not much difference between the products. And with the change of demand,the service marketing are playing an important role in the market . Furthermore , with the development of the globalization,no one can say that goods can live without service. The basically and most important is that the services are driving the development of the economy and provide jobs for many people. For example, in the USA, services now services now accounted for 74 percent of US gross domestic products. And in 1970s service jobs accounted for 55 percent of all jobs, today it account for 82 percent of total employment . The idea in tangible The impact of globalization on service marketing is very obvious ,such as Wall Mart ? Carrefour ? McDonald ? Kentucky , they are affected by the globalization. Now they open the branches all over the world, in our Mian Yang we also can see their branches. So their service around the world Therefore, other companies should know how to manage the service in the globalization, and improve the quality of service to meet the customer. Firstly, the company must know that the globalization of service marketing brings risks and opportunities. They must to be familiar with the new market. furthermore,In order to satisfy the customers, maintain the customers and their loyalty , the company must identify the potential customers and their different services demand, especially those 20% customers which can bring 80% of a company’s profits. Secondly ,different people have different demand,different people from different places have different culture . That is to say, the company must develop a service delivery system that standardizes the service offering. Thirdly, the company will be given greater in the use of promotional techniques to development the new market, so the advertisement and the internet can do it. The ads as a medium can give information with clear and definite objectives. It also can transmit message about the products. Above all ,the ads create a good image of the company and attract the customers to buy products. As for the internet, it always plays an important role in the service. The internet provides a very convenient way in the service marketing, No matter where and when, the internet service marketing can do it, it make the service more efficiency . For example, Tao Bao is good online shopping platform, we are glad to buy on the Tao Bao . The Payoff It is obviously that the globalization affects the service marketing greatly. The companies focus on the technical in the product, it can promote the sales, at the same time, it also improves the quality of service. And for the service delivery system, it meet different demands, make the customers feel well, in the long run ,those customers is our honest customers . he ad and internet is very important two parts in the service ,it make the service more convenient and efficiency. The customer satisfaction become the key in industry, and all the companies have to know, it is more important to focus on the customers, and the company must pay more attention to the quality control? technical resources, The Close Economic globalization lead to the service marketing becomes a great global market; the most important is that the service marketing has a huge market with big potential and wide prospect. The companies do not only care about the products they sell, but also concern about the customers, and they must care about the whole service process. All companies should size the opportunity of globalization to make use the technical resources to improve the quality of product. Besides the ad and internet must use for improving the image of company. In a word, the globalization influences the whole service process. The globalization makes the companies open their branches from here and there, the product spread the global, so the service around the world too.

Elizabethan Masques: Mystery, Intrigue, and Suspense

Elizabethan Masques: Mystery, Intrigue, and Suspense Jocelyn M. Wigno Masques, or masquerades as they are more commonly known, have always been a popular choice of entertainment because of the atmosphere of mystery they create. Masquerades began in the fifteenth century and are still a favoured theme for parties today, but an abundance of great masques were performed throughout the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.* The defining characteristic of any respectable masquerade ball is the costumes, particularly the elaborate and fantastical masks found there. People attending masques always wear a mask that covers, or partially covers, the face. There are many varieties of masks. Some of the main styles of masks include the head mask, the stick-mounted mask, the full-face mask, and the half-face mask.* Stick-mounted masks are, as the name suggests, masks attached to long, thin sticks in order to be more easily equipped and removed. However, these masks are tiresome to continue holding for long periods of time, and so are usually only used at very short masques or as souvenirs. Head masks cover the entire face and head. They are usually of elaborate construction, huge, and covered in intricate designs and decorations. This makes it difficult to eat and drink while wearing one, so these masks were only for the most dedicated of partygoers. Full-face masquerade masks cover the entire face and are attached in the back by a string, unlike everyday riding masks, which were held to the face by a bead kept in the mouth.