International Cooperation to Save Aral Sea Article

International Cooperation to Save Aral Sea - Article Example This has beena source of health problems among the residents (Circle of Blue | WaterNews ). As a response, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon asks for an international cooperation, particulay involving the regional leaders of Central Asia, however this call has faced several oppositions especially to the proposed hydroelectric power plant in Tajikistan. Calls for regional and international cooperation to support environmental policies have never been easy; whether it is a climate change or other environmental issues. Culprits have never been kind enough to take responsibilities. Even in this case, Uzbekistan has not shown any sign of voluntary effort to save the sea. The United Nations should serve as the parent organization of all the countries and is just fitting to take the initiative. However, what we lack right now is the international environmental law that will cover such issues. Economists have also been in the pursuit of viable solution, particularly solutions that support the individual interest of the states. If we have such type of solution and strong environmental laws, international cooperation will be much more easier.

Sourcing and Securing Talent Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Sourcing and Securing Talent - Essay Example Delta Service has high hopes for this new division and they want a 'contribution mentality' in place. As the newly appointed HR Manager for this company, I have been tasked to take charge of recruiting and sourcing new talents for the new division. Further, to be able to achieve a 'contribution mentality', I have been tasked to present an appropriate reward and recognition system. With thorough research and analysis, here is the report on how the division will be made. Recruitment and Selection At present time, recruiting new talents to a company is very competitive. Bolton (1997) states that there are many companies who invest on recruitment strategies to make sure they have the best talents on board. Employees are essential and compose a big part of the success of the organization and McKenna & Beech (2009) also agrees with this. And with Delta Service's new division, the company will need both new and experienced employees to form the technological innovation team. The team is to be composed of a Technical Director and three Project Officers. For the position of the Technical Director, we are looking for someone who has at least 10 years of experience in the field. For the Project Officer position, I believe it will be best to get a mix of experienced and new talents. This will allow for a good mix of ideas and creativity. In sourcing for these new employees, it is best to do the outsourcing method. By outsourcing employees, it is more probable to get fresh and new ideas for innovative products say Taplin (2007). However, the Technical Director position is an exception. Insourcing method can be done when looking for a Technical director especially if the person has been with the company for years and completely understands the new strategy of Delta Services. He will make a good leader as he knows the direction and appropriate measures to take with his new team. Here are the categories of employees that are best to employ for the new division of the company: It includes the newly graduated students, employees who has at least two years of work experience in the technological field, former employees of technological companies and employees who has at least 8-10 years of experience as a Technical Director. Now, let us proceed with the recruitment process. Again, recruiting new and quality employees can be a difficult task but definitely not impossible. In the recruitment process, we are to take both old and new strategies to make sure we cover all venues of recruitment. Tyson (1997) & Mathis & Jackson (1991) state that traditional methods include posting job advertisements physically and online and these methods are still very effective up to date. We are also taking in new methods of recruitment to reach more people. If we are to target newly graduates, Delta Services can offer attractive mentored internship programs. We can also launch a recruitment team for a job fair. We can post advertisements and job listings in key areas like colle ges, universities and youth centers. Now, the recruitment for the Technical Director will need to be more specific. The executive search for this position can be done by the board members directly or by hiring an executive search company says Geuetal (2009). Most often, it is best to find a person for this position directly. Again, insourcing an employee for this position is a good decision. However, outsourcing for more experienced Technical Directors can

Single Molecule Magnets and Single Chain Magnets Analysis

Single Molecule Magnets and Single Chain Magnets Analysis The structures and magnetic properties: molecular nanomagnets phenolic oxime complexes GUAN Shengyang Table of Contents (Jump to) 1 Introduction 1.1 Research background 1.2 Introduction to nanomagnets 1.2.1 Single molecule magnet 1.2.2 Single Chain magnet (magnetic nanowires) 1.3 Structure of phenolic oxime and complexes 2 Researches 2.1 Iron complex 2.2 Manganese complexes 2.3 Complex containing cobalt and sodium ions 2.4 Complex containing lanthanide 3 Conclusion 4 Bibliography Abstract The basic concepts needed to understand and model singlechain magnets will also be reviewed. 1 Introduction 1.1 Research background The researches on molecular nanomagnets began from 1990s, when the first single molecule magnet (SMM) [Mn12O12(O2CPh)16(H2O)4 was researched by Christougroup of University of Florida. [GS1]This mixed-valent manganese complex was found to have an abnormal high spin ground state of S=10[GS2] and highest blocking temperature (below which temperature could the nanomagnets show magnetic properties) in its family ([Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)4], R = various). A large number of SMMs have been reported since then. These[GS3] kind of complexes display the classical property of magnetization hysteresis[GS4] and quantum properties of quantum tunnelling of the magnetization (QTM). These initial discoveries provide a molecular approach to nano-scale magnetism. Following investigation of single molecule magnets (SMMs) and single chain magnets (SCMs) explorers their potential applications in high-density information storage[GS5], quantum computing[GS6], magnetic refrigeration [GS7]and so on. However, to date, nanomagnets discovered have very low blocking temperature (TB). So it is very important to choose appropriate chelate ligands and corresponding metal centres to construct a proper complex with properties to improve blocking temperature (TB) for practical application. Phenolic oxime is a family of compounds with generic structure shown in Figure 1. The phenolate and oxime function groups could form intramolecular hydrogen bonding with its neighbour. These hydrogen bonding resulting in strong coordination effect on metal ions. Such property makes phenolic oxime a good extractant for copper[GS8] in mining industry. Detailed discussion of the phenolic oxime complex structure will be introduced in SECTION 1.3 . Figure 1 general structure of phenolic oxime In this review, knowledge of nanomagnets will be introduced firstly to provide an overview of this field. Then the structure and magnetic properties of compounds with phenolic oxime ligand will be introduced. New techniques applied in synthesis will also be included. It is hoped that this review could be used to assess the potential of phenolic oxime ligand in high performance nanomagnets. 1.2 Introduction to nanomagnets 1.2.1 Single molecule magnet It is helpful to describe the basic theory of SMM with an example. The first single molecule magnet (SMM) [Mn12O12(O2CCH3 )16(H2O) 4] 4H2O ·2CH3CO2H[GS9] was determined to have an S=10 ground spin state, which is contributed by the antiferromagnetic interactions between 4 MnIV ions and 8 MnIII ions[GS10]. However, not like normal size magnet, SMM shows slow magnetic relaxation below a characteristic blocking temperature. This phenomenon is explained by the exist of an energy barrier in reorientation process of magnetic moment. Sessoli et.al. confirmed there exists a relatively large zero-field splitting in this molecule by high-field EPR experiments with a CO2 far-infrared laser. This axial zero-field splitting leads to a splitting of the S=10 state into 21 levels: -10 , -9 , -8, -7, -6 , -5†¦0, 1, 2, 3†¦8, 9, 10. Each level is characterized by a spin projection quantum number ms, corresponding potential energy: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦..(1) D:axial zero-field splitting parameter. In [Mn12O12(O2CCH3 )16(H2O) 4] 4H2O ·2CH3CO2H D=-0.5cm-1 Figure 2 Figure 1. PovRay representation of the core of[Mn12O12(O2CCH3 )16(H2O) 4] 4H2O ·2CH3CO2H, showing the relative positions of the MnIV ions (shaded circles), MnIII ions (solid circles), and  µ3-O2 bridges (open circles[GS11]). Figure 3: Plot of potential energy of different spin state versus magnetization direction From Figure 3, it could be known that the splitting of potential energy levels resulting in a potential energy barrier in the process of changing the magnetic moment. For the example SMM, this barrier equals to E(ms=0)-E(ms=à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±10à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡)=100D. Due to the small value of D, this barrier could be easily crossed in room temperature. If sample SMM is magnetized at 1.5K, the magnetic relaxation time becomes too long to measure. When fitted into Arrhenius relationship: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦(2) The magnetic anisotropy of the SMM is caused by the structure of the eight MnIII ions. Each MnIII ion with in octahedral crystal shows Jahn–Teller distortion. These distortion[GS12] together with spin-orbital interaction give rise to the easy axis type of magnetoanisotropy. To conclude, a typical SMM consists of an inner magnetic core with a surrounding shell of organic ligands. The desired SMM requires well isolated system which exhibit high spin ground state (S) with a high magnetic anisotropy of the easy-axis (Ising) type. The difficulty is: high spin ground state often requests for several nucleuses, but the magnetic orientation of each nuclei tends to obey Maximum Entropy Models. In this way, the highest magnetoanisotropy of a molecule couldn’t be achieved easily. Some researches show that replacing magnetic core with lanthanide[GS13] ions or using single nuclearity spincluster [GS14]could avoid this problem. Their approaches will be discussed in SECTION 2. 1.2.2 Single Chain magnet (magnetic nanowires) While clusters of SMM can be considered as zero dimensional material, it is possible that one dimensional materials such as nanowires exhibit slow magnetic relaxation and hysteresis effects which are not associated with three-dimensional (3D) order. At 1963, Glauber[GS15] predicted one dimension Ising model (easy axial) would show magnetization relaxation under low temperature. Due to insufficient knowledge in this area and stringent conditions required in the synthesis procedure, chemist wasn’t be able to find any evidences to support or against the prediction, until Gatteschi et al successfully synthesis [Co(hfac)2(NITPhOMe[GS16])] in 2001. Figure 4 Structure of NITPhOMe=4†²-methoxy-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide Figure 5 Drawing of unit cell of[Co(hfac)2(NITPhOMe)2]. Large dark spheres represent the metal ions. Hydrogen, fluorine, and most of the methyl carbon atoms have been omitted for clarity The structure of the SCM consists of Co(hfac)2 and radicals arranged in helices alternately( Figure 5). In this one dimensional structure, the magnetic core (octahedral cobalt(II) centres) has overall S=1/2 and shows easy axis of magnetization in the chain direction[SG17]. Detailed analysis of spectrums could be found in Caneschi’s report in 2001. To conclude, three essential conditions are need for design SCMs: 1) the ratio of the interaction and interactions is very large. 2) the material must behave as a 1D Ising ferro- or ferrimagnet. This requires the building block or the core of the chain have large ground state spin. 3) the interchain interactions should be minimized to avoid the magnetism of the material be associated with three-dimensional (3D) order. This final condition also apply for SMMs. 1.3 Structure of phenolic oxime and complexes Metal complexes with a planar, electronically delocalized structure have proven particularly attractive for development of cooperative electronic properties because of the strong molecule–molecule interactions that can arise from Ï€-stacking of the planar units 2 Researches 2.1 3d nanomagnet Many 3d nanomagnets have been synthesized and researched on since the first SMM was discovered. f hexanuclear MnIII SMMs based on the complex [MnIII6O2(sao)6(O2CH)2(EtOH)4](saoH2=salicylaldoxime[GS18])9-12 Spin Switching via Targeted Structural Distortion 2.2 Iron complex Variation of alkyl groups on the ligand fromt-octyl ton-propyl enabled electronic isolation of the complexes in the crystal structures of M(L1)2contrasting with Ï€-stacking interactions for M(L2)2(M = Ni, Cu). This was evidenced by a one-dimensional antiferromagnetic chain for Cu(L2)2but ideal paramagnetic behaviour for Cu(L1)2down to 1.8 K. 2.3 Complex containing cobalt and sodium ions 2.4 Complex containing lanthanide Although many magnetic transition metal complexes have been synthesised, the temperature required for transition metal complex to exhibit magnetization relaxation (i.e. blocking temperature) is too low. Hence lanthanide metals were introduced to the complex to increase the blocking temperature. 4 Bibliography [GS1]R. Sessoli, H.-L. Tsai, A.R. Schake, S. Wang,  J.B. Vincent, K. Folting, D. Gatteschi, G. Christou,  and D.N. Hendrickson, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 115  (1993) p. 1804. Sessoli, R.; Tsai, H.-L.; Schake, A.R.; Wang, S.; Vincent, J.B.; Folting, K.; Gatteschi, D.; Christou, G.; Hendrickson, D.N.J. Am. Chem. Soc.1993, 115, 1804-1816.  [GS2]à ¥Ã‚ Ã…’à ¤Ã‚ ¸Ã…  Ãƒ ¦-†¡ [GS3]Resonant magnetization tunnelling in the half-integer-spin single-molecule magnet [PPh4][Mn12O12(O2CEt)16(H2O)4] â€Å"Spin Tweaking† of a High-Spin Molecule: An Mn25Single-Molecule Magnet with anS=61/2 Ground State New Routes to Polymetallic Clusters: Fluoride-Based Tri-, Deca-, and Hexaicosametallic MnIIIClusters and their Magnetic Properties Molecular Cube of ReIIand MnIIThat Exhibits Single-Molecule Magnetism Syntheses, structures and single-molecule magnetic behaviors of two dicubane Mn4complexes [GS4]Macroscopic Measurement of Resonant Magnetization Tunneling in High-Spin Molecules

