Passenger Satisfaction Survey free essay sample

Knowledge centre was setup at IRITM in 2008. IRITM has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIM Lucknow, for writing Research Papers, Case Studies and assimilating research findings into comprehensive periodic reports to be used for improving training inputs. This is the 4th publication of the Centre. The earlier 3 publications :1. Ideas on PPP, Dr. Kalpana Dube, Sr. Prof. (Fin. PPP), IRITM Ashish Shukla 2. A Handbook on Project Finance PPP Terminology, Dr. Kalpana Dube, Sr. Prof. (Fin. PPP), IRITM Ankit Tandon 3. Studying the Efficacy of an Airport Modernization Concession Agreement, Dr. Kalpana Dube, Sr. Prof. (Fin. PPP), IRITM The above publications have been well received not only by the Railways but even outside in the Government, Private Sector and Educational Institutions. Indian Railways is the life line of the nation. It has been instrumental in bringing about a social, cultural and economic revolution in our society and has been a strong uniting and integrating force. We will write a custom essay sample on Passenger Satisfaction Survey or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Despite being a monopoly in passenger services which are highly subsidized, can it afford to have a dissatisfied customer? To keep the nation moving and the customers happy, our net social service obligations in 2010-11 constituted 17. 57% of total expenditure. Analysis of profitability of Coaching Services showed a loss of 21,324 crores to which net suburban losses in Chennai, Kolkatta and Mumbai contributed Rs. 2364 crores. Other factors have also accelerated the situation which include low second class ordinary fares non suburban commuters and concession in fare extended to various categories. No other transport sector today is offering rates which could compete with the Railways. Despite so much of effort if we are still unable to keep our Customer satisfied there certainly seems to be some communication gap between us and the Customer. In order to asses that gap IRITM conducted a â€Å"Passenger Satisfaction Survey† on the Northern, North Central and North Eastern Railway, the result of which are summarized in the publication. We hope the results would allow us the Railway personnel to introspect about our â€Å"Customer Demand† and initiate us to give a better service and be more vocal in showing our concern for keeping our Customer Happy. Ashima Singh Director IRITM Lucknow July 2012 FOREWORD Passenger Amenities and provision of certain essential as well as desirable features on Railway stations as well as on-board train services continually engage the attention of policy makers in the Railway Board as well as the Field Officers in the Zones and Divisions. The ground level scenario at major stations in the country differs in terms of scope as well as its perceived usefulness by the Railway Passengers. The present survey was designed to get a comprehensive feedback on 37 different service parameters related to passenger conveniences and station facilities. While the objective assessment fields were readily responded to by most passengers the open ended questions did not elicit detailed replies and were perfunctory. The perception gap between Passenger responses and Railway Officers’ responses also highlighted some interesting differences. Illumination at Stations, Signage and Clarity of Train Announcements and Booking Counter experience have got very favorable responses. The deficiency areas which were most reported on were cleanliness on platforms and train toilets, late running of trains as well as unauthorized people in compartments. What must be emphasized here is that none of these areas actually require capital expenditure or investments or repeated policy directives. They just require vigilantism, active supervision and better coordination among the service providers within the various departments. A standard protocol of maintenance, cleanliness and supervision functions needs to be worked upon just like the various service related parameters put in operation at the newly developed and modernized airports. (Please refer Annexure). This is a standard checklist of service parameters insisted upon by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). A similar drill would go a long way in ensuring better services on our premium stations especially A1, and A categories. The booklet has been designed in such a manner that passenger responses can be very easily understood through use of colorful graphics and simple data presentation, however the larger question which needs to be addressed is that can we provide station and on board housekeeping services which are game changers and path breaking at the same time? Which reflect a paradigm shift in the way Passenger Services are traditionally being offered by Indian Railways. Perhaps the new Station Development Corporation announced recently may introduce sweeping changes to radically alter the present system of addressing Passenger Amenities and general conveniences to be made available to the public. The Station Development Corporation has been conceived with the primary objective of augmenting and improving passenger related amenities at stations. All the issues highlighted in the current survey would perhaps get addressed if fast tracking the activities of the Station Development agency can show visible early results. The areas of action being well designed concourses, high end waiting spaces, easy access with disabled friendly options for station premises, congestion free platforms, modern catering facilities etc. The Report has been made more useful by adding edited versions of the comprehensive, pan-India Passenger Service Surveys and Station Cleanliness Surveys conducted by the CAG (Railways) in the last few years. In addition, some additional literature and visuals of world class stations have been added to give a feel of what the future may look like in the days to come for Passenger Amenities and Services in Modernized Railway Stations. The Report has also been substantiated with identifying certain important performance benchmarks, using examples from the Aviation Sector. Performance benchmarking and improving customer perception are important milestones in improving station premises and passenger services beyond the conventional targets to the next level. A level which is path breaking and futuristic in its vision and implementation. If the checklist of the 37 parameters used in this study as well as the findings contained in the Audit Reports are read and comprehended by the Railway officers responsible for these functions, the purpose of the survey would be fulfilled. However, it may be useful to reiterate that station maintenance procedures must follow the KISNE principle i. e. Keep It Smart Neat and Efficient. Also while we cannot promise the moon to our customers we must ensure that what we do promise we deliver at all times with 100% efficiency and Zero Failures. These are achievable because we have a long experience of managing stations and procedures are well laid out. What is perhaps needed is a well established drill of adhering to a standard protocol of Station and Train Maintenance Practices and not allow the drill to falter even for a day. A well thought strategy, precision in execution and applying Six Sigma principles for not deviating from the Standard Maintenance and Supervision Protocol would go a long way establishing a New Order which is easy to replicate and easy to follow. Dr. Kalpana Dube Senior Professor IRITM Lucknow July 2012 The more you engage with customers the clearer things become and the easier it is to determine what you should be doing. Objectives of the Passenger Survey Criteria and Methodology Sample Size/Target Respondents Passenger Survey Findings Response by Railway Officers Suggestions for Proactive Action Comparison of General Public Railway Officers’ Response Perception Gap – Between the General Public as Rail Users and Railway Officers as Rail Users Graphical Representation of the Findings Strategy For Promoting Indian Railways Image And Train Travel Experience Some Suggestions Benchmarking Performance Assessment Measures Sub Report One: Sample Service Quality Specifications For Delhi International Airport Ltd. DIAL) Conceptual Background for Railway Stations as Profit Investment Centers Sub Report Two: CAG Recommendations on Passenger Services in Indian Railways 2008-09 Sub Report Three: CAG Recommendations on Cleanliness and Sanitation on Indian Railways 2007-08 Annexure 1: Citizen Charter on Passenger Services of Indian Railways Annexure 2: Questionnaire Used for the Passenger Satisfact ion Survey for IR Performance Service Standards Page No Passenger Satisfaction Survey Report and Benchmarking of Performance Standards Objectives of the Passenger Survey †¢ †¢ To review the facilities provided to the passengers right from ticket booking to the on-board travel experience in the trains To asses if facilities provided in trains were adequate and effectively maintained or not, from the point of Passenger Satisfaction in Station Maintenance Practices. To know the priority areas so that these can be strengthened to optimize passenger satisfaction. To asses the overall travel experience of the passengers in the Indian Railways and their perception of the organization. †¢ †¢ Criteria and Methodology An open ended questionnaire with about 37 parameters was prepared and survey was conducted with the help of three field executives provided by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow. The survey was conducted over a period of ten days through direct contact and filling up of the questionnaire by on-board passengers of all the Travel Classes (AC, 2nd Sleeper). The routes identified for the survey were mainly on the Northern part of the country Lucknow New Delhi Lucknow, Lucknow Gorakhpur Lucknow, Lucknow Varanasi Lucknow, Lucknow Allahabad Lucknow, Lucknow Kanpur Lucknow, Lucknow Moradabad Lucknow, Lucknow Firozpur Lucknow. All the Stations surveyed belonged to A-1 and A category. 1 Passenger Satisfaction Survey Report and Benchmarking of Performance Standards Sample Size/Target Respondents The sample size of the survey was around 700 passengers which included 100 Railway Officers as well. The general passengers age profile was from 15 years to 65 years with maximum response coming in from the young adults/youth i. e. 26-35 years of age. About 28% were female respondents and balance were males. Quality in a service or product is not what you put into it. It is what the client or customer gets out of it. Peter F. Drucker 2 Passenger Satisfaction Survey Report and Benchmarking of Performance Standards Passenger Survey Findings Top Efficiencies 1. Illumination Signages 2. Availability of Porters (Coolies) at the Station 2. Booking Clerk Competency Behaviour 3. Clarity of Announcement at Stations Top Deficiencies 1. Cleanliness of Toilets 2. Unauthorized Vendors Passengers 2. Cleanliness of Platforms 3. Late Running of Trains Top Three Concerns/Priority Areas 1. Punctuality 2. Quality of services 3. Safety Satisfactory Services (Rated as Good) 1. Ambience of Waiting Rooms/Rest Rooms 2. Seating, Water, Trolley facilities at the Platform 3. Pricing of Food 4. Linen/Bedroll Cleanliness 5. Fans and Lights in the Trains 3 Passenger Satisfaction Survey Report and Benchmarking of Performance Standards Other Findings of the Survey †¢ More than 60% of the people have used IT Enabled services such as Internet Ticketing, Enquiry Kiosks, Touch Screens, etc. 64% of the passengers surveyed confirmed that they have seen service improvements in the Railways in the last five years. 31 % of the passengers surveyed are satisfied with the Railway Amenities/ facilities. 35 % of the passengers surveyed think that Railways are giving Value for Money for the services provided. 47 % of the passengers surveyed rated Overall Services provided by the Railways as Good †¢ †¢ †¢ Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. Bill Gates 4 Passenger Satisfaction Survey Report and Benchmarking of Performance Standards Response by Railway Officers Top Efficiencies 1. Booking Clerk Competency Behaviour 2. Quality Quantity of Food made available 3. Clarity of Announcement at Stations Top Deficiencies 1. Coach/Toilets occupied by Unauthorized Passenger Vendors 2. Handli ng of Theft Cases 3. Cleanliness of Toilets/Coaches Top three Concerns/Priority Areas 1. Quality of Service 2. Punctuality 3. Cleanliness Satisfactory Services (Rated as Good) 1. Water in the Coaches 2. Seating, Water, Trolley facilities at the Platform 3. Cleanliness of Platform 4. Ambience of Waiting Rooms/Rest Rooms 5. Illumination Signages 5 Passenger Satisfaction Survey Report and Benchmarking of Performance Standards Other Findings of the Survey †¢ More than 70% of the Railway Officers have used IT Enabled services such as internet ticketing, enquiry kiosks, touch screens, etc. 94% of the Railway Officers surveyed confirmed that they have seen service improvements in the Railways in the last five years. 7 % of the Railway Officers surveyed are satisfied with the Railway Amenities/ Facilities. 86 % of the Railway Officers surveyed think that Railways giving Value for Money for the services provided. 85 % of the Railway Officers surveyed rated Overall Services provided by the Railways as Good. †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ 6 This handbook on Passenger Satisfaction Survey and Benchmarking of Performance Stan dards has been compiled using the results obtained in a 15 day extensive Passenger Survey launched by IRITM PPP Knowledge Centre in association with IIM Lucknow. The survey was in the northern part of the country covering A-1 and A category stations. 700 responses were obtained on 37 different passenger service parameters under nine categories ranging from Point of Sale to On-board Facilities to IT based Passenger Transactions. These have been compiled in easy to read, colourful graphics in this Report. The Report has been made more useful by adding edited versions of the comprehensive, pan-India Passenger Service Surveys and Station Cleanliness Surveys conducted by the CAG (Railways) in the last few years. In addition, some additional literature and visuals of world class stations have been added to give a feel of what the future may look like in the days to come for Passenger Amenities and Services in Modernized Railway Stations. This handbook would be of use not only to IRTS Probationers but also to all frontline Managers and Staff in Indian Railways responsible for Station Maintenance, Sanitation and Passenger Amenities. The handbook can also be accessed on the IRITM website www. iritm. indianrailways. gov. in.