* This is so that the mask can easily be moved to the top of the head for effortless eating and drinking. These masks as well as half-face masks were the most popular choice because of their easy accessibility. Half-face masks only cover half of the face, usually leaving the mouth unhindered for easy access. Masquerade masks are vividly decorated in many ways and are often accompanied by a variety of extraordinary costumes.* The idea of the masquerade ball comes from mummers, mimes who led processions of torches during Christmas and wore costumes called Guisers that the tradition of wearing masks stems from.* Mummers got their start in ancient Egypt, but the first masquerade balls occurred in Italy, particularly in the city of Florence.* When masquerade balls first began to be performed, they were more like carnivals than a formal dance. The air was filled with the sound of drinking, gambling, and dancing, and everybody, including commoners, could buy a ticket in order to attend.* The upper classes could get away with expressing their political views without repercussions, and escape the ridicule that would come for even thinking of interacting with those of lower class. Many criminals would attend masquerade balls so as to use the anonymity to hide their crimes, so it was not unheard of that there would be many robberies and fights at masquerades. The tradition stuck around anyway, and as time passed, masquerade balls gained more structure. They would typically be held from late evening to early morning, with music and dancing until supper was served. Supper was usually cold food and wine. There were theatrical performances after supper* Queen Elizabeth I herself was present at many a masquerade thrown in her honor. She was rumored to be quite fond of them, despite the fact that the central theme of most masques at that time was along the lines of the protective nature of men as well as womens innate fragility and demure nature. One of the distinguishing characteristics of a masque is the theme. Besides themes of male authority, stories of spiritual guidance were often prevalent throughout the Elizabethan era, though the stories did not have so much to do with the church as they did the Greek and Roman cultures and their ideals.* Another distinguishing characteristic of masquerade balls is the fact that woman of the upper classes were allowed to perform in them. Upper class women were allowed, but if a lower class woman attempted to become a performer at a masque, it would have very lewd connotations. Queen Elizabeths own mother, Anne Boleyn, made her first appearance to the Tudor court at a Masquerade ball on March 1, 1522. Works cited Alchin, Linda. Elizabethan Masques. Np. Nd. http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-masques.htm. accessed March 6, 2017 Cassidy, Julie. Mask. Np. Nd. https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/402520. accessed March 7, 2017 Coper, Steve. The History of the Mummers and Philadelphia Mummery Np. Nd. http://fralinger.org/about/mummers-history/. accessed March 6, 2017 Elizabethan Masques. Np. Nd. http://www.elizabethanenglandlife.com/elizabethan-masques.html. accessed March 6, 2017 Monson, Toren. The History of Masquerade Masks. Np. Nd. https://venetianmaskscollections.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/the-history-of-masquerade-masks/.accessed March 10, 2017 Walton, Geri. Masquerade balls. Np. Nd. https://www.geriwalton.com/masquerade-balls. accessed March 6, 2017

The Evil Mistriss Hibbins of The Scarlet Letter :: Scarlet Letter essays

The Evil Mistriss Hibbins of The Scarlet Letter Evil can be defined as, "That which is the reverse of good, physically or morally; whatever is censurable painful, disastrous, or undesirable." In the novel "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mistriss Hibbins can also be defined in those terms. She is believed to be evil by many of the characters. Henry Louis Mencken once said, "It is a sin to believe evil of others, but is seldom a mistake." In this novel he was right, Mistriss Hibbins is evil. However, she is an important character who appears more often than most people realize and her evilness has a serious impact on most of the characters. Mistriss Hibbins represents evil in the novel. She was accused of being a witch. This is a very evil thing in the eyes of the Puritans. Mistriss Hibbins can also be said to be evil simply because she is always in the forest, which is an evil place. She is said to go on "night rides" and attend witch meetings there. "And Mistriss Hibbins, with some twigs of the forest clinging to her skirts, and looking sourer than ever, as having hardly got a wink of sleep after her night ride." The people in town are scared to even be near Mistriss Hibbins. At the last scaffold scene, "The crowd gave way before her, and seemed to fear the touch of her garment, as if it carried the plague among its gorgeous folds." Here, it says that the townspeople were so scared, that they thought her evil was contagious. Mistriss Hibbins also effects the way some of the characters think in the novel. In one part of the novel, Mistriss Hibbins tells Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne, that Dimmesdale, who is her father, is the "Prince of Air". "They say, child, though art of the lineage of the Prince of Air!" In this quote she was telling Pearl that Dimmesdale is the devil. Pearl gets influenced by her and believes her father is the devil. In one scaffold scene, Pearl yells out, "Mistriss Hibbins says my father is the Prince of Air. If though callest me that ill-name, I shall tell him of thee, and he will chase thy ship with a tempest.