Use of the Dramatic Monologue in Porphyrias Lover and My Last Duchess

In 'Porphyria's Lover' and 'My Last Duchess', Browning uses several features of dramatic monologue in order to engage and sustain the interest of the audience. This style of monologue is spoken by a character, which is not the poet, and is usually projected at a critical moment, as in the case of 'My Last Duchess' and 'Porphyria's Lover'. The speakers unintentionally reveal their insanity, in both poems, through their separate accounts. By making a comparison of the two poems, it becomes clear that Browning has used similar disturbing themes to illustrate what an individual is capable of doing. Browning's work is known to be an example of dramatic monologue, with this being the way in which he is able to portray the insanity of his characters. By using the technique of dramatic monologue in 'Porphyria's Lover' and 'My Last Duchess', the reader is immediately given an image of both of the narrators' subjects. The opening line is vital to any poem, as it has the potential to instantly interest the reader. "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall" begins 'My Last Duchess' halfway through the conversation, leaving the audience eager to determine to whom the speaker is talking to. This statement also hints that the story of his "last duchess" will follow, thus sustaining the interest of the audience. By using dramatic monologue in 'My Last Duchess', the reader feels personally involved in the scene, as if the Duke is directly talking to him. In fact the Duke is speaking to an emissary, who has been sent by a Count to see whether the Duke is an appropriate suitor for his daughter. The lack of response from this envoy however gives the... ...g more of a passionate poem. The poem also uses iamic tetrameter, in order to stress the importance of different syllables of words in the poem. 'Porphyria's Lover' concludes with a rhyming couplet in order to tidy up and close the piece. In conclusion, Browning uses dramatic monologue in 'Porphyria's Lover' and 'My Last Duchess' in order to engage and sustain the interest of the audience. Various factors, such as the state of mind of both characters, use of language (particularly imagery) and the lay out of the poem contributed to the effectiveness of the poems. When studying comparisons and contrasts in the poems, it becomes clear that Browning has used the same methods of aiming to disturb the reader in both 'Porphyria's Lover' and 'My Last Duchess', although different ways in which to alarm the audience are used.