Glaobal Warming essays

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Synthesis Polylactic Acid By Lipase Catalyzed Polymerization Biology Essay

Synthesis Polylactic Acid By Lipase Catalyzed Polymerization Biology Essay Polylactic acid (PLA), the biodegradable polymer, has received increasing attention as alternative materials in packaging and biomedical applications. The general method for synthesis of PLA using chemical-catalyzed polymerization produces the catalysts residues which are toxicity. Therefore, the enzymatic polymerization is a green alternative method to decrease this problem. Several researches attempt to improve the optimal condition for synthesis of PLA by using lipase as enzymatic-catalyzed. For an example, Lassalle et al. (2008) reported the synthesis of PLA by using lipase as biocatalyst and focused on the procedure. The results found that immobilized CAL-B was the most effective biocatalyst with 60% LA conversion and 55% recovered solid polymer in the reaction working at 60 Â °C for 96 h. Furthermore, Hans et al. 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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page TABLE OF CONTENT i LIST OF TABLES ii LIST OF FIGURES iii INTRODUCTION 1 Lipase 1 Polylactic acid: PLA 2 Synthesis of polylactic acid: PLA 4 3.1 The conventional process for synthesis of PLA 4 3.2 Process for synthesis of PLA by lipase-catalyzed polymerization 5 Influence of several factors for the polymerization 6 Influence of the kind of lipase 6 Influence of the enzyme concentration 8 Influence of the monomer concentration 10 Influence of the temperature 11 The improvement of process for lipase-catalyzed synthesis of PLA 12 CONCLUSION 14 LITERATURE CITED 15 LIST OF TABLES Table Page Comparison of raw material type and possibility of recycling and biodegradation between PLA and PET polymer 3 Conversion (%) of LA, isolated enzyme after reaction, recovered PLA, and molecular weight (Mn) (Da) as a function of the kind of the different lipase 7 Results obtained for the ring opening polymerization of L-LA in scCO2 with 20 % (w/v) of L-LA and initial water content (aw) < 0.16 13 LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page 1 Chemical structure of Polylactic acid: PLA 2 2 Life cycle of PLA 3 3 Polymerization routes to PLA 4 4 Polymerization reactions to synthesize PLA 6 5 Lactide conversion as a function of reaction time for the ring opening polymerization of DD-lactide at 70 oC with a monomer to toluene ratio of 1:2 (g:mL) and use different concentration of Novozyme 435 8 6 Molecular weight as a function of conversion plots for the ring opening polymerization of DD-lactide at 70 oC with a monomer to toluene ratio of 1:2 (g:mL) and use different concentration of Novozyme 435 9 7 Lactide conversion as a function of reaction time for the ring opening polymerization of DD-lactide at different monomer to toluene ratio (monomer concentration) at 70 oC with 15 wt.-% of Novozyme 435 10 8 Lactide conversion as a function of reaction time for the ring opening polymerization of DD-lactide at different temperatures with 15 wt.-% of Novozyme 435 and a monomer to toluene ration 1:3 11 9 Number-average molecular weight as a function of temperature for the ring opening polymerization of DD-lactide at different monomer conversion with 15 wt.-% of Novozyme 435 and a monomer to toluene ratio 1:3 12 SYNTHESIS OF POLYLACTIC ACID BY LIPASE-CATALYZED POLYMERIZATION INTRODUCTION Lipase Lipases or triacylglycerol acylhydrolases EC 3.1.1.3 are hydrolase which catalyze the hydrolysis of triglycerides to glycerol and free fatty acids under aqueous conditions. In addition, lipases catalyze the tranesterification of other esters under micro-aqueous conditions. The ability of lipases has received increasing attention for used as catalyze in a wide array of biotechnology industry, such as food technology, detergent, chemical industry, cosmetic, organic synthesis, biomedical sciences and pharmaceutical applications (Gupta et al., 2004; Treichel et al., 2010). Lipases are produced by various plants, animals and microorganisms. Many microorganisms which are known as producers of extracellular lipases, including bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Especially, bacterial lipases and fungal lipases are most widely used as a class of commercial enzymes in many applications. The important commercial microbial lipases are Achromobacter sp., Alcaligenes sp., Arthrobactersp., Bacillus sp., Burkholderia sp., Chromobacterium sp., and Pseudomonas sp. from bacteria which are used successfully in the market with several products names, such as Lumafast, Lipomax, Combizyme and Greasex (Gupta et al., 2004). Moreover, fungi produces the important commercial lipases are Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Geotrichum sp., Mucor sp., and Rhizomucor sp. (Treichel et al., 2010) which are used in the market with many products names, such as Lecitase, Lipozyme, and Novozym 435 (CAL-B). Of these, the lipases from microbial have a stability, selectivity, and broad substrate specificity for cultivation such as an applications by used substances form oil mill wastewater, slaughterhouse wastewater, agroindustrial waste and corn steep liquor (Gupta et al., 2004; Treichel et al., 2010). Therefore, the recent microbial lipases have gained special industrial attention for used as biocatalyst in rapidly growing biotechnology. Polylactic acid Polylactic acid or the short name is PLA is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester which a synthetic polymer based on lactic acid (LA) and have a helical structure was shown in Figure 1. PLA derived from the fermentation of renewable resources such as corn starch, tapioca products and sugarcanes. Figure 1 Chemical structure of Polylactic acid: PLA. PLA has received increasing attention as alternative materials in packaging and biomedical applications due to PLA is a biodegradable polymer, it easily degrades by simple hydrolysis of microorganisms under the appropriate conditions (Garlotta, 2001; Avinc and Khoddami, 2009). PLA has a high-strength, high-modulus, brightness, barrier properties and good moisture management as a result of its interesting for used in packaging and composite materials for clothing applications (Garlotta, 2001). Furthermore, PLA has a biocompatible and bioabsorbable properties which can be used for wide range applications in biomedical and pharmaceutical technology, such as surgical sutures, tissue engineering scaffolds, absorbable bone plates, artificial skin, and controlled drug-release systems (Lassalle and Ferreira, 2008; Avinc and Khoddami, 2009; Hans et al., 2009). Because of its compost based on a natural substance which make a biodegradability, PLA is to be a more environmentally-friendly polymer than poly ethylene terepthalate (PET) which is derived from a synthetic petrochemical-based materials due to PLA is lower greenhouse gas emission and significant energy savings, PLA avoids the problems related to plastic waste accumulation. The result of comparison between PLA and PET polymer was shown in Table 1. Table 1 Comparison of raw material type and possibility of recycling and biodegradation between PLA and PET polymer. Indexes PLA PET Initial raw material base Renewable plant stock Petroleum products Non-renewable resources Recycling of polymer wastes Total recycling possible Total recycling possible Biodegradation of polymer wastes Total Does not degrade Source: Avinc and Khoddami (2009) PLA products are easily composted or recycled under appropriate conditions at the end of the product life. The Figure 2 show the life cycle of PLA material degrades first by microbial hydrolysis, then the carbon dioxide and water which obtained from reaction became the basic necessities for a new growth and leading to produced lactic acid (LA) for re-used as a monomer in the production of a new PLA (Avinc and Khoddami, 2009). Figure 2 Life cycle of PLA. Synthesis of polylactic acid: PLA The synthesis of PLA starts with the extraction of sugars (e.g., glucose and dextrose) from natural substances which used as a substrate in fermentation of lactic acid by microorganisms. Lactic acid (LA) is the starting material for the PLA production process, through polymerization. There are two major routes to synthesize PLA from LA monomer which are showed in Figure 3 (Avinc and Khoddami, 2009). Figure 3 Polymerization routes to PLA. From the Figure 3, polymerization routes to PLA are distributed as two processes, the first route is a polycondensation polymerization and the second route is a ring opening polymerization. The conventional process for synthesis of PLA The production process to synthesize PLA by polycondensation of LA is the conventional process for making PLA. This process need to carry out under high vacuum and high temperature, solvent is used to extract the water through the condensation reaction (Avinc and Khoddami, 2009). However, PLA polymer products obtained tends to have low molecular weight. Therefore, the second route is improved by ring opening polymerization of LA which is condensed of water and then converted into cyclic dimer of LA or lactide for used as a monomer in ring opening polymerization. PLA polymer products obtained higher molecular weight than the first route and used milder conditions. Polymerization of PLA need to use a catalyst for supporting the conversion of LA to PLA. The catalysts are divided into two types, the first is the chemo-process which is the polymerization by used a metal as a catalyst and the second is the bio-process which is the polymerization by used a LA-polymerizing enzyme as a catalyst. The chemo-process made the residues of heavy metals based catalysts, such as oxides of Zinc (Zn) and Stannum or Tin (Sn) which are toxicity. Furthermore, the process need high purity monomers, high temperature and high vacuum for serving