The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove Chapter 21

Twenty-one Gabe and Theo â€Å"This is where I found the aberrant rats,† Gabe said as they pulled into the Fly Rod Trailer Court. â€Å"That's nice,† Theo said, not really paying attention. â€Å"Did I tell you I got the brain chemistry back from Stanford? It's interesting, but I'm not sure that it explains the behavior.† â€Å"Not now, Gabe, please.† Theo slammed on the brakes and the truck rocked to a stop. â€Å"What the hell?† There were no lights on in Molly Michon's trailer. In the empty lot next door, a dozen well-dressed adults stood in a circle, holding candles. â€Å"Prayer meeting?† Gabe ventured. â€Å"It's Sunday night.† â€Å"There was a trailer there last time I was here,† Theo said. â€Å"Just like the one on the ranch.† â€Å"I know. This is the lot where I found the rats with the low serotonin levels.† Theo shut off the truck, set the parking brake, and climbed out. Then he looked back at Gabe. â€Å"You found your rats right here?† â€Å"The six that I could find. But this is where the other ones that were last tracked disappeared as well. I can show you the graphic later.† â€Å"That would be good.† Theo pulled his flannel shirt over the guns in his waistband and approached the circle. Skinner jumped out of the truck and ran ahead. Gabe reluctantly followed. They did, indeed, seem to be praying. Their heads were bowed and a woman in a powder-blue dress and pillbox hat was leading the group. â€Å"Bless us, Lord, for we have felt the stirrings of your power within us and heeded your call to come to this holy place on the eve of†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Skinner drove his nose into the woman's crotch, and she yipped like a bee-stung poodle. Everyone in the group looked up. â€Å"Excuse me,† Theo said. â€Å"I don't mean to interrupt, but what are you all doing here?† Several of the men looked irritated and stepped up behind the powder-blue woman to give support. The woman held Skinner's nose away from her dress while trying to keep the candle flame away from her hair spray. â€Å"Constable Crowe? Is that right?† â€Å"Yes, ma'am,† Theo said. The woman was younger than he was by at least five years and pretty in a Texas Big Hair sort of way, but her dress and manner of speaking made him feel as if he'd just been busted by his first-grade teacher for eating paste. â€Å"We've been called here, Constable,† the woman explained. She reached behind her, grabbed the shoulder of a woman who looked like her clone in pink, and pulled her forward. Skinner stamped the pink woman's dress with the Wet-Nose Inspection Seal. â€Å"Margie and I felt it first, but when we started talking about it after services this afternoon, all these other people said that they had felt drawn to this place as well. The Holy Spirit has moved us here.† â€Å"Ask them if they've seen any rats.† Gabe said. â€Å"Call your dog,† Theo tossed over his shoulder. Gabe called Skinner and the Labrador looked around. They smell fine to me, Food Guy. I say fuck 'em, Skinner thought. But he got no response except a minor scolding. â€Å"The Holy Spirit called you here?† Theo said. Everyone in the group nodded earnestly. â€Å"Did any of you happen to see the woman who lives in that trailer next door?† The pink lady chimed in, â€Å"Oh yes, she was the one to call our attention to this place two nights ago. We wondered about that at first, being as how she is and all, but then Katie pointed out† – she gestured to her friend – â€Å"that our Lord Jesus spent time with Mary Magdalene, and she, as I'm sure you know, was – well – she was†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"A whore,† Theo offered. â€Å"Well. Yes. And so we thought, who are we to judge?† â€Å"Very charitable of you,† Theo said. â€Å"But have you seen Molly Michon tonight?† â€Å"No, not tonight.† Theo felt his energy reserves drain even more. â€Å"Look, folks, you shouldn't be here. I'm not sure it's safe. Some people have gone missing†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Oh, that poor boy,† Margie said. â€Å"Yes and maybe some others. I have to ask you all to take your meeting somewhere else, please.