The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 20. COMPROMISE

EVERYTHING WAS READY. I was packed for my two-day visit with â€Å"Alice,† and my bag waited for me on the passenger seat of my truck. I'd given the concert tickets to Angela, Ben, and Mike. Mike was going to take Jessica, which was exactly as I'd hoped. Billy had borrowed Old Quil Ateara's boat and invited Charlie down for some open sea fishing before the afternoon game started. Collin and Brady, the two youngest werewolves, were staying behind to protect La Push – though they were just children, both of them only thirteen. Still, Charlie would be safer than anyone left in Forks. I had done all that I could do. I tried to accept that, and put the things that were outside of my control out of my head, for tonight at least. One way or another, this would all be over in forty-eight hours. The thought was almost comforting. Edward had requested that I relax, and I was going to do my best. â€Å"For this one night, could we try to forget everything besides just you and me?† he'd pleaded, unleashing the full force of his eyes on me. â€Å"It seems like I can never get enough time like that. I need to be with you. Just you.† That was not a hard request to agree to, though I knew that forgetting my fears would be much easier said than done. Other matters were on my mind now, knowing that we had this night to be alone, and that would help. There were some things that had changed. For instance, I was ready. I was ready to join his family and his world. The fear and guilt and anguish I was feeling now had taught me that much. I'd had a chance to concentrate on this – as I'd gazed at the moon through the clouds and rested against a werewolf – and I knew I would not panic again. The next time something came at us, I would be ready. An asset, not a liability. He would never have to make the choice between me and his family again. We would be partners, like Alice and Jasper. Next time, I would do my part. I would wait for the sword to be removed from over my head, so that Edward would be satisfied. But it wasn't necessary. I was ready. There was only one missing piece. One piece, because there were some things that had not changed, and that included the desperate way I loved him. I'd had plenty of time to think through the ramifications of Jasper and Emmett's bet – to figure out the things I was willing to lose with my humanity, and the part that I was not willing to give up. I knew which human experience I was going to insist on before I became inhuman. So we had some things to work out tonight. After everything I'd seen in the past two years, I didn't believe in the word impossible anymore. It was going to take more than that to stop me now. Okay, well, honestly, it was probably going to be much more complicated than that. But I was going to try. As decided as I was, I wasn't surprised that I still felt nervous as I drove down the long path to his house – I didn't know how to do what I was trying to do, and that guaranteed me some serious jitters. He sat in the passenger seat, fighting a smile at my slow pace. I was surprised that he hadn't insisted on taking the wheel, but tonight he seemed content to go at my speed. It was after dark when we reached the house. In spite of that, the meadow was bright in the light shining from every window. As soon as I cut the engine he was at my door, opening it for me. He lifted me from the cab with one arm, slinging my bag out of the truck bed and over his shoulder with the other. His lips found mine as I heard him kick the truck's door shut behind me. Without breaking the kiss, he swung me up so that I was cradled in his arms and carried me into the house. Was the front door already open? I didn't know. We were inside, though, and I was dizzy. I had to remind myself to breathe. This kissing did not frighten me. It wasn't like before when I could feel the fear and panic leaking through his control. His lips were not anxious, but enthusiastic now – he seemed as thrilled as I was that we had tonight to concentrate on being together. He continued to kiss me for several minutes, standing there in the entry; he seemed less guarded than usual, his mouth cold and urgent on mine. I began to feel cautiously optimistic. Perhaps getting what I wanted would not be as difficult as I'd expected it to be. No, of course it was going to be just exactly that difficult. With a low chuckle, he pulled me away, holding me at arm's length. â€Å"Welcome home,† he said, his eyes liquid and warm. â€Å"That sounds nice,† I said, breathless. He set me gently on my feet. I wrapped both my arms around him, refusing to allow any space between us. â€Å"I have something for you,† he said, his tone conversational. â€Å"Oh?† â€Å"Your hand-me-down, remember? You said that was allowable.† â€Å"Oh, that's right. I guess I did say that.† He chuckled at my reluctance. â€Å"It's up in my room. Shall I go get it?† His bedroom? â€Å"Sure,† I agreed, feeling quite devious as I wound my fingers through his. â€Å"Let's go.† He must have been eager to give me my non-present, because human velocity was not fast enough for him. He scooped me up again and nearly flew up the stairs to his room. He set me down at the door, and darted into his closet. He was back before I'd taken a step, but I ignored him and went to the huge gold bed, plopping down on the edge and then sliding to the center. I curled up in a ball, my arms wrapped around my knees. â€Å"Okay,† I grumbled. Now that I was where I wanted to be, I could afford a little reluctance. â€Å"Let me have it.† Edward laughed. He climbed onto the bed to sit next to me, and my heart thumped unevenly. Hopefully he would write that off as some reaction to him giving me presents. â€Å"A hand-me-down,† he reminded me sternly. He pulled my left wrist away from my leg, and touched the silver bracelet for just a moment. Then he gave me my arm back. I examined it cautiously. On the opposite side of the chain from the wolf, there now hung a brilliant heart- shaped crystal. It was cut in a million facets, so that even in the subdued light shining from the lamp, it sparkled. I inhaled in a low gasp. â€Å"It was my mother's.† He shrugged deprecatingly. â€Å"I inherited quite a few baubles like this. I've given some to Esme and Alice both. So, clearly, this is not a big deal in any way.† I smiled ruefully at his assurance. â€Å"But I thought it was a good representation,† he continued. â€Å"It's hard and cold.† He laughed. â€Å"And it throws rainbows in the sunlight.† â€Å"You forgot the most important similarity,† I murmured. â€Å"It's beautiful.† â€Å"My heart is just as silent,† he mused. â€Å"And it, too, is yours.† I twisted my wrist so the heart would glimmer. â€Å"Thank you. For both.† â€Å"No, thank you. It's a relief to have you accept a gift so easily. Good practice for you, too.† He grinned, flashing his teeth. I leaned into him, ducking my head under his arm and cuddling into his side. It probably felt similar to snuggling with Michelangelo's David, except that this perfect marble creature wrapped his arms around me to pull me closer. It seemed like a good place to start. â€Å"Can we discuss something? I'd appreciate it if you could begin by being open-minded.† He hesitated for a moment. â€Å"I'll give it my best effort,† he agreed, cautious now. â€Å"I'm not breaking any rules here,† I promised. â€Å"This is strictly about you and me.† I cleared my throat. â€Å"So . . . I was impressed by how well we were able to compromise the other night. I was thinking I would like to apply the same principle to a different situation.† I wondered why I was being so formal. Must be the nerves. â€Å"What would you like to negotiate?† he asked, a smile in his voice. I struggled, trying to find exactly the right words to open with. â€Å"Listen to your heart fly,† he murmured. â€Å"It's fluttering like a hummingbird's wings. Are you all right?† â€Å"I'm great.† â€Å"Please go on then,† he encouraged. â€Å"Well, I guess, first, I wanted to talk to you about that whole ridiculous marriage condition thing.† â€Å"It's only ridiculous to you. What about it?† â€Å"I was wondering . . . is that open to negotiation?† Edward frowned, serious now. â€Å"I've already made the largest concession by far and away – I've agreed to take your life away against my better judgment. And that ought to entitle me to a few compromises on your part.† â€Å"No.† I shook my head, focusing on keeping my face composed. â€Å"That part's a done deal. We're not discussing my . . . renovations right now. I want to hammer out some other details.† He looked at me suspiciously. â€Å"Which details do you mean exactly?† I hesitated. â€Å"Let's clarify your prerequisites first.† â€Å"You know what I want.† â€Å"Matrimony.† I made it sound like a dirty word. â€Å"Yes.† He smiled a wide smile. â€Å"To start with.† The shock spoiled my carefully composed expression. â€Å"There's more?† â€Å"Well,† he said, and his face was calculating. â€Å"If you're my wife, then what's mine is yours . . . like tuition money. So there would be no problem with Dartmouth.† â€Å"Anything else? While you're already being absurd?† â€Å"I wouldn't mind some time.† â€Å"No. No time. That's a deal breaker right there.† He sighed longingly. â€Å"Just a year or two?† I shook my head, my lips set in a stubborn frown. â€Å"Move along to the next one.† â€Å"That's it. Unless you'd like to talk cars . . .† He grinned widely when I grimaced, then took my hand and began playing with my fingers. â€Å"I didn't realize there was anything else you wanted besides being transformed into a monster yourself. I'm extremely curious.† His voice was low and soft. The slight edge would have been hard to detect if I hadn't known it so well. I paused, staring at his hand on mine. I still didn't know how to begin. I felt his eyes watching me and I was afraid to look up. The blood began to burn in my face. His cool fingers brushed my cheek. â€Å"You're blushing?† he asked in surprise. I kept my eyes down. â€Å"Please, Bella, the suspense is painful.† I bit my lip. â€Å"Bella.† His tone reproached me now, reminded me that it was hard for him when I kept my thoughts to myself. â€Å"Well, I'm a little worried . . . about after,† I admitted, finally looking at him. I felt his body tense, but his voice was gentle and velvet. â€Å"What has you worried?† â€Å"All of you just seem so convinced that the only thing I'm going to be interested in, afterward, is slaughtering everyone in town,† I confessed, while he winced at my choice of words. â€Å"And I'm afraid I'll be so preoccupied with the mayhem that I won't be me anymore . . . and that I won't . . . I won't want you the same way I do now.† â€Å"Bella, that part doesn't last forever,† he assured me. He was missing the point. â€Å"Edward,† I said, nervous, staring at a freckle on my wrist. â€Å"There's something that I want to do before I'm not human anymore.† He waited for me to continue. I didn't. My face was all hot. â€Å"Whatever you want,† he encouraged, anxious and completely clueless. â€Å"Do you promise?† I muttered, knowing my attempt to trap him with his words was not going to work, but unable to resist. â€Å"Yes,† he said. I looked up to see that his eyes were earnest and confused. â€Å"Tell me what you want, and you can have it.† I couldn't believe how awkward and idiotic I felt. I was too innocent – which was, of course, central to the discussion. I didn't have the faintest idea how to be seductive. I would just have to settle for flushed and self-conscious. â€Å"You,† I mumbled almost incoherently. â€Å"I'm yours.† He smiled, still oblivious, trying to hold my gaze as I looked away again. I took a deep breath and shifted forward so that I was kneeling on the bed. Then I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. He kissed me back, bewildered but willing. His lips were gentle against mine, and I could tell his mind was elsewhere – trying to figure out what was on my mind. I decided he needed a hint. My hands were slightly shaky as I unlocked my arms from around his neck. My fingers slid down his neck to the collar of his shirt. The trembling didn't help as I tried to hurry to undo the buttons before he stopped me. His lips froze, and I could almost hear the click in his head as he put together my words and my actions. He pushed me away at once, his face heavily disapproving. â€Å"Be reasonable, Bella.