conditions reactions. On the other hand, the bio-process used an enzyme based catalysts such as lipases which are non-toxic. Also, PLA polymer products can be used for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Moreover, polymerization reaction can be run under mild and environmentally-friendly conditions (Taguchi et al., 2008; Lassalle and Ferreira, 2008; Hans et al., 2009). Process for synthesis of PLA by lipase-catalyzed polymerization From the advantages of the bio-process or the enzymatic-catalyst polymerization, there are several researches attempts to synthesize PLA by used enzyme as catalyst such as lipase-catalyzed in the ring opening polymerization. The reaction of polymerization can be set up follow with the Figure 4. In the reactor compounded with LA, lipase, solvent and purge gas which is used for protection to occur of the regeneration of PLA. Furthermore, the total reactions need to control the optimal temperature and reaction time. Figure 4 Polymerization reactions to synthesize PLA. The measurements which used to represent the properties of PLA polymer products are considered in several parameters. The important of evaluations are the conversion of LA, the molecular weight of PLA polymer products, the recovery of PLA and the recovery of lipases at the end of reactions. Influence of several factors for the polymerization Production of a good PLA, must be use a good set up reaction of polymerization. Otherwise, the influence of the several factors such as a kind of lipases, enzyme concentration, monomer concentration and temperature needs to be considered together. Influence of the kind of lipase Lassalle et al. (2008) researched the influence of the kind of lipase for the synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA) by using the three kind of lipases as biocatalysts. Porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) from mammalian, Candida antarctica lipase B (Immobilized CAL-B) from fungal, and Pseudomonas cepacia (PCL) from bacterial origin were used in the experiment. The reaction was carried out by operating of LA, lipase, and solvent at 60 oC for 96 h. The performance of the three lipases was evaluated in a term of the conversion of LA to PLA and expressed as percentage (%) conversion. Table 2 Conversion (%) of LA, isolated enzyme after reaction, recovered PLA, and molecular weight (Mn) (Da) as a function of the kind of the different lipase. Enzyme % Conversion % recovered PLA % recovered lipase Mn (Da) Imm.CAL-B 58 55 85 446 PCL 88 12 34 400 PPL 96 2 90 768 Source: Lassalle and Ferreira (2008) The result was presented in the Table 2, using the immobilized CAL-B as catalyst obtained 58% conversion of LA, 55% recovered PLA, 85% recovered lipase, and 446 Da of Molecular weight. For using PCL as catalyst obtained 88% conversion of LA, 12% recovered PLA, 34% recovered lipase, and 400 Da of Molecular weight. For using PPL as catalyst obtained 96% conversion of LA, 2% recovered PLA, 90% recovered lipase, and 768 Da of Molecular weight. From the result found that higher conversion levels were measured in the case of soluble enzymes, but only traces of solid polyesters were recovered in this cases. In contrast, amounts of solid PLA were recovered using immobilized CAL-B, and the conversion was lower than soluble lipases. For the conclusion of the experiment, the immobilized CAL-B was the most effective biocatalyst with 60% conversion of LA and 55% recovered solid polymer in the reaction working at 60 oC for 96 h. Influence of the enzyme concentration There are several researches used the immobilized CAL-B lipase for esterification reaction due to its high catalytic activity but it does not propagate in polymerization reaction. So, Hans et al. (2009) researched to confirm the synthesis of PLA by immobilized CAL-B (Novozyme 435) catalyst in ring opening polymerization of lactide. The reaction was improved by adding nitrogen gas into the reactor for protected regeneration of PLA to LA and used toluene as a solvent for enzymatic polymerization. The objective of this study is find an optimal reaction condition such as enzyme concentration, monomer concentration and optimal temperature. Figure 5 Lactide conversion as a function of reaction time for the ring opening polymerization of DD-lactide at 70 oC with a monomer to toluene ratio of 1:2 (g:mL) and use different concentration of Novozyme 435. The first factor is influence of the enzyme concentration. The result was presented in Figure 5, the overall monomer conversion increases when increasing amounts of enzyme. The reaction catalyzed with 25 wt.-% of enzyme up to 100% monomer conversion after 2 days, while the reaction catalyzed with 10 wt.-% of enzyme up to only 25% monomer conversion. Figure 6 Molecular weight as a function of conversion plots for the ring opening polymerization of DD-lactide at 70 oC with a monomer to toluene ratio of 1:2 (g:mL) and use different concentration of Novozyme 435. In contrast, the relation of molecular weight and conversion are represented in Figure 6. The result found that 25 wt.-% of enzyme obtained the molecular weight of PLA lower than 15 wt.-% of enzyme and 10 wt.-% of enzyme at the same conversion due to higher enzyme concentrations have more water which is introduced into the reaction and leads to a decrease of the molecular weight. Amounts of water within the reaction have an influence for the molecular weight PLA polymer products (Hans et al., 2009). The normal of reaction for synthesis PLA by lipase-catalyst distribute into 3 step, the first step is the monomer activation which is the combination of lipases and lactic acid (LA), then the lipase-LA combine with water for extension of pre-polymer and release the component of lipase-OH in the initiation step, the last step is the chain propagation which increase the number of monomer within polymer chain. In any case, if there is a lot of water in the reaction, it will occur the conformation of the other component as free water and a linkage between lipase and water by loosely bound and tightly bound. The free water and lipase-water loosely bound can break the polymer chain in the initiation and affect to decrease a molecular weight of PLA polymer products. Influence of the monomer concentration Hans et al. (2009) studied influence of the monomer concentration by expected that increasing monomer concentration, the polymerization rate and the overall monomer conversion will increase. Figure 7 Lactide conversion as a function of reaction time for the ring opening polymerization of DD-lactide at different monomer to toluene ratio (monomer concentration) at 70 oC with 15 wt.-% of Novozyme 435. From the Figure 7 observed at the monomer to toluene ratio 1:2 and 1:3, the high conversion increase and then decrease when the monomer concentration decrease. Exclusion a monomer to toluene ratio 1:1, the conversion is also lower which might result from a poor solubility of the substrate and the precipitation of PLA. For the conclusion of the experiment, the immobilized CAL-B was the most effective biocatalyst with 33% of monomer was converted and could be isolated a polymer with 25% yield for a number-average molecular weight of 3,300 g mol-1. Influence of the temperature Furthermore, Hans et al. (2009) expected that the temperature affect to PLA polymer products in ring opening polymerization as show in the Figure 8. Figure 8 Lactide conversion as a function of reaction time for the ring opening polymerization of DD-lactide at different temperatures with 15 wt.-% of Novozyme 435 and a monomer to toluene ration 1:3. From the Figure 8 observed that increasing temperature, the monomer conversion decrease. At 80 oC and 90 oC, a monomer conversion does not exceed 25 % in 2 days while at 60 oC and 70 oC, a monomer conversion reaches about 60 % and at 50 oC, a monomer conversion reach to 80 %. In the case of ring opening polymerization of lactide by lipase-catalyst at higher temperature might induce an enhanced deactivation of the enzyme which led to low monomer conversion. Figure 9 Number-average molecular weight as a function of temperature for the ring opening polymerization of DD-lactide at different monomer conversion with 15 wt.-% of Novozyme 435 and a monomer to toluene ratio 1:3. The relative of molecular weights and temperatures at different conversions are presented in the figure 9, at 60 % and 50 % conversion obtained a highest molecular weights at 60 oC and drop off at higher temperatures. Explanation is an increase temperature release of free and loosely bound water which make denaturation of the enzyme. The other reason is a decrease in temperatures also induces a lower solubility of the polylactide and affect difficult to maintain a homogeneous solution. The improvement of process for lipase-catalyzed synthesis of PLA From the study about the influence of several factors for ring opening polymerization by lipase-catalyst observed that the enzymatic synthesis of PLA by use volatile organic compounds solvent do not encouraging due to a poor solubility of the substrates in polymerization reactions. In addition, the high temperature to reach the melting point of LA at 92 oC-95 oC might cause partial enzyme deactivation (Garcia-Arrazola et al., 2009). Garcia-Arrazola et al. (2009) improved the polymerization reaction to obtain PLA by used supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as a solvent replacement of the volatile organic compound (VOCs). The advantage of scCO2 is non-expensive, non-flammable, non-toxic, low melting point, low viscosity, high diffusion coefficient, and friendly in synthetic processes. Table 3 Results obtained for the ring opening polymerization of L-LA in scCO2 with 20 % (w/v) of L-LA and initial water content (aw) < 0.16. Entry Biocatalyst (wt%) Time (days) Polymer yield (%) 1 10 1 5.70 2 10 2 9.77 3 10 3 11.03 4 10 4 1.64 5 15 1 3.2 6 15 3 5.16 7 15 5 5.35 8 15 7