† The group looked disappointed. One of the men, a portly bald fellow in his fifties, puffed himself up and stepped forward. â€Å"Constable, we have the right to worship when and where we please.† â€Å"I'm just thinking of your safety,† Theo said. â€Å"This country was founded on the basis of religious freedom, and†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Theo stepped up to the man and loomed over him with all of his six-footsix frame, â€Å"Then start praying that I don't throw you in jail with the biggest, horniest sodomite the country jail has to offer, which is what I'm going to do if you all don't go home right now.† â€Å"Smooth,† Gabe said. Make him roll over and pee on himself, Skinner thought. The bald man made a harumph sound and turned to the group. â€Å"Let's meet at the church to discuss the removal of our local law enforcement official.† â€Å"Yeah, get in line,† Theo said. He watched as the group dispersed to their cars and drove away. When the last one pulled out, Gabe said, â€Å"Theories?† Theo shook his head. â€Å"Everyone in this town is nuts. I'm going to check Molly's trailer, but I doubt she's there. Do you want me to take you home to shower and change clothes before your date?† Gabe looked down at his stained work pants and safari shirt. â€Å"Do you think I should?† â€Å"Gabe, you're the only guy I know that makes me look suave.† â€Å"You're coming along, right?† â€Å"Casanova,† Theo said. â€Å"Compared to you, I feel like Casanova.† â€Å"What?† Gabe said. â€Å"It's fried chicken night at H.P.'s.† Steve Steve lay under a stand of cypress trees, his new lover snuggled up to his right foreleg, snoring softly. He let his tongue slide out and the tip just brushed her bare back. She moaned and nuzzled closer to his leg. She tasted pretty good. But he had eaten all those other warmbloods and he wasn't really hungry. When he had been a female, some fifty years ago, and going back another five thousand, he had become accustomed to eating his lovers after mating. That's just how it was done. But as a male, he wasn't sure. He hadn't mated with his own species since he'd become male, and so the instinct to become passive after mating was new to him. He just didn't feel like eating the warmblood. She had made him feel better, and for some reason, he could see the pictures of her thoughts instead of just sending his own sig-nals. He sensed no fear in her, and no need to send the signal to draw her to him. Strange for a warmblood. He lay his head down on the bed of cypress needles to sleep and let his wounds heal. He could eat her later. Somewhere in the back of his brain, as he fell asleep, a fear alarm went off. In five thousand years of life, he had never conceived of the concept of later or before, only now. His DNA had rechained itself many times, adapted to changes without waiting for the life cycles of generations – he was a unique organism in that way – but the concept of time, of memory beyond the cellular level, was a new adapt-ation. Through his contact with Molly he was evolving consciousness, and like the pragmatic mechanism that it is, nature was trying to warn him. The nightmare was about to have a nightmare. Val Is this a date? Val sat alone at a table in the back of H.P.'s Cafe. She'd ordered a glass of a local chardonnay and was trying to form an opinion about it that would reflect the appropriate disgust, but unfortunately, it was quite good. She was wearing light evening makeup and an understated raw silk suit in indigo with a single string of pearls so as not to clash too badly with her date, who she knew would be in jeans or cotton khaki. Her date? If this is a date, how far have I sunk? she asked herself. This tacky little cafe in this tacky little town, waiting for a man who had probably never worn a tux or a Rolex, and she was looking forward to it. No, it's not a date. It's just