† â€Å"You promised – whatever I wanted,† I reminded him without hope. â€Å"We're not having this discussion.† He glared at me while he refastened the two buttons I'd managed to open. My teeth clamped together. â€Å"I say we are,† I growled. I moved my hands to my blouse and yanked open the top button. He grabbed my wrists and pinned them to my sides. â€Å"I say we're not,† he said flatly. We glowered at each other. â€Å"You wanted to know,† I pointed out. â€Å"I thought it would be something faintly realistic.† â€Å"So you can ask for any stupid, ridiculous thing you want – like getting married – but I'm not allowed to even discuss what I -â€Å" While I was ranting, he pulled my hands together to restrain them in just one of his, and put his other hand over my mouth. â€Å"No.† His face was hard. I took a deep breath to steady myself. And, as the anger began to fade, I felt something else. It took me a minute to recognize why I was staring down again, the blush returning – why my stomach felt uneasy, why there was too much moisture in my eyes, why I suddenly wanted to run from the room. Rejection washed through me, instinctive and strong. I knew it was irrational. He'd been very clear on other occasions that my safety was the only factor. Yet I'd never made myself quite so vulnerable before. I scowled at the golden comforter that matched his eyes and tried to banish the reflex reaction that told me I was unwanted and unwantable. Edward sighed. The hand over my mouth moved under my chin, and he pulled my face up until I had to look at him. â€Å"What now?† â€Å"Nothing,† I mumbled. He scrutinized my face for long moment while I tried unsuccessfully to twist away from his gaze. His brow furrowed, and his expression became horrified. â€Å"Did I hurt your feelings?† he asked, shocked. â€Å"No,† I lied. So quickly that I wasn't even sure how it happened, I was in his arms, my face cradled between his shoulder and his hand, while his thumb stroked reassuringly against my cheek. â€Å"You know why I have to say no,† he murmured. â€Å"You know that I want you, too.† â€Å"Do you?† I whispered, my voice full of doubt. â€Å"Of course I do, you silly, beautiful, oversensitive girl.† He laughed once, and then his voice was bleak. â€Å"Doesn't everyone? I feel like there's a line behind me, jockeying for position, waiting for me to make a big enough mistake. . . . You're too desirable for your own good.† â€Å"Who's being silly now?† I doubted if awkward, self-conscious, and inept added up to desirable in anyone's book. â€Å"Do I have to send a petition around to get you to believe? Shall I tell you whose names would be on the top of the list? You know a few of them, but some might surprise you.† I shook my head against his chest, grimacing. â€Å"You're just trying to distract me. Let's get back to the subject.† He sighed. â€Å"Tell me if I have anything wrong.† I tried to sound detached. â€Å"Your demands are marriage† – I couldn't say the word without making a face – â€Å"paying my tuition, more time, and you wouldn't mind if myvehicle went a little faster.† I raised my eyebrows. â€Å"Did I get everything? That's a hefty list.† â€Å"Only the first is a demand.† He seemed to be having a hard time keeping a straight face. â€Å"The others are merely requests.† â€Å"And my lone, solitary little demand is -â€Å" â€Å"Demand?† he interrupted, suddenly serious again. â€Å"Yes, demand.† His eyes narrowed. â€Å"Getting married is a stretch for me. I'm not giving in unless I get something in return.† He leaned down to whisper in my ear. â€Å"No,† he murmured silkily. â€Å"It's not possible now. Later, when you're less breakable. Be patient, Bella.† I tried to keep my voice firm and reasonable. â€Å"But that's the problem. It won't be the same when I'm less breakable. I won't be the same! I don't know who I'll be then.† â€Å"You'll still be Bella,† he promised. I frowned. â€Å"If I'm so far gone that I'd want to kill Charlie – that I'd drink Jacob's blood or Angela's if I got the chance – how can that be true?† â€Å"It will pass. And I doubt you'll want to drink the dog's blood.† He pretended to shudder at the thought. â€Å"Even as a newborn, you'll have better taste than that.† I ignored his attempt to sidetrack me. â€Å"But that will always be what I want most, won't it?† I challenged. â€Å"Blood, blood, and more blood!† â€Å"The fact that you are still alive is proof that that is not true,† he pointed out. â€Å"Over eighty years later,† I reminded him. â€Å"What I meant was physically, though. Intellectually, I know I'll be able to be myself . . . after a while. But just purely physically – I will always be thirsty, more than anything else.† He didn't answer. â€Å"So I will be different,† I concluded unopposed. â€Å"Because right now, physically, there's nothing I want more than you. More than food or water or oxygen. Intellectually, I have my priorities in a slightly more sensible order. But physically . . .† I twisted my head to kiss the palm of his hand. He took a deep breath. I was surprised that it sounded a little unsteady. â€Å"Bella, I could kill you,† he whispered. â€Å"I don't think you could.† Edward's eyes tightened. He lifted his hand from my face and reached quickly behind himself for something I couldn't see. There was a muffled snapping sound, and the bed quivered beneath us. Something dark was in his hand; he held it up for my curious examination. It was a metal flower, one of the roses that adorned the wrought iron posts and canopy of his bed frame. His hand closed for a brief second, his fingers contracting gently, and then it opened again. Without a word, he offered me the crushed, uneven lump of black metal. It was a cast of the inside of his hand, like a piece of play dough squeezed in a child's fist. A half-second passed, and the shape crumbled into black sand in his palm. I glared. â€Å"That's not what I meant. I already know how strong you are. You didn't have to break the furniture.† â€Å"What did you mean then?† he asked in a dark voice, tossing the handful of iron sand to the corner of the room; it hit the wall with a sound like rain. His eyes were intent on my face as I struggled to explain. â€Å"Obviously not that you aren't physically able hurt me, if you wanted to . . . More that, you don't want to hurt me . . . so much so that I don't think that you ever could.† He started shaking his head before I was done. â€Å"It might not work like that, Bella.† â€Å"Might,† I scoffed. â€Å"You have no more idea what you're talking about than I do.† â€Å"Exactly. Do you imagine I would ever take that kind of risk with you?† I stared into his eyes for a long minute. There was no sign of compromise, no hint of indecision in them. â€Å"Please,† I finally whispered, hopeless. â€Å"It's all I want. Please.† I closed my eyes in defeat, waiting for the quick and final no. But he didn't answer immediately. I hesitated in disbelief, stunned to hear that his breathing was uneven again. I opened my eyes, and his face was torn. â€Å"Please?† I whispered again, my heartbeat picking up speed. My words tumbled out as I rushed to take advantage of the sudden uncertainty in his eyes. â€Å"You don't have to make me any guarantees. If it doesn't work out right, well, then that's that. Just let us try . . . only try. And I'll give you what you want,† I promised rashly. â€Å"I'll marry you. I'll let you pay for Dartmouth, and I won't complain about the bribe to get me in. You can even buy me a fast car if that makes you happy! Just . . . please.† His icy arms tightened around me, and his lips were at my ear; his cool breath made me shiver. â€Å"Thisis unbearable. So many things I've wanted to give you – and this is what you decide to demand. Do you have any idea how painful it is, trying to refuse you when you plead with me this way?† â€Å"Then don't refuse,† I suggested breathlessly. He didn't respond. â€Å"Please,† I tried again. â€Å"Bella . . .† He shook his head slowly, but it didn't feel like a denial as his face, his lips, moved back and forth across my throat. It felt more like surrender. My heart, racing already, spluttered frantically. Again, I took what advantage I could. When his face turned toward mine with the slow movement of his indecision, I twisted quickly in his arms till my lips reached his. His hands seized my face, and I thought he was going to push me away again. I was wrong. His mouth was not gentle; there was a brand-new edge of conflict and desperation in the way his lips moved. I locked my arms around his neck, and, to my suddenly overheated skin, his body felt colder than ever. I trembled, but it was not from the chill. He didn't stop kissing me. I was the one who had to break away, gasping for air. Even then his lips did not leave my skin, they just moved to my throat. The thrill of victory was a strange high; it made me feel powerful. Brave. My hands weren't unsteady now; I got through with the buttons on his shirt this time easily, and my fingers traced the perfect planes of his icy chest. He was too beautiful. What was the word he'd used just now? Unbearable – that was it. His beauty was too much to bear. . . . I pulled his mouth back to mine, and he seemed just as eager as I was. One of his hands still cupped my face, his other arm was tight around my waist, straining me closer to him. It made it slightly more difficult as I tried to reach the front of my shirt, but not impossible. Cold iron fetters locked around my wrists, and pulled my hands above my head, which was suddenly on a pillow. His lips were at my ear again. â€Å"Bella,† he murmured, his voice warm and velvet. â€Å"Would you please stop trying to take your clothes off?† â€Å"Do you want to do that part?† I asked, confused. â€Å"Not tonight,† he answered softly. His lips were slower now against my cheek and jaw, all the urgency gone. â€Å"Edward, don't -,† I started to argue. â€Å"I'm not saying no,† he reassured me. â€Å"I'm just saying not tonight.† I thought about that while my breathing slowed. â€Å"Give me one good reason why tonight is not as good as any other night.† I was still breathless; it made the frustration in my voice less impressive. â€Å"I wasn't born yesterday.† He chuckled inmy ear. â€Å"Out of the two of us, which do you think is more unwilling to give the other what they want? You just promised to marry me before you do any changing, but if I give in tonight, what guarantee do I have that you won't go running off to Carlisle in the morning? I am – clearly – much less reluctant to give you what you want. Therefore . . . you first.† I exhaled with a loud huff. â€Å"I have to marry you first?† I asked in disbelief. â€Å"That's the deal – take it or leave it. Compromise, remember?† His arms wrapped around me, and he began kissing me in a way that should be illegal. Too persuasive – it was duress, coercion. I tried to keep a clear head . . . and failed quickly and absolutely. â€Å"I think that's a really bad idea,† I gasped when he let me breathe. â€Å"I'm not surprised you feel that way.† He smirked. â€Å"You have a one-track mind.† â€Å"How did this happen?† I grumbled. â€Å"I thought I was holding my own tonight – for once – and now, all of a sudden -â€Å" â€Å"You're engaged,† he finished. â€Å"Ew! Please don't say that out loud.† â€Å"Are you going back on your word?† he demanded. He pulled away to read my face. His expression was entertained. He was having fun. I glared at him, trying to ignore the way his smile made my heart react. â€Å"Are you?† he pressed. â€Å"Ugh!† I groaned. â€Å"No. I'm not. Are you happy now?† His smile was blinding. â€Å"Exceptionally.† I groaned again. â€Å"Aren't you happy at all?† He kissed me again before I could answer. Another too-persuasive kiss. â€Å"A little bit,† I admitted when I could speak. â€Å"But not about getting married.