Effective Communication :: Communication in Leadership

Overview of Section In Long’s chapter â€Å"Communication† in Leadership Tripod: A New Model for Effective Leadership (2004), Long defines communication as â€Å"the passing of information between at least two parties† (p. 89). He shares general communication principles, ways to improve communication, and evaluate it. His premise is: â€Å"Unless those placing leaders, the leaders themselves, and those under leadership can communicate effectively, leadership will not be as strong as it should be in order for the organization to achieve at its highest level† (p. 87). All involved in communication from the top down need to understand and implement effective communication despite misconceptions. †¢ In the process of encoding and decoding (communicating), â€Å"noise† occurs. â€Å"For true communication to take place, the receiver has to be able to decode the message the way the encoder wants to be understood† (p. 90). Both, encoder and the decoder, need to take the time to ensure a message has been correctly decoded. †¢ It is important to understand methods of communication and inhibitors to decoding. o Vernacular use and inflection are two common hindrances to verbal communication. o The telephone can create communication problems. Voice mail can be impersonal and unprofessional; therefore, these communications need to be clear and thorough. o Handwritten communications include the note, letter, and electronic mail. While the note can be used to encourage and affirm, it takes time and must be distributed fairly and equally. Letters should be personalized, even if database generated. E-mail seems to be immediate, efficient, and quick; however, it can be impersonal and allow the encoder to not be responsible for ensuring communication has occurred and been correctly decoded. o Nonverbal communication includes behavior, gestures, facial expressions, body language, and personal space. Many do not realize the nonverbal messages they send; therefore, leaders need to understand and be able to truly interpret them. Implications for Teacher †¢ Teachers are leaders in the classroom, thereby, responsible to effectively communicate with students, parents, the community, colleagues, and administration. †¢ Teachers need to take the time to ensure communication has been successful—encoding and decoding. †¢ Teachers utilize verbal, telephone, written, and nonverbal communication.