dinner. It's sustenance. It's, for once, not eating alone. Slumming in the land of the folksy and the neighborly, that's what it is. It's a satirical performance art experience; call it The Bourgeois Fried Chicken Follies. It was one thing to read her journals over coffee in the local cafe, but dinner? Gabe Fenton came through the front door and Val felt her pulse quicken. She smiled in spite of herself as she watched the waitress point to her table. Then Theo Crowe was following Gabe across the restaurant and a bolt of anxiety shot up her spine. This definitely isn't a date. Gabe smiled and the lines around his eyes crinkled as if he were about to burst out laughing. He extended his hand to her. â€Å"Hi, I hope you don't mind, I asked Theo to join us.† His hair was combed, as was his beard, and he was wearing a faded but clean chambray shirt. Not exactly dashing, but a pretty good-looking guy in a lumber-jack sort of way. â€Å"No, please,† Val said. â€Å"Sit down, Theo.† Theo nodded and pulled a chair up to the table, which had been set for two. The waitress breezed in with another place setting before they were seated. â€Å"I'm sorry to intrude,† Theo said, â€Å"but Gabe insisted.† â€Å"No, really, you're welcome, Constable.† â€Å"Theo, please.† â€Å"Theo then,† Val said. She forced a smile. What now? The last time she had talked to this man it had thrown her life for a loop. She found herself building a resentment for Gabe that was usually reserved for relationships that were years old. Theo cleared his throat. â€Å"Uh, can we go on the doctor-patient confidentiality plan again, Doctor?† Val nodded to Gabe, â€Å"That usually implies a session. Not dinner.† â€Å"Okay, then, don't say anything, but Joseph Leander killed his wife.† Val didn't say, â€Å"Wow.† Almost, but she didn't. â€Å"And you know this because†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Because he told me so,† Theo said. â€Å"He gave her tea made from foxglove. Evidently, it can cause heart failure and is almost undetectable. Then he hung her in the dining room.† â€Å"So you've arrested him?† â€Å"No, I don't know where he is.† â€Å"But you've put a warrant out for his arrest or whatever it is that you do? â€Å"No, I'm not sure that I'm still the constable.† Gabe broke in. â€Å"We've been talking about it, Val. I say that Theo is an elected official, and therefore the only way he can lose his job is through impeachment, even if his immediate superior tries to kill him. What do you think?† â€Å"Kill him?† â€Å"Smooth,† Theo said, grinning at Gabe. â€Å"Oh, maybe you should tell her about the crank lab and stuff, Theo.† And so Theo explained, telling the story of his kidnapping, the drug lab, Joseph Leander's disappearance, and Molly Michon setting him free, but leaving out any theories he had about a giant creature. During the telling, they ordered (fried chicken for Theo and Gabe, a Greek salad for Val) and were halfway through dinner before Theo stopped talking. Val stared at her salad and silence washed over the table. If there was going to be a murder investigation, she could be found out. And if they found out what she had done to her patients, her career was over. She might even go to jail. It wasn't fair, she really had tried to do the right thing for once. She resisted the urge to blurt out a confession – to throw herself on the mercy of a court born of sheer paranoia. Instead she raised her eyes to Gabe, who took the signal to break the silence. Gabe said, â€Å"And I still don't know the significance of the low serotonin levels in the rats' brains.† â€Å"Huh?† said not only Val and Theo, but the waitress, Jenny, who had been eavesdropping from the next table and joined the confusion at Gabe's non sequitur. â€Å"Sorry,† Gabe said to Val. â€Å"I thought you might have a take on the brain chemistry of those rats I had tested. You said you were interested.† â€Å"And I am,† Val said, lying through her teeth, â€Å"but I'm a little overwhelmed by the news about Bess Leander.