† He kissed me another time. â€Å"Do you get the feeling that everything is backward?† he laughed in my ear. â€Å"Traditionally, shouldn't you be arguing my side, and I yours?† â€Å"There isn't much that's traditional about you and me.† â€Å"True.† He kissed me again, and kept going until my heart was racing and my skin was flushed. â€Å"Look, Edward,† I murmured, my voice wheedling, when he paused to kiss the palm of my hand. â€Å"I said I would marry you, and I will. I promise. I swear. If you want, I'll sign a contract in my own blood.† â€Å"Not funny,† he murmured against the inside of my wrist. â€Å"What I'm saying is this – I'm not going to trick you or anything. You know me better than that. So there's really no reason to wait. We're completely alone – how often does that happen? – and you've provided this very large and comfortable bed. . . .† â€Å"Not tonight,† he said again. â€Å"Don't you trust me?† â€Å"Of course I do.† Using the hand that he was still kissing, I pulled his face back up to where I could see his expression. â€Å"Then what's the problem? It's not like you didn't know you were going to win in the end.† I frowned and muttered, â€Å"You always win.† â€Å"Just hedging my bets,† he said calmly. â€Å"There's something else,† I guessed, my eyes narrowing. There was a defensiveness about his face, a faint hint of some secret motive he was trying to hide behind his casual manner. â€Å"Are you planning to go back on your word?† â€Å"No,† he promised solemnly. â€Å"I swear to you, we will try. After you marry me.† I shook my head, and laughed glumly. â€Å"You make me feel like a villain in a melodrama – twirling my mustache while I try to steal some poor girl's virtue.† His eyes were wary as they flashed across my face, then he quickly ducked down to press his lips against my collarbone. â€Å"That's it, isn't it?† The short laugh that escaped me was more shocked than amused. â€Å"You're trying to protect your virtue!† I covered my mouth with my hand to muffle the giggle that followed. The words were so . . . old-fashioned. â€Å"No, silly girl,† he muttered against my shoulder. â€Å"I'm trying to protect yours. And you're making it shockinglydifficult.† â€Å"Of all the ridiculous -â€Å" â€Å"Let me ask you something,† he interrupted quickly. â€Å"We've had this discussion before, but humor me. How many people in this room have a soul? A shot at heaven, or whatever there is after this life?† â€Å"Two,† I answered immediately, my voice fierce. â€Å"All right. Maybe that's true. Now, there's a world full of dissension about this, but the vast majority seem to think that there are some rules that have to be followed.† â€Å"Vampire rules aren't enough for you? You want to worry about the human ones too?† â€Å"It couldn't hurt.† He shrugged. â€Å"Just in case.† I glared at him through narrowed eyes. â€Å"Now, of course, it might be too late for me, even if you are right about my soul.† â€Å"No, it isn't,† I argued angrily. â€Å"‘Thou shalt not kill' is commonly accepted by most major belief systems. And I've killed a lot of people, Bella.† â€Å"Only the bad ones.† He shrugged. â€Å"Maybe that counts, maybe it doesn't. But you haven't killed anyone -â€Å" â€Å"That you know about,† I muttered. He smiled, but otherwise ignored the interruption. â€Å"And I'm going to do my best to keep you out of temptation's way.† â€Å"Okay. But we weren't fighting over committing murder,† I reminded him. â€Å"The same principle applies – the only difference is that this is the one area in which I'm just as spotless as you are. Can't I leave one rule unbroken?† â€Å"One?† â€Å"You know that I've stolen, I've lied, I've coveted . . . my virtue is all I have left.† He grinned crookedly. â€Å"I lie all the time.† â€Å"Yes, but you're such a bad liar that it doesn't really count. Nobody believes you.† â€Å"I really hope you're wrong about that – because otherwise Charlie is about to burst through the door with a loaded gun.† â€Å"Charlie is happier when he pretends to swallow your stories. He'd rather lie to himself than look too closely.† He grinned at me. â€Å"But what did you ever covet?† I asked doubtfully. â€Å"You have everything.† â€Å"I coveted you.† His smile darkened. â€Å"I had no right to want you – but I reached out and took you anyway. And now look what's become of you! Trying to seduce a vampire.† He shook his head in mock horror. â€Å"You can covet what's already yours,† I informed him. â€Å"Besides, I thought it was my virtue you were worried about.† â€Å"It is. If it's too late for me . . . Well, I'll be damned – no pun intended – if I'll let them keep you out, too.† â€Å"You can't make me go somewhere you won't be,† I vowed. â€Å"That's my definition of hell. Anyway, I have an easy solution to all this: let's never die, all right?† â€Å"Sounds simple enough. Why didn't I think of that?† He smiled at me until I gave up with an angry humph. â€Å"So that's it. You won't sleep with me until we're married.† â€Å"Technically, I can't ever sleep with you.† I rolled my eyes. â€Å"Very mature, Edward.† â€Å"But, other than that detail, yes, you've got it right.† â€Å"I think you have an ulterior motive.† His eyes widened innocently. â€Å"Another one?† â€Å"You know this will speed things up,† I accused. He tried not to smile. â€Å"There is only one thing I want to speed up, and the rest can wait forever . . . but for that, it's true, your impatient human hormones are my most powerful ally at this point.† â€Å"I can't believe I'm going along with this. When I think of Charlie . . . and Rene! Can you imagine what Angela will think? Or Jessica? Ugh. I can hear the gossip now.† He raised one eyebrow at me, and I knew why. What did it matter what they said about me when I leaving soon and not coming back? Was I really so oversensitive that I couldn't bear a few weeks of sidelong glances and leading questions? Maybe it wouldn't bug me so much if I didn't know that I would probably be gossiping just as condescendingly as the rest of them if it was someone else getting married this summer. Gah. Married this summer! I shuddered. And then, maybe it wouldn't bug me so much if I hadn't been raised to shudder at the thought of marriage. Edward interrupted my fretting. â€Å"It doesn't have to be a big production. I don't need any fanfare. You won't have to tell anyone or make any changes. We'll go to Vegas – you can wear old jeans and we'll go to the chapel with the drive-through window. I just want it to be official – that you belong to me and no one else.† â€Å"It couldn't be any more official than it already is,† I grumbled. But his description didn't sound that bad. Only Alice would be disappointed. â€Å"We'll see about that.† He smiled complacently. â€Å"I suppose you don't want your ring now?† I had to swallow before I could speak. â€Å"You suppose correctly.† He laughed at my expression. â€Å"That's fine. I'll get it on your finger soon enough.† I glared at him. â€Å"You talk like you already have one.† â€Å"I do,† he said, unashamed. â€Å"Ready to force upon you at the first sign of weakness.† â€Å"You're unbelievable.† â€Å"Do you want to see it?† he asked. His liquid topaz eyes were suddenly shining with excitement. â€Å"No!† I almost shouted, a reflex reaction. I regretted it at once. His face fell ever so slightly. â€Å"Unless you really want to show it to me,† I amended. I gritted my teeth together to keep my illogical terror from showing. â€Å"That's all right,† he shrugged. â€Å"It can wait.† I sighed. â€Å"Show me the damn ring, Edward.† He shook his head. â€Å"No.† I studied his expression for a long minute. â€Å"Please?† I asked quietly, experimenting with my newly discovered weapon. I touched his face lightly with the tips of my fingers. â€Å"Please can I see it?† His eyes narrowed. â€Å"You are the most dangerous creature I've ever met,† he muttered. But he got up and moved with unconscious grace to kneel next to the small bedside table. He was back on the bed with me in an instant, sitting beside me with one arm around my shoulder. In his other hand was a little black box. He balanced it on my left knee. â€Å"Go ahead and look, then,† he said brusquely. It was harder than it should have been to pick up the inoffensive little box, but I didn't want to hurt him again, so I tried to keep my hand from shaking. The surface was smooth with black satin. I brushed my fingers over it, hesitating. â€Å"You didn't spend a lot of money, did you? Lie to me, if you did.† â€Å"I didn't spend anything,† he assured me. â€Å"It's just another hand-me-down. This is the ring my father gave to my mother.† â€Å"Oh.† Surprise colored my voice. I pinched the lid between my thumb and forefinger, but didn't open it. â€Å"I supposed it's a little outdated.† His tone was playfully apologetic. â€Å"Old-fashioned, just like me. I can get you something more modern. Something from Tiffany's?† â€Å"I like old-fashioned things,† I mumbled as I hesitantly lifted the lid. Nestled into the black satin, Elizabeth Masen's ring sparkled in the dim light. The face was a long oval, set with slanting rows of glittering round stones. The band was gold – delicate and narrow. The gold made a fragile web around the diamonds. I'd never seen anything like it. Unthinkingly, I stroked the shimmering gems. â€Å"It's so pretty,† I murmured to myself, surprised. â€Å"Do you like it?† â€Å"It's beautiful.† I shrugged, feigning a lack of interest. â€Å"What's not to like?† He chuckled. â€Å"See if it fits.† My left hand clenched into a fist. â€Å"Bella,† he sighed. â€Å"I'm not going to solder it to your finger. Just try it on so I can see if it needs to be sized. Then you can take it right off.† â€Å"Fine,† I grumbled. I reached for the ring, but his long fingers beat me there. He took my left hand in his, and slid the ring into place on my third finger. He held my hand out, and we both examined the oval sparkling against my skin. It wasn't quite as awful as I'd feared, having it there. â€Å"A perfect fit,† he said indifferently. â€Å"That's nice – saves me a trip to the jeweler's.† I could hear some strong emotion burning under the casual tone of his voice, and I stared up at his face. It was there in his eyes, too, visible despite the careful nonchalance of his expression. â€Å"You like that, don't you?† I asked suspiciously, fluttering my fingers and thinking that it was really too bad that I had not broken my left hand. He shrugged his shoulders. â€Å"Sure,† he said, still casual. â€Å"It looks very nice on you.† I stared into his eyes, trying to decipher the emotion that smoldered just under the surface. He gazed back, and the casual pretense suddenly slipped away. He was glowing – his angel's face brilliant with joy and victory. He was so glorious that it knocked me breathless. Before I could catch that breath, he was kissing me, his lips exultant. I was lightheaded when he moved his mouth to whisper in my ear – but his breathing was just as ragged as mine. â€Å"Yes, I like it. You have no idea.† I laughed, gasping a little. â€Å"I believe you.† â€Å"Do you mind if I do something?† he murmured, his arms tightening around me. â€Å"Anything you want.† But he let me go and slid away. â€Å"Anything but that,† I complained. He ignored me, taking my hand and pulling me off the bed, too. He stood in front of me, hands on my shoulders, face serious. â€Å"Now, I want to do this right. Please, please, keep in mind that you've already agreed to this, and don't ruin it for me.† â€Å"Oh, no,† I gasped as he slid down onto one knee. â€Å"Be nice,† he muttered. I took a deep breath. â€Å"Isabella Swan?† He looked up at me through his impossibly long lashes, his golden eyes soft but, somehow, still scorching. â€Å"I promise to love you forever – every single day of forever. Will you marry me?† There were many things I wanted to say, some of them not nice at all, and others more disgustingly gooey and romantic than he probably dreamed I was capable of. Rather than embarrass myself with either, I whispered, â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Thank you,† he said simply. He took my left hand and kissed each of my fingertips before he kissed the ring that was now mine.