The US Acid Rain Program Environmental Sciences Essay

When we look around us we see that there has been a rapid addition in the figure of industries despite the fact that there has been a lessening in the handiness of scarce resources. The Global Gross Domestic Product per capita has addition 6 times since 1900, while in the same clip period the universe & A ; acirc ; ˆâ„ ¢s population has grown 4 times. Due to increasing planetary demand, the importance of industries in our universe has been on the rise. In order to protect the environment and our universe from being over polluted it is of import that we find cost effectual ways to cut down the degree of pollution. The Acid Rain plan was initiated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) in the 1990s to cut down the degree of S dioxide and N oxides, the chief causes of acerb rain. This plan focuses on emanation caps whereby each industry or company is given a certain grant or allowance for the sum of fossil fuels they can fire and if they go over this degree so a heavy mulct of $ 2000 per ton would be imposed. The Acid Rain Program was established based on the rules that were set by the Clean Air Act of 1990. The Clean Air Act was implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency in order to cut down the degree of air pollution. The chief purpose of the Acid Rain plan was to cut down the degree of sulfur dioxide in the environment by 10 million dozenss and convey the degree of S dioxide down from 18.9 million dozenss in 1980 to about 8.95 million dozenss in 2000. This was to be done through emanation caps that focused on a lessening in the pollution caused by coal firing power workss. Companies and different industries could purchase the allowances from each other if their ingestion was higher than the allotted quota assigned to them. However, if that was non possible so they had to incur a heavy mulct.Problems Associated with Acid RainPollutants such as S dioxide and azotic oxides are known to be the chief ground behind the cause of acerb rain. It is imperative that in order to cut down acid rain, we decrease the figure of these pollutants. Acid rain is known to do many jobs with the acidification of lakes and rivers being the most outstanding. The lakes in the nor'-east of the United States have been greatly affected by acerb rain. The acidification of lakes leads to angle and works life being destroyed as they can non populate in acerb H2O. As of 2001, in over 100 lakes in Minnesota all the fish have died due to sourness. Apart from fish death, it besides leads to angle non being able to reproduce. These are some of the jobs caused by acid rain which is why it is highly of import to cut down the degree of sulfur dioxide in the environment so we can forestall sourness and protect the marine life. Apart from destructing sea life, acerb rain is known to hold a negative consequence on the trees around the universe. When acid rain occurs, the acerb seeps into the trees therefore forestalling the workss from taking in C dioxide. Due to miss of C dioxide, this leads to the workss non being able to execute photosynthesis which finally leads to workss deceasing. Germany has been greatly affected where in 1983, 34 % of braid were damaged by acid rain. Acid rain besides affects us in many ways. Breathing and lung jobs that affect kids and grownups is caused by acerb rain. Due to acid rain, every twelvemonth in the US there are 550 premature deceases and 1520 exigency room visits. This shows that it is of import to cut down acid rain as it has adversely affected the environment and the ambiance around us. [ Good background ; could spread out ] The Clean Air Act was introduced in 1963 by the United States Congress to cut down air pollution on a national degree. It was the first environmental jurisprudence that was introduced by the United States. Over the old ages at that place have been amendments and alterations made to the Clean Air Act based on the environmental jeopardies that have affected our environment such as acerb rain. A outstanding amendment was made in 1990 to take the effects of acerb rain into consideration. In the Clean Air Act of 1990, the alterations that were put into consequence were related to emanations merchandising whereby companies or workss were given inducements if they reduced pollution in this instance S dioxide, there were proviso made for ozone depletion and toxic air pollution. Apart from this, a new gasolene reformulation demand was besides set in order to command and at the same clip cut down the evaporative emanation from gasolene. The Acid Rain plan as mentioned above was implemented in order to diminish the sum of S dioxide in the environment. In order for this to go on, the jurisprudence that was to be imposed based on the Clean Air Act of 1990 was a two stage jurisprudence. Since the aim of cut downing sulfur dioxide could non be attained in one goes, it was broken down into two stages:Phase 1The Acid Rain plan allocated allowances based on a annual footing and the figure of allocated units was based on a method that was used by the EPA. The first stage of the two stage plan was from 1995 to 1999. The footing on which allowances or emanation caps were distributed was on the mean fuel ingestion that was used by companies from 1985 to 1987. The British thermic unit transition rate of 2.5 lbs of S dioxide per million lbs of fuel burnt was used. A major drawback of this stage was that many workss found it easy to obtain excess allowances. This could be done by through auctions where the allowances were sold to the bidder with the highest monetary value. Many workss that were allocated allowances in Phase 1 were allocated a much higher allowance than the sum they required. The EPA did this so that all the workss could fall in the plan as they had nil to lose. Firms would experience that there is no hazard involved in fall ining the plan which is why they would choose to be a portion of it. In 1995, the initial allotment was to be 5,550,231 allowances for 445 workss. Firms were awarded excess allowances for every excess ton of S dioxide they reduced beyond the bound imposed on them. The extra allowances that were granted to houses in 1995 were 3,193,850. The stage 1 of the Acid Rain Program was to last a period of 5 old ages. Many workss and houses took advantage of the excess allowances that could be granted and due to this the entire figure of allowances in 1999 was 16,618,112 which showed that houses were willing to aline themselves with the plan. [ Good ]Phase 2Phase 2 was the 2nd portion of the Acid Rain Program that began in the twelvemonth 2000. The sum of allowance that was granted to each works was based on their mean fuel ingestion from 1985 to 1987. The transition rate used this clip was 1.2 lbs of S dioxide per million lbs of fuel burnt. The sum of allowance that was granted to each works was reduced but there was an overall addition in the entire cap as many more workss had entered the plan, an extra 2262 units were made portion of the plan and with the addition in the figure of units, the entire allowance besides increased to 9,966,531 for the twelvemonth 2000. Many units took advantage of the banked allowances that were carried frontward from Phase 1 and this entire amounted to 21,583,540. Despite the entire allowances increasing due to the fact that many new units entered the plan, there was an overall lessening in the emanations granted to each unit. This figure is expected to diminish even more and the purpose of the Acid Rain Program is to cut down the entire sum of emanations to 8.95 million dozenss by 2010. The graph above shows how emanations have been relatively higher than the allowances allocated by the twelvemonth 2000. However at the same clip, the entire allowances that were allocated to each works plus the allowance that was banked is besides greater than the emanations demoing that the sum of the entire available allowance was much higher than required. As stage 2 continued to come on, banked allowances were finally used up and workss began to run the hazard of exceling their emanations bound. Since this carried heavy mulcts, it was imperative that companies that owned these sulfur dioxide breathing workss find a manner to cut down the S dioxide emitted into the environment. Many different methods were presented. Some of the most noteworthy 1s are:TechnologyThere were two chief engineerings available for workss to run into their emanations mark. A scrubber which is besides known as a fluke gas desulfurization system is one manner in which S dioxide could be reduced. This system is known to be really effectual as mentioned by the Environmental Investigation Agency in 1994 that the scrubber system or the flue gas desulfurization system is known to hold an efficiency rate of 85 % to 95 % . When taking a scrubber, companies have a figure of different scrubbers to take from whether it is a dry scrubber which produces a dry by merchandise or a wet scrubber which on the other manus produces a wet merchandise. Another manner in which engineering can be used to cut down S dioxide is by either fuel shift, intermixing or co-firing. Fuel shift is comparatively simple as you merely exchange to another coal that does non breathe S dioxide, blending is when you blend two different types of coal and co-firing is merely utilizing a coal and a fuel and so these two are blended together. It sounds easy when we say that we will merely exchange to a different coal or we will merely intermix two coals that we can happen but the existent issue and job prevarications in taking which coal, natural gas or fuel best suits your works and besides will follow with the demands set by the EPA. It is of import that when you decide to exchange to a another fuel, you use a coal that has a lower S content as non merely will it be better for the environment but it will besides assist you cut down the sum of S in the atmosphere therefore following the emanation cap allocated to you. When blend two types of coal it s of import that you blend high S and a low S coal. This is of import as it becomes easier for the workss to set to a smaller alteration that happens by intermixing two coals instead than fuel shift. Co-firing is besides a method that can be used but is non recommended as it is deemed really expensive.AllowancesAllowance is a method that was really popular during the first st age. As mentioned in the statistics above, we see that the figure of allowances allocated in Phase 1 that lasted from 1995 to 1999 were much higher than expected as EPA wanted many houses to fall in this plan. The fact that many workss were over allocated allowances meant that there was no trading that took topographic point between houses selling allowances to each other as each works had adequate allowance allotted to them. These banked allowances were used in ulterior old ages by workss and at the same clip they were following with the Acid Rain plan.RetirementsRetirement is when a works shuts down and can non be used any more. The workss that tend to utilize this method are still allocated allowances until the Acid Rain plan is integral. These allowances are non used by these workss but are sold back into the market at a monetary value whereby these workss make a net income. Ohio based Acme is an illustration of a works that has retired but is still having allowances that are so ld into the market.Previously installed ControlsSome workss already have an emanation rate that is lower than the others because of equipment or machinery they might hold installed in the yesteryear which reduces the degree of sulfur dioxide emitted into the ambiance. Installing new equipment or controls that cut down the degree of sulfur dioxide in the environment is another manner to follow with the regulations and ordinances set out in the Acid Rain plan by the EPA.DecisionThe Acid Rain plan has a few jobs since its debut but it has besides led to the lessening in S dioxide emanations in the environment. The job with Phase 1 was the complete allotment of allowances. The chief ground behind this was to promote houses to fall in the plan, which had been achieved by the beginning of Phase 2. The banked allowances that could be carried down to the following twelvemonth were an added inducement for companies. By the beginning of 2003, these banked allowances had about been exhausted a nd companies adapted by put ining new engineering and trading emanations. The Acid Rain plan gave companies the pick of taking the option that is cheapest for them, whether it is emissions trading or upgrading to the right engineering. Since its origin in 1970 up to the twelvemonth 2000, this resulted in cost nest eggs of $ 780 million when compared to a method of direct control in which the authorities would each person works precisely how much to cut down and how to make it. Additionally, sulfur dioxide emanations reduced by 4,531,328 dozenss. Harmonizing to the latest information, S dioxide emanations were 8 million dozenss lower in 2010 compared to the degrees they would hold been at if the plan had ne'er been implemented. In add-on $ 122 billion have been saved in footings of lower wellness costs and decreased use of scare resources. All this shows that the U.S Acid Rain plan has been a resonant success. As mentioned above, we see that the execution of the Acid Rain plan by the United States was an enterprise taken by the US in order to cut down the atmospheric degrees of S dioxide in the environment. This plan was a immense success as the end of cut downing sulfur dioxide in the ambiance was achieved. Other states should see this as an chance to follow into the footfalls of the United States. Environmental jeopardies such as acerb rain, air pollution and deforestation have been destructing our environment and it is clip that we do something about it. The Kyoto protocol by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ( UNFCCC ) has been really effectual in contending planetary heating and cut downing the degree of nursery gases. The UNFCCC is an international environmental pact and the consequence of acid rain should be brought up at the conference that take topographic point. Acid rain is an environmental jeopardy which should be taken into consideration and be reduced otherwise it can hold inauspicious effects in the close hereafter non merely on marine life but every bit good as human life.