† â€Å"Right, anyway, the group of rats that didn't take part in the mass migration all had unusually low levels of serotonin. The brain chemistry of the larger group, the group that ran, was all in normal ranges. So I'm thinking that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"They were depressed,† Val said. â€Å"Pardon me?† Gabe said. â€Å"Of course they're depressed, they're rats,† Theo said. Gabe glared at him. â€Å"Well, imagine waking up to that every morning,† Theo continued. â€Å"‘Oh, it's a great day, crap, I'm still a rat. Never mind.'† â€Å"Well, I don't know about rats,† Val said, â€Å"but serotonin levels in humans affect a lot of different things, predominantly mood. Low levels of serotonin can indicate depression. That's how Prozac works. It basically keeps sero-tonin in the brain to keep the patient from getting depressed. So maybe Gabe's rats were too depressed to run.† Gabe stroked his beard. â€Å"I never thought of that. But it doesn't help that much. It doesn't tell me why the majority of the rats did run.† â€Å"Well, duh, Gabe,† Theo said. â€Å"It's the fucking monster.† â€Å"What?† Val said. â€Å"What?† said Jenny, who was lingering nearby. â€Å"Can we get some dessert menus?† Gabe asked, sending Jenny backing across the restaurant. â€Å"Monster?† Val said. â€Å"Maybe you'd better explain, Gabe,† Theo said. â€Å"I think your scientific skepticism will make it sound more credible.† Val's jaw dropped visibly as she listened to Gabe talk about the tracks at the ranch, the mutilated cattle, and Theo's theory for the disappearances of Joseph Leander, Mikey Plotznik, and perhaps Les from the hardware store. When Gabe brought up Molly Michon, Val stopped him. â€Å"You can't believe what she tells you. Molly is a very disturbed woman.† â€Å"She didn't tell me anything,† Theo said. â€Å"I just think she knows something about all this.† Val wanted to call up Theo's drug history to sweep the story aside, then she remembered what Estelle Boyet had told her in therapy. â€Å"I'm not going to say who, but one of my patients mentioned a sea monster in session.† Gabe asked. â€Å"Who?† â€Å"I can't say,† Val said. â€Å"Estelle Boyet,† Jenny said as she came up to get the dessert order. â€Å"Damn,† Val said. â€Å"I wasn't the one who told you,† she said to Theo. â€Å"Well, she was talking about it over breakfast with that Catfish guy,† Jenny added. â€Å"No dessert,† Val snapped at Jenny. â€Å"I'll bring the check.† â€Å"So Estelle has seen it?† Theo asked. â€Å"No, she says she's heard it. She's not the type to propagate a hoax, but I wouldn't put it past Molly Michon. Perhaps that's where the rumor started. I can ask Estelle.† â€Å"Do that,† Theo said. â€Å"But it's not a hoax. My car is smashed. That's evidence. I'm going to Molly's tonight and wait for her. The door was unlocked when I checked earlier and I can't go home.† â€Å"You think it's that dangerous?† Val asked. â€Å"I know it is.† Theo stood and started to pull some bills from his pocket. Gabe waved him off. Theo said, â€Å"Doctor, can you give Gabe a ride?† â€Å"Sure, but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Thanks,† Theo said. â€Å"I'll call you, Gabe. Thanks for letting me join you, Doctor. I thought you'd want to know about Bess. I'm afraid I've ruined your date.† I'll say, Val thought as she watched Theo leave the restaurant. A sense of alert exhaustion washed over her like an espresso fog bank. â€Å"He just quit smoking pot,† Gabe said. â€Å"He's feeling the stress.† â€Å"He has a right to. You don't believe any of that stuff about a monster, do you?† â€Å"I have some theories.† â€Å"Would you like to come up to the house and explain them over a bottle of wine?† â€Å"Really? I mean, sure, that would be nice.† â€Å"Good,† Val said. â€Å"I think I need to get hammered and I'd like your company.† Had she used the term â€Å"hammered† since college? She didn't think so. â€Å"I'll get the check,† Gabe said. â€Å"Of course you will.† â€Å"I hope you don't mind having a dog in your car,† Gabe said. I'm not slumming, she thought. I've moved to the slums.