Unemployment, and Challenges in Saudi Arabia

Unemployment, and challenges in Saudi Arabia Is it not strange to hear of the unemployment problem from the largest oil exporter in the world? The problem of unemployment in Saudi Arabia began to appear at the beginning of the last century. In 1975, â€Å"Saudization† was launched as a way of replacing expatriate with Saudi workers for localization jobs, but after 37 years of unemployment is still one of the important topics of concern to citizen. The causes of the problem are education system, labor system, companies and foreign workers. The first cause of the unemployment problem in Saudi Arabia is education system. In fact, the education system is failing to equip young Saudis with the right skills and young Saudis are not studying the subjects the society needs. For example, about 80% of our college students graduate in history, geography, Arabic literature and Islamic studies and the remainder is for graduating in science, engineering or from the medical schools, which is not covered by labor market needs of these disciplines required. Indeed, there is mismatch between the number of graduates from public and higher education institutions and the needs of the labor market. That is one major reason for unemployment, but it is not the only one. The second cause is labor system; it is very old and needs to be modified to cope with modern developments. It also has many gaps and it is very easy to exploit. For example, one of Saudization program tools, is to increase the proportion of Saudis workers by 5% per year, but after more than 37 in the program, some companies still have rates less than 10%. In addition, some companies recorded Saudis worker names as a placebo to increase the percentage of Saudization. In short, labor systems contributed significantly to the worsening unemployment problem in Saudi Arabia, which has become the most important causes. The third cause is foreign workers. The foreign workers are cheaper and more qualified than Saudis worker, because of that many local companies and foreign investors do not want to hire Saudis. For example, many companies prefer foreign workers because of its low cost, work longer hours, and do not to ask some of the rights labor. In addition, the percentage of foreign workers in Saudi Arabia was about 31% of the total population of 27 million in 2010, and $ 29 billion were sent outside of Saudi Arabia that same year. Therefore, Saudi Arabia is dependent on foreign workers as a labor force because they will work cheaper and do work Saudis do not want to do much like the Mexican in the U. S. In conclusion, unemployment of Saudi youth is increasing. Many companies and foreign investors do not want to hire Saudis. Local companies and government departments can cater to only so many. Foreign workers convert billions of dollars annually. The causes of the problem are education system, labor system, and foreign workers. Lastly, in Saudi Arabia we are faced with issues of foreign workers that seem never ending.

A Discussion on the Effects of Geography Climate on Arab Seafaring

A Discussion on the Effects of Geography Climate on Arab Seafaring The assigned reading demonstrates how history is filled with various accounts of man’s conquest at the sea. Through the act of piercing together various evidentiary accounts dating back to prehistoric times, the reading brings into the limelight some of the factors that came into play to favor the development of sailing in the Arabian shores and beyond. The present paper relies on the reading to demonstrate how geography and climate favored the development of Arab seafaring.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on A Discussion on the Effects of Geography Climate on Arab Seafaring specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In terms of geographical orientation, it can be argued that Arab seafaring benefited a great deal by virtue of the Arabian physical location at the crossroads of important commerce routes that not only necessitated oriental trade with the Mediterranean world, but also ensured easy flow of goods via the Arabia n Peninsula, the Gulf of Suez and the Persian Gulf. It is clear from the reading that owing to its physical location at the epicenter of these natural waterways, that Arabian commerce with neighboring countries was invited to the west by the long shores of Northeast Africa and to the Northeast by the long shores of Iran. Additionally, owing to its physical location, the Arab world was in direct contact with some of the most ancient centers of wealth and civilization, including Egypt, Iran and Mesopotamia, implying that more commerce passed its way as goods were being transported from these centers to far away countries such as China and India. Wares from China and India also passed through the Arab world into these centers because Arabs had easy access to the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean. The Arab world also benefitted substantially from the Red Sea, the Nile, the Euphrates and the Tigris, which were natural channels that could be used for through traffic of goods between the Mediterranean basin and Eastern Asia. These geographical factors favored the development and growth of Arab seafaring. In terms of climate, it can be argued that Arab seafaring benefited a great deal from the monsoon winds which, according to the reading, assisted voyages both to Africa and to India. However, it should be noted that Arab ships could not stand the vigor of the southwest monsoon winds which started in July and terminated in October due to the fact that the boats were made of skins and hollowed coconut trunks, not mentioning that they were sewn with stitches of coconut fiber instead of being secured with large iron nails as was the case with Greek ships.Advertising Looking for essay on geography? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, it is imperative to mention that the Persian Gulf not only lacked craftsmen to build strong ships but the area produced little suitable timber for shipbuilding, nec essitating Arab seafarers to build their boats from coconut trunks that could easily fall apart in high seas. Consequently, owing to the unstable shape of the Arab ships as explained above, the reading suggests that Arab seafarers used the northeast monsoon to sail to countries such as India as it was not as vigorous as the southwest monsoon. All the same, it is evident that Arab seafarers benefitted a great deal from the monsoon winds as they later employed the services of the Phoenicians to build strong ships from timber fetched from Nineveh. These new ships could withstand the strong southwest monsoon winds to directly sail from Arabia to India and then return in winter using the northeast monsoon winds.