Succubus Revealed Chapter 8

It was hard to believe that in only a couple of days I'd gone from doubting my transfer was real to suddenly signing on to be in a Las Vegas stage production. Things happened so fast that it was easy to get swept along, and Bastien and Phoebe's gleeful encouragement just made things happen that much more quickly. Shape-shifting took care of my clothing problem, and Bastien soon left us, allegedly to go get a drink and try his hand at the blackjack table. Once he left the theatre, though, Phoebe leaned over to me conspiratorially and whispered, â€Å"Here's a wager for you. How much do you want to bet he comes back with a glow?† I laughed and whispered back, â€Å"I won't take that bet. Are you sure you haven't worked with him before?† Admittedly, an incubus looking to get laid wasn't that far of a stretch, but I liked how adeptly Phoebe was able to pick up on my old friend's personality quirks. â€Å"Nah,† she said with a smile. â€Å"I've just known his type.† Other dancers began trickling in. Phoebe introduced us as they arrived, and most were friendly and excited to have someone new in the group. They weren't yet at their full number needed for the show, so everyone was anxious for that to happen. I brought them one step closer, though it surprised me they were still short. From my experiences, there were always groups of girls lined up to try to make it in show business. Phoebe confirmed as much. â€Å"Oh, yeah, tons have tried out. And you should have seen them at the beginning, when they first did the open casting. Matthias is just really selective, that's all. Cornelia – the head choreographer – is just as bad.† â€Å"And yet he took me on a five-minute audition,† I pointed out. Phoebe grinned. â€Å"Sweetie, he just knows talent when he sees it. Besides, he's in charge of this gig. If he says you're in, you're in.† Matthias wasn't the only one running the show, of course. Along with the dancers came other management and staff, like the aforementioned Cornelia. Everyone had a part to play. The rehearsal was fast-paced and aggressive – but also lots of fun. Phoebe hadn't been joking. The other dancers were good – really good. It had been a very long time since I'd danced with any sort of group, even longer since I was with one of such caliber. I was used to being the standout at anything dance related, and it was a surprise – a good one – to find myself surrounded by so many equals. I had to work to keep up with them on the first day, and even if I didn't walk out as an instant star, I left confident that I'd held my own. Before I could go, one of the show's costumers asked to take my measurements backstage. Phoebe told me she'd go hunt down Bastien and meet me at the casino's central bar. The seamstress appeared with her tape measure, and I made a mental note of my height for future shape-shifting. Matthias came by, carrying his notes, and paused when he saw us. â€Å"You did really well today,† he told me. â€Å"It's like you've been with us from the first day.† â€Å"Hardly,† I said. â€Å"I've still got a lot to learn. Especially in the fourth song. The steps are deceptively simple . . . but there's a certain attitude you've got to hold to pull them off. No, maybe not attitude. Grace? Vibe? I can't explain it, but the simplicity's what makes it so genius. It seems like such a basic pattern, but how it's executed is what truly brings out the beauty.† I was thinking aloud, just sort of rambling, and realized that I sounded kind of ridiculous. â€Å"Sorry. That probably doesn't make any sense.† â€Å"No, no.† Matthias stared at me wonderingly. â€Å"That's exactly it. That's how I intended it. I was inspired by watching classical ballet, how all the moves are amplified by the emotion put into the routines. Cornelia said it was crazy to try to think that deep for a show like this, but it just felt right.† â€Å"It's beautiful,† I said honestly. â€Å"I can absolutely see where you were going with it. Reminds me of something from La Bayadre.† â€Å"You know La Bayadre?† he asked, wide-eyed. â€Å"Of course,† I said. â€Å"It's a classic. Who doesn't?† â€Å"You'd be surprised.† I realized then that the seamstress had left, having achieved her goal. Matthias was still regarding me in amazement. Now that they weren't focused on the clipboard, I was able to see how blue his eyes were. They were like the sky on a clear, crisp day. â€Å"Are you busy tonight?† he asked a few moments later. â€Å"Would you . . . would you like to go get dinner? Or even just a drink? I'd love to talk dance more with you.† For a succubus, I could be surprisingly na?ve sometimes. Because for half an instant, I almost accepted. I was so keyed up after the rehearsal and so excited to talk more about the show that I actually briefly thought that was all he wanted to go out for. Now, I don't mean to imply that his motives were totally base either. He wasn't using this as a ruse to simply get me into bed. But he also wasn't treating this as a meeting of colleagues. Bottom line: he liked me. I'd peaked his interest, and he wanted to go out on a date. Normally, that wouldn't have been a problem . . . except, there was something I sincerely liked about him. He was cute, and I found his passion for his work endearing. I loved how he kept getting wrapped up in it, totally consumed and distracted like – Seth. And there was the problem. This guy was the choreographer version of Seth. A one-night fling with some sleazy guy who meant nothing wasn't cheating in the eyes of our relationship. But for me to go out with a guy I liked, that I found intriguing and attractive in the same way I found Seth . . . well. That was wrong, especially since Matthias was obviously interested in me. It was a strange situation to be in, one I hadn't expected. â€Å"Oh, that would be great, but my friends and I already have plans,† I told him. â€Å"We're trying to make the most of my trip since it's so short.† â€Å"Oh.† His face fell a little, then brightened. â€Å"But you'll be back for tomorrow's rehearsal, right? It'd be great if you were able to get in the steps one more time before you left town. You know, give you something to practice.† â€Å"Sure,† I said. â€Å"That'd be great.† The rest of the evening went by in a blur of activity. Phoebe joined Bastien and me in a whirlwind tour of Vegas highlights, which included a lot of casino and club hopping. Phoebe and I both donned skimpy, glamorous dresses, playing up our succubus sex appeal to its maximum. We draped ourselves on Bastien's arms, and he swaggered around even more than usual, smug with the envy he got over showing us off. After hours of this, I was ready for some downtime. Phoebe and Bastien had a quick consultation and decided that if we hurried we could make the late performance of a magic show they knew. â€Å"Magic?† I asked, more than a little tipsy from vodka gimlets. â€Å"Don't we live a magic show?† â€Å"Damn near,† said Bastien. He was ostensibly still being gallant in offering me his arm, but it was unclear who was really holding whom up. â€Å"There's something special about this show, I've heard.† There was a mischievous glint in his eyes. The three of us made our way to a modest, off-Strip hotel I'd never heard of. It still had alcohol and slot machines in its casino, which was probably all that mattered to most of its customers. Bastien bought us tickets to see The Great Jambini, and we hurried into the small theater – which was about half-full – just as the lights went down. A mediocre comedian did the warm-up act, and soon the star attraction himself came out. He had graying hair and a bright purple silk turban, along with a sequined cape that could have come straight from the wardrobe department at Sparkles. He kept tripping over its hem, which led to my first observation: he was totally drunk. A second observation soon followed, once I realized there were more immortal signatures in here than just mine, Phoebe's, and Bastien's. The Great Jambini was an imp. He started off with some standard card tricks, receiving half-hearted applause from the audience. These were followed by juggling, which I found remarkable simply because of the concentration it required from someone so obviously intoxicated. He didn't miss a move. I think the other members of the audience shared my opinion because their applause warmed up. Inspired by this, Jambini then made a great show of setting his juggling pins on fire. This brought the applause to a standstill, and some of the people in the front rows shifted uneasily. â€Å"Is that a good idea?† I murmured to my friends. â€Å"It never is,† remarked Phoebe. â€Å"What do you mean nev – â€Å" Within thirty seconds after lighting the pins, Jambini had begun juggling . . . and promptly set his cape on fire. People gasped and screamed as he flung it off him onto the stage. Considering its cheap material, I was kind of surprised the cape hadn't ignited faster. He stomped on it until the flames were out, and I saw a few stagehands on the periphery ready with fire extinguishers, just in case. Once the cape was a black, smoldering mess, he lifted it up. A dove emerged from underneath it, flying up into the air, much to the awe and delight of the spectators. â€Å"It was part of the show,† I breathed, equally impressed. â€Å"Yup,† said Phoebe. Jambini reached for the dove, which just barely slipped past him. It circled around the room, then swooped low into the audience. Along the way, it sideswiped a woman whose hair was elaborately French braided. The dove's foot got tangled in her hair, and it soon became trapped, beating its wings frantically to escape as she leaped up and began screaming. â€Å"Was that part of the show?† I asked. â€Å"No,† said Phoebe in awe. â€Å"But it really should be.† Within seconds, the stagehands were out in the audience, where they were able to remove and confine the dove. They escorted the woman off as well, heads bent low as they murmured apologies. The Great Jambini made a flourish-filled bow, much to the delight of the crowd. Everyone loves a wacky mishap. He performed a few scarf tricks, most of which went off without a hitch, and then came to stand in the center of the stage, face grave. â€Å"For my next trick, I need a volunteer.† His eyes fell on our corner. â€Å"A lovely volunteer.† â€Å"Oh, he noticed us,† said Phoebe, with a sigh. She raised her hand, along with others in the audience. When I did nothing, she elbowed me until I raised my hand as well. After a great show of examining all the volunteers, Jambini strode up to our table and extended his hand to me. Bastien and Phoebe whistled and cheered, urging me up. I was a little nervous about being set on fire or attacked by birds, but it was hard for me to refuse an audience. I accepted Jambini's hand and let him lead me up to the stage, while thunderous applause rang out around us. â€Å"Just shape-shift into any outfit that comes to mind,† he muttered in my ear, his breath heavy with the scent of gin. Once we were on center stage, he took the microphone and kicked into showman mode. â€Å"Now, my lovely assistant here . . . what is your name, lovely assistant?† I leaned toward the microphone. â€Å"Georgina.† â€Å"Georgina. What a lovely name. And so, lovely Georgina, all you have to do is allow yourself to be receptive to the awe-inspiring, truly mystical powers of my magic. If you do, wondrous transformations will occur.† I nodded in agreement, and more cheering ensued. Jambini walked over to his prop table and returned with a curtain attached to a hoop and a handle. When he held it up by the handle, the curtain hung down in a way that created an enclosed cylinder, completely concealing the person inside. I obligingly stepped forward, letting the folds of fabric hide me while Jambini gave a â€Å"magical countdown.† In those brief seconds, I shape-shifted my sparkly cocktail dress to the first thing that came to mind: my green foil elf dress. Jambini whipped the curtain away dramatically, revealing me in my new attire. People gasped and clapped with delight, and I gave a bow almost as showy as his. Encouraged by the response, Jambini declared, â€Å"One more time.† I stepped back into the curtained enclosure and changed this time into black jeans, a silver-sequined top, and a woman's tuxedo jacket. When he pulled back the curtain, the applause faltered a little bit before increasing to a frenzy. I'd seen these types of tricks performed before among those not gifted with shape-shifting, and usually performers simply shifted between loose dresses, items easy to get on and off. My choice of clothing kind of defied the logic of those familiar with how the trick worked. But, hey. This was magic, right? â€Å"Show-off,† Bastien told me when I returned to my seat. â€Å"Hey,† I whispered back, watching Jambini attempt to swallow a knife. He'd gotten about a third of the way there before he started coughing. With a shrug, he finally gave up and simply bowed to delayed applause. â€Å"These people deserve something for their money.† Jambini – or Jamie, as I later learned he was really named – was much more appreciative of my performance. My group met up with him in the hotel's drab bar after the show. â€Å"Switching to pants was genius,† he told me, knocking back a glass of gin. I had a sneaking suspicion that the show's actual performance was the longest he went without a drink on a given day. â€Å"People are going to be scratching their heads over that one for days.† â€Å"Maybe too much,† warned Bastien. â€Å"You'll make mortals suspicious.† I shrugged, unconcerned. â€Å"This is Vegas, baby. No one'll question it. Besides, weirder things happen all the time.† Jamie was nodding along eagerly. â€Å"And that tacky holiday dress too? That was great. Really god-awful. You know, if you're moving here, I could totally hook you up with a job as my assistant.† He chuckled. â€Å"People would probably get more out of seeing you than my tricks.† â€Å"That wouldn't surprise me in the least,† said Bastien, straight-faced. â€Å"Well, thanks,† I said, â€Å"but I think I've got more jobs than I need. Phoebe already set me up with something.† â€Å"Poacher,† said Jamie. The other succubus laughed as she stirred cherries around in her cocktail. â€Å"Hey, I can't help it if I – â€Å" A familiar aura spread through the room, and Phoebe fell silent. We all turned as one, watching as Luis entered the bar. Even mortals, who couldn't feel him like we could, paused and watched him stride through the room. There was just something that powerful and compelling about his dark presence. â€Å"Boss man,† said Jamie, holding up his glass in a mock toast. â€Å"You just missed my amazing performance.† â€Å"I've seen your shows before,† said Luis, sitting down and beckoning the bartender over. â€Å"I don't think I really missed anything.† â€Å"Georgina was his ‘lovely assistant,' † teased Phoebe. â€Å"Oh?† Luis paused to place his order and then turned toward me. â€Å"Pray tell, what did you do to wow them? Set some scarves on fire?† â€Å"Just some run-of-the-mill shape-shifting,† I said modestly. Jamie started in on his second gin glass. He'd ordered two when we sat down. I guess he didn't want to risk waiting the extra few minutes it would take to pour another. â€Å"That trick is always best with succubi. Even with a plant and a prepped costume, it never goes off quite as well. I used to have this girl who worked with me when I lived in Raleigh, and she did okay, but you could tell people knew how the whole get-up worked.† Alcohol was buzzing through me pleasantly, and I'd slowed down my consumption so as not to lose my head. Somewhere in that warm haze, Jamie's words tickled a memory. â€Å"Raleigh . . . when were you in Raleigh?† â€Å"I moved from there a few years ago. I was there about . . . oh, I don't know.† He took a sip of gin, perhaps to help his math skills. â€Å"Not that long. Twenty years. I did some good soul brokering, but really, my talents were better appreciated here, you know?† â€Å"When you were there, did you know a vampire named Milton?† I asked. Remembering my conversation with Hugh while I was in the middle of a cheap Vegas bar was weird – but no weirder than hearing Raleigh mentioned twice this week. â€Å"Milton?† Jamie's eyebrows rose, and some of his good humor dimmed. â€Å"Yeah, I know him. Scary son of a bitch. Looks like – â€Å" â€Å"Nosferatu?† I suggested. Jamie nodded solemnly. â€Å"How anyone as blatantly vampire as him got by as a covert operative is beyond me.† Phoebe frowned. â€Å"Did you say ‘covert operative'?† The waiter appeared then with Luis's drink. Luis motioned for him to stay and glanced around at the rest of us. â€Å"Refills? Another gimlet or cosmo? Jamie? You're drinking Tanqueray, right?† Jamie looked offended. â€Å"Beefeater.† Luis rolled his eyes. â€Å"That's ridiculous and disgusting. Bring him some Tanqueray.† â€Å"No!† exclaimed Jamie. â€Å"Beefeater. I'm a purist.† â€Å"You have no discrimination,† countered Luis. He looked back at the confused waiter. â€Å"Bring one of each. We'll have a taste test.† The waiter looked relieved and hurried off before someone else contradicted the orders. â€Å"It's a waste of time,† said Jamie. â€Å"No offense, boss man. You'll see.† Luis was unmoved. â€Å"Beefeater's for peasants.† â€Å"Jamie,† I tried, â€Å"about Milton – â€Å" â€Å"Peasants!† I don't think Luis could've insulted Jamie more if he'd called his mother names. â€Å"Beefeater is a refined drink, for a refined palate. You know I have infinite respect for you, but clearly, despite your years of worldly experience . . . well . . .† Jamie drunkenly groped for an eloquent way to finish his speech. â€Å"You're wrong.† Luis laughed, something I couldn't help but think Jerome most definitely wouldn't have done if one of his subordinates said he was wrong. â€Å"We'll see, my friend. It's a complex matter really, coming down to an analysis of both base ingredients and the distillation process.† â€Å"Jamie – † I attempted again. â€Å"That,† declared Jamie, â€Å"we can both agree on. And Beefeater is vastly superior in both.† â€Å"Give it up, Fleur,† Bastien told me in a low voice, eyes twinkling. â€Å"You can't compete with gin. Better luck tomorrow.† I started to protest, but further listening to Luis and Jamie's debate told me Bastien was right. Jamie was so fixated on defending his gin's honor that I doubt he would've even remembered me asking about Milton. â€Å"Will he be sober tomorrow?† I asked skeptically. â€Å"No,† said Phoebe. â€Å"But he's usually a little less drunk during the first half of the day.† The gin arrived, and Luis and Jamie became totally consumed with conducting â€Å"scientific† examinations on it, involving scent and surface tension. I didn't really see how the latter made that much of a difference in a taste test, but they seemed to think it was a pretty serious matter. â€Å"Dear God,† I murmured, amazed. Bastien finished off his cocktail. â€Å"When things turn serious, it's time for me to leave. What do you say, ladies? Would you like to go search out the clubs for some companionship ?† â€Å"I've got an early day tomorrow,† Phoebe said with regret. â€Å"I should probably just go home now. But you'll be at practice tomorrow, right?† â€Å"I guess so,† I said. â€Å"I told Matthias I would.† Despite ostensibly being involved in liquor analysis, Luis glanced over at the sound of the company manager's name. â€Å"Oh? Did you arrange the introduction?† I nodded. â€Å"Phoebe got me signed on.† Luis looked pleased. â€Å"Excellent. Are you happy with it?† The question surprised me, but then I remembered his earlier comment upon my arrival, about how he wanted happy employees. â€Å"I think so. I think it'll be a lot of fun.† â€Å"Good. And what did you think of Matthias?† That one was really a surprise. â€Å"I thought he was nice. Do you know him?† â€Å"Only by reputation,† said Luis. I was about to use the interruption to ask Jamie about Milton again, but before I could, Luis effortlessly slipped back to gin science, effectively blocking me from the imp's attention. Tomorrow, I decided. â€Å"You know,† said Phoebe slyly. â€Å"I could help you find Matthias if you wanted to see him tonight.† Even afloat on vodka gimlets, I still knew the right and wrong surrounding any sort of casual romance with Matthias. If I was going to hook up with anyone while I was here, it wasn't going to be anybody I would ever consider seriously. I flashed her and Bastien my best saucy succubus smile. â€Å"Nah, too tame. I'm not here to settle down yet. Let's find something wilder and do this Vegas weekend right.† Bastien whooped with joy and caught hold of my hand. As he led me away, telling me about â€Å"this perfect dance club,† I caught sight of Luis's face. He was nodding at Jamie, still seemingly interested in their debate . . . but there was something about the satisfied, knowing smile on Luis's lips that made me think it wasn't just the gin he was so happy about.