Heart of Darkness Apocalypse Now Comparison Research Paper Example

Heart of Darkness Apocalypse Now Comparison Research Paper Example Heart of Darkness Apocalypse Now Comparison Paper Heart of Darkness Apocalypse Now Comparison Paper the first of these stations was known as the Outer Station and was located near the beach. This was the point in the novel were Marlow met the accountant. The accountant in Conrads novel compares somewhat to the character in Apocalypse Now named Kilgore. You could say that they both dressed in the same manner because they were always dressed so nicely. But before Marlow got to the station he witnessed a French man-o-war firing into the desolate continent. This in a way compares to the way that Kilgore took over the beach by destroying all of its inhabitants. Although they are similar in some ways, they did have very different reasons for doing this. The French ship was firing because they supposedly saw some natives trying to attack their ship. Kilgore took the beach and killed most of its inhabitants just so he and his men could have a good time by going surfing. Although they seem different, they are still so similar because they are destroying human lives just for their entertainment. In the movie between the first and second stations Coppola added something that make it a little more interesting and show us what they are like as they slowly drift further into the darkness and chaos. I am referring to when their patrolboat stopped a boat that contained Vietnamese civilians and supplies. Because a girl made a move towards a basket the soldiers panicked and started to fire wildly, killing everybody onboard. The girl was however only wounded, but Willard coldly executed her. This scene shows us that they were all starting to lose their humanity and turn into some sort of savages. It was like they were all being engulfed by the darkness, one at a time. The next stop in their journey is the Du Lung Bridge, the last military stronghold on the river. This last military outpost somewhat relates to the place in Conrads novel known as the Central Station. This was the place in the novel where Marlow first met the man known as the brickmaker. The brickmaker, as he is known, seems to be some sort of spy for the manager to see what kind of person Marlow is. In the end he mistakes Marlow for being a very important and influential person in Europe. The only similarity between this and Apocalypse Now happened when Willard was looking for the man in charge at the bridge. Because all of the soldiers thought he was an important person, they thought Willard was the leader. The next thing that happened in both the novel and the book was the death of some of their men in ambushes along the way to Kurtzs station. In the novel, the helmsmen died because he was hit with a spear. In the movie, the helmsmen, Chief Phillips is killed by a spear also, but there is also a death of another one of their comrades-Clean. He died in a surprise attack by the Vietcong. These are the points in both the novel and the movie where the characters Marlow and Willard start to lose it. Because Marlow refuses to recognize the black helmsmans humanity, he becomes even more savage. He also believes that the mission is lost. Willard also starts to lose hope in his mission to terminate Kurtz. After these tragic deaths, they finally come upon Kurtzs station where the harlequin is waiting for them. In the novel the harlequin is portrayed as a comical Russian in colorful clothing. In the movie he is portrayed as an American Photo Journalist. They both seem to think that Kurtz is some sort of god and is a man of great intelligence and intellectual thinking. Although after closely examining the area Marlow finds a bunch of heads on posts. Marlow was not very shocked at the sight. He took this as an indication that Kurtz lacked restraint in the gratification of his lusts. Marlow assumed that Kurtz was hollow inside and needed something to fill that. The Russian was irked by Marlows attitude of distrust towards Kurtz. What I find most fascinating is Marlows idea of Kurtz being hollow. This would relate to the poem that Kurtz was reading when Willard was his prisoner-T.S. Eliots Hollow Men. After meeting the harlequin is where the two plot lines start to differ drastically. In the novel, they find Kurtz in the station and bring the sickly looking man back onto the steamer. But during the night Kurtz escapes and plans to attack the people on the steamboat. In the movie Willard is taken prisoner by Kurtz because he knew that Willard was sent here to kill him. While Willard was with Kurtz he learned that you must make a friend of horror and that its judgement that defeats us. But in both the novel and the movie, Marlow and Willard come to their senses and realize the great task remaining before them. They both eventually do kill Kurtz and put and end to his tyranny (although in the novel his death was a little more prolonged). Finally, on his deathbed Kurtz says one of his most famous lines in both the novel and the movie, The horror! The horror! It seems that Kurtz desired power and hated anyone who got in his way. It is also possible that he said this because he was angry that he did not get to finish what he was doing. There was also a similarity in something what Kurtz had once written in the novel, and what Willard had found when he was going through some of Kurtzs documents. These two statements were Exterminate all the brutes (novel) and Drop the bomb, kill them all. (movie) These two sentences are written differently but have the same exact meaning. Here the two Kurtzes sum up what their goal was. It also shows us what was going on in his head, and leads us to wonder whether we are or arent like him. Lastly, is that the endings in the novel and movie are a little different. In the movie Willard just sails away in his PT boat with Lance, but in the novel, Marlow returns home with the packet of papers Kurtz had given him. Here he eventually gives most of the documents away to people like Kurtzs relatives and reporters. But in the end, when Marlow is talking to Kurtzs wife, he does something quite astounding. He lies to her saying that her name was the last words hed spoken. He did this so she would not have to find out about Kurtzs true black heart. He wanted to keep her in her own little world of reality where she was safe from all evil. If she would have found out, it would have led her and many other Europeans to question their own civilization. The novel then ends with Marlow saying that weve been carried out to the darkness but now its coming back with the tide. The movie, Apocalypse Now, dramatically changed the way we look at Heart of Darkness. Because it is expressed visually and in simpler words it is easier to understand the novel and draw conclusions about what is in it. It also made us more aware of the parallels between the Vietnam War and the European colonization of various parts of the world. It helped to lift the veils that were preventing us from seeing the truth behind each topic. It is like what Marlow was talking about at the end of the novel. The fact that governments may be able to hide the truth for a while, but it will eventually come back to haunt them.

Carboxylic Acid and Derivatives

Chinese General Hospital Colleges First semester, AY 2013 2014 Organic Chemistry (Laboratory) Experiment no. 10 Date performed: September 5, 2013 Group 3 Names: Date submitted: September 19, 2013 De Gunman, Joanna Claries Del Mound, Marilyn Dells Rexes, Pamela L. Deal Cruz, Married Cyril M. Duran, Zenith Anne P l. Theoretical background Carboxylic acid derivatives are organic compounds containing the call group core structure attached to a Y group, which may be an electronegative atom or substitutes. The Y group acts as a leaving group in necrophilia call substitution. This mechanism is involved in hydrolysis, alcoholisms, and analysis reactions. As strong organic acids, carboxylic acids react with silver nitrate and sodium bicarbonate to form the corresponding carboxylic salts. Among the carboxylic acid derivatives, call halides are the most reactive and amides the least. Thus, the reactions of these compounds with a given reagent vary with regard to the rate, thermometric, and even the completion of the reaction. Call chlorides, due to their reactivity, are good starting materials for synthesis. Esters and amides are important functional groups in bimolecular like fats and proteins. All carboxylic acid derivatives yield the parent carboxylic acid upon reaction with water. Moreover, one derivative can be converted into another, provided the former is more reactive than the latter. II. Objectives To differentiate the reactivates of carboxylic acid derivatives. To distinguished carboxylic acid derivatives using classification tests To explain through chemical equations and mechanisms the reactions involved in each test. Ill. Materials/ Reagents needed % Ethanol Again con.

PROJECT ECONOMICS AND LAW Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

PROJECT ECONOMICS AND LAW - Coursework Example In the recent past, clients are increasingly looking for project managers that are able to deliver expected results. For this reason, it is vitally important for the managers to learn from past mistakes and strive to maintain a clean record with respect to successful project implementation and management. Among the projects that have been compounded by various challenges in the national history is the Scottish parliament project. This project belonged to the Scottish government and sought to construct a magnificent building to be used by the Scottish parliament. The project was initiated in 1998 and proposed to be completed by the dawn of the new century. However, budgetary concerns and other construction related complexities delayed its timely completion. Seemingly, the project failed dismally to meet the established project indices in light of duration and cost. This had various implications on all stakeholders. It underscored major contractual weaknesses that the country is grappling with. In order to ensure efficiency in the construction industry, these concerns need to be addressed accordingly. It is against this background that this paper provides an in depth report of the mode of failure of the contract, factors that contributed to the failure and the lessons learnt from this. To enhance a harmonic consideration, it begins by profiling the conditions of the project and appraising its effect on liability for failure. It then proceeds to detailing the nature of its failure and specific factors that contributed to this. It then concludes by discussing how the NEC contract could be used to address the experienced challenges. Relative recommendations would offer useful insights regarding how future failures would be avoided. This is at the core of the objectives of project management and thus recommendations would help in preventing future incidences of failure. The

Midnight Yoga - Industry Definition Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Midnight Yoga - Industry Definition - Assignment Example   Similarly, the organization has given children the opportunity to learn and explore in the designated forest as this allows them to grow up into individual who is creative, and those that are willing to appreciate the natural world. (Desikachar, 1999). Apparently, the industry has four dedicated individuals who have played the huge role in ensuring that all the organized charitable events receive the best audience for funding. It is worth mentioning that, these individuals have continued to engage in events that are more related to the community and particularly on the issues of environment and child help. These medications have not been without the yearning for more education as all of them are students in various universities in parts of Columbia (Kaminoff, et al., 2012). Yoga is denoted as a type of exercise that pertains to physical and mental aspects of the body with the aim of uniting the body, mind and spirit. It is carried out by both genders, and has been there since the early 60s, and has only advanced as a result of the changing world and its continuous increase in demand (Stephens, 2010). It is apparent that the popularity of Yoga industry across the world has been steady in the last five years with most countries not taking much interest. Nevertheless, the world is gradually taking much interest due to its publicity and associated benefits. To be specific, Canada is currently the leading country in the world in the popularization of yoga. In fact, it is believed that British Columbia leads the yoga popularity game, other parts of Canada such as Alberta have also followed suit in popularity (Education, 2008). Apparently, it is estimated that the rate of growth in Midnight Yoga is 78%, particularly in Canada. This has been facilitated by the urge from people to keep their body fit. Actually, it has been stipulated that most people have received the motivation for this practice for the number of reasons. To begin with, Yoga has been confirmed to enhance flexibility at around 78% in both male and female.     