PERFECT ADMISSION ESSAY

PERFECT ADMISSION ESSAY Admission essays are written for several main purposes. First main reason is to get to know the personal reasons why a student chose to enter particular college, course or university. Second, the perfect admission essay must state what are the major benefits a student is about to receive at this particular school. Third important aspect is what a student is ready to contribute to it. Admission essay is written in a form of an answer that will show a student’s personal case in   larger perspective. For example, regular section of college application cannot provide full insight on student’s personality. An admission essay can do a much better job. It will also show how this particular student differs from the other students with his experience, background and talents. To be true, the admission essay gives college or university admission committee a chance to whether particular applicant will be selected or not. perfect-admission-essay The initial goal of perfect admission essay writing is to show a unique type of character and to convince the admission committee that he deserves be accepted. This is done through a proper writing skills and personal ability to coherent thoughts organization. The number of admission essay topics is growing with each day. Here is a great tip. Choose most interesting admission essay topics, and create a top-ten admission essay topics list. They can be selected from different categories such as famous plays or movies, massive sport events, different eras of history, famous books and favorite actors or people, etc. Proceed with topics list review and pick a topic that has much positive influence on one’s life. Essay writing starts with a section that describes a person (yourself). Major admission essay writing tip is to find a particular focus and concentrate on positive sides of the chosen experience. Important emphasis is the accentuation of individual learnt experience from coping with the life situation one is writing about.

Why transfer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why transfer - Essay Example We helped raise funds in order to build the bridge, because many children die when crossing the river during flood seasons. I discovered that, though the bridge project was going well, the basic living conditions in the village had not improved.  However, when I visited another village in a different province in China, I was completely shocked to find that the people led progressive lives, while keeping their tradition and culture intact. Instead of remaining in a progressive rut, they parlayed what they knew of their traditional culture into a briskly functioning art and handicraft industry. They actually had a working business model that I did not expect to see in such a backward village. I realized that my dream to help the other village by spoon feeding them was wrong. When I explained to my father that we could actually do much more for the village than what we were already doing, he told me that I had the right idea. But without a solid foundation in Business and Economics, I would not be able to put my theories and plans into reality. Then I realized what my true calling was, and began to follow this new career path. Upon my return to UW, I enrolled in Economics courses and utilizd my free time in a manner that would allow me to mingle and discuss economic theories with my classmates and professors. My diligence and desire have a highly positive relation to the grades that I got in those Economics centered classes. I was averaging a 4.0 in my Macroeconomics, Statistics, and Business Law classes. I enjoyed dipping my feet in the School of Business and Economics pool, and my interest was further fueled by my participation in an information technology project at the Foster School of Business at UW. My impressive performance has convinced me that I am truly ready to become a Business and Economics

The body is a tool through which to construct the self Essay

The body is a tool through which to construct the self - Essay Example The concept of using the body to represent ideas about the self is quite ancient. Not all citizens have always had the chance to express their true selves through their bodies. For instance, for a long time, it was male artists who defined feminine qualities because women were not expected to have any ideas about the functions of their own bodies. Male artists would produce idealisations of the female shape that were not accurate. This affected how women perceived themselves. It is important for all individuals to feel that they can express their identities through their bodies without being held to a pre-established false standard of themselves. The body was used as a canvas for self-expression by the earliest humans that existed 30,000 years ago. According to Grezes, Pichon, and de Gelder (2007), archaeologists have found ochre deposits and handprints in caves in different parts of the world that are indicative of body painting functions. Ancient burial mounds of civilisations that existed thousands of years ago also show indications of body changing operations such as flattened skulls, or elongated heads. This proves that ancient civilisations engaged in head shaping practices to express aspects that their communities believed in. From such characteristics, it is obvious that even in ancient civilisations community members would make marks on their bodies that were expressions of social status, individuality, or cultural identity. People did not just construct their selves through their bodies by means of markings, however. They also used socially accepted forms of body expression such as dance. According to Hogan and Strasburger (2008), dance includes the physical movement of the body to the accompaniment of music. It is accurate to say that dance has been used as a way of one or more individuals communicating with others. Before the invention of written language, many communities would use dance to express themselves and even communicate stories between