Entrepreneurship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Entrepreneurship - Essay Example and urge to start a new business is not as difficult and important as sustaining the business through the full lifespan of the business lifecycle (Nowak, 1996). This essay therefore uses Zaarly as a case study of a startup business to understand from the perspective of Scott and Bruce (1987) and other scholars, what makes or unmake businesses in the first five years after they have been set up. Set up in February 2011, Zaarly is a private company founded by Eric Koester, Bo Fishback and Ian Hunter. The company is in the online retail industry with some unique dynamism that focuses on the creation of platform for users or anyone to hire a minion or sell whatever they have to sell to neighbours. Proximity is a central business idea for the founders, making Zaarly a proximity-based, real-time, and buyer-powered market platform (Steiner, 2011). Through the use of online platform, anyone can find people around them who offer services they are looking for, or products they are seeking to buy. In effect, Zaarly is a local marketplace that operates from an electronic basis. As serial entrepreneurs, each of the founders of Zaarly already has several start-ups that they personally manage. Zaarly has however been confirmed to be something different as it was set up with the objective of becoming the turning point in the online retail marketplace business (Swartz, 2011). Because of this objective, the three founders seem to have given Zaarly a lot more attention and focus, given the existing competition in the industry. Into the next five years, the company has been tagged to be a common household name for all who want to find the closest place around them where they can have their services and products provided. Shontell (2011) reports a seed capital of $1 million was raised for the official opening of Zaarly. This start-up capital however received a major investment boost when the company received Series A financing that amounted to $14.1 million. The main financiers of

Women and Driving in Saudi Arabia Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Women and Driving in Saudi Arabia - Article Example Men and the Saudi government, in general, do not have any right to direct women on what they should do and what they should not engage in. Moreover, women all over the world including Saudi Arabia have proven that they are worth more than domestic objects. Accordingly, women are involved in management and leadership positions initially reserved for their male counterparts. This goes to show that the same way women are capable of managing other duties including work and family responsibilities, they are also able to manage driving and the challenges that come with this task. Thus, there is no obstacle holding back the government of Saudi Arabia to consent to lift of the driving ban. The Saudi government should let women drive because they have expressed a great willingness to drive. This reveals that the decision to deny women the right to drive is not welcomed by this population. As a result, women have come out and openly to show resistance towards the ban on driving. For example, on October 26, 2013 camping, women set behind the wheel and proved to the people that they could drive (Bynes 1). They recorded themselves driving and uploaded the videos on YouTube. Some people saw the women when they drove and gave them thumbs up which means that many people support women driving. In another protest, women came out in large numbers to test drive around the city. Ironically, as one of the participants narrates the experience, not even the police stopped her, and people around seemed not to notice (Burke 2). Notably, banning women from driving is just in perception, but in reality, it does not raise any concerns.

War 1812 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

War 1812 - Assignment Example The 1812 war had a number of heroes as well as heroines, whereby the most common being Andrew Jackson and James Madison. Whereas Madison has recognition due to his role in drafting the Virginia state constitution, Conversely, Andrew Jackson is remembered for the role he played, whereby alongside Tennessee and Kentucky volunteers, he managed to defeat the British army (Hickey). According to Cantor, the war acted as a watershed moment for the entire state’s development program. This is because through it US came up with a much stronger national defense system that apart from providing justification for the navy, it also altered the nation’s attitude, for instance, strengthening of the central governance (Cantor). After the war, US realized that apart from one’s physical appearance, professionalism also plays a major role when it comes to military prowess. It is due to this that it established a number of military academies, for instance, Citadel as well as US Coast guard academy. Military academies play a major role in offering skills that one ought to have before going to the battlefield. The new system has proved to be quite effective; this is due to the numerous times it has been put to test, for instance, when the US went to war with Afghanistan and after years of intensive fighting, it emerged victorious, though it suffered a numbe r of casualties

Entrepreneurship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Entrepreneurship - Essay Example and urge to start a new business is not as difficult and important as sustaining the business through the full lifespan of the business lifecycle (Nowak, 1996). This essay therefore uses Zaarly as a case study of a startup business to understand from the perspective of Scott and Bruce (1987) and other scholars, what makes or unmake businesses in the first five years after they have been set up. Set up in February 2011, Zaarly is a private company founded by Eric Koester, Bo Fishback and Ian Hunter. The company is in the online retail industry with some unique dynamism that focuses on the creation of platform for users or anyone to hire a minion or sell whatever they have to sell to neighbours. Proximity is a central business idea for the founders, making Zaarly a proximity-based, real-time, and buyer-powered market platform (Steiner, 2011). Through the use of online platform, anyone can find people around them who offer services they are looking for, or products they are seeking to buy. In effect, Zaarly is a local marketplace that operates from an electronic basis. As serial entrepreneurs, each of the founders of Zaarly already has several start-ups that they personally manage. Zaarly has however been confirmed to be something different as it was set up with the objective of becoming the turning point in the online retail marketplace business (Swartz, 2011). Because of this objective, the three founders seem to have given Zaarly a lot more attention and focus, given the existing competition in the industry. Into the next five years, the company has been tagged to be a common household name for all who want to find the closest place around them where they can have their services and products provided. Shontell (2011) reports a seed capital of $1 million was raised for the official opening of Zaarly. This start-up capital however received a major investment boost when the company received Series A financing that amounted to $14.1 million. The main financiers of

War 1812 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

War 1812 - Assignment Example The 1812 war had a number of heroes as well as heroines, whereby the most common being Andrew Jackson and James Madison. Whereas Madison has recognition due to his role in drafting the Virginia state constitution, Conversely, Andrew Jackson is remembered for the role he played, whereby alongside Tennessee and Kentucky volunteers, he managed to defeat the British army (Hickey). According to Cantor, the war acted as a watershed moment for the entire state’s development program. This is because through it US came up with a much stronger national defense system that apart from providing justification for the navy, it also altered the nation’s attitude, for instance, strengthening of the central governance (Cantor). After the war, US realized that apart from one’s physical appearance, professionalism also plays a major role when it comes to military prowess. It is due to this that it established a number of military academies, for instance, Citadel as well as US Coast guard academy. Military academies play a major role in offering skills that one ought to have before going to the battlefield. The new system has proved to be quite effective; this is due to the numerous times it has been put to test, for instance, when the US went to war with Afghanistan and after years of intensive fighting, it emerged victorious, though it suffered a numbe r of casualties

The Black Death Essay Example for Free

The Black Death Essay The Black Death was one of the worst pandemics in human history. In the 14th century, at least 75 million people on three continents perished due to the painful, highly contagious disease. Originating from fleas on rodents in China, the â€Å"Great Pestilence† spread westward and spared few regions. In Europe’s cities, hundreds died daily and their bodies were usually thrown into mass graves. The plague devastated towns, rural communities, families, and religious institutions. Following centuries of a rise in population, the world’s population experienced a catastrophic reduction and would not be replenished for more than one hundred years. Origins and Path of the Black Death The Black Death originated in China or Central Asia and was spread to Europe by fleas and rats that resided on ships and along the Silk Road. The Black Death killed millions in China, India, Persia (Iran), the Middle East, the Caucasus, and North Africa. To harm the citizens during a siege in 1346, Mongol armies may have thrown infected corpses over the city wall of Caffa, on the Crimean peninsula of the Black Sea. Italian traders from Genoa were also infected and returned home in 1347, introducing the Black Death into Europe. From Italy, the disease spread to France, Spain, Portugal, England, Germany, Russia, and Scandinavia. Science of the Black Death The three plagues associated with the Black Death are now known to be caused by bacteria called Yersinia Pestis, which is carried and spread by fleas on rats. When the rat died after continual bites and replication of the bacteria, the flea survived and moved to other animals or humans. Although some scientists believe that the Black Death was caused by other diseases like anthrax or the Ebola virus, recent research which extracted DNA from the skeletons of victims suggests that Yersinia Pestis was the microscopic culprit of this global pandemic. Types and Symptoms of the Plague The first half of the 14th century was marred by war and famine. Global temperatures dropped slightly, decreasing agricultural production and causing food shortages, hunger, malnutrition, and weakened immune systems. The human body became very vulnerable to the Black Death, which was caused by three forms of the plague. Bubonic plague, caused by flea bites, was the most common form. The infected would suffer from fever, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Swelling called buboes and dark rashes appeared on the groin, legs, armpits, and neck. The pneumonic plague, which affected the lungs, spread through the air by coughs and sneezes. The most severe form of the plague was the septicemic plague. The bacteria entered the bloodstream and killed every person affected within hours. All three forms of the plague spread quickly due to overpopulated, unsanitary cities. Proper treatment was unknown, so most people died within a week after infection with the Black Death. Death Toll Estimates of the Black Death Due to poor or non-existent record-keeping, it has been difficult for historians and scientists to determine the true number of people that died of the Black Death. In Europe alone, it is likely that from 1347-1352, the plague killed at least twenty million people, or one-third of Europe’s population. The populations of Paris, London, Florence, and other great European cities were shattered. It would take approximately 150 years-into the 1500s- for Europe’s population to equal pre-plague levels. Initial plague infections and recurrences of the plague caused the world’s population to drop by at least 75 million people in the 14th century. Unexpected Economic Benefit of the Black Death The Black Death finally lapsed in approximately 1350, and profound economic changes took place. Worldwide trade declined, and wars in Europe paused during the Black Death. People had abandoned farms and villages during the plague. Serfs were no longer tied to their previous plot of land. Due to a severe labor shortage, serf survivors were able to demand higher wages and better working conditions from their new landlords. This may have contributed to the rise of capitalism. Many serfs moved to cities and contributed to the rise in urbanization and industrialization. Cultural and Social Beliefs and Changes of the Black Death Medieval society did not know what caused the plague or how it spread. Most blamed the suffering as a punishment from God or astrological misfortune. Thousands of Jews were murdered when Christians claimed that the Jews caused the plague by poisoning wells. Lepers and beggars were also accused and harmed. Art, music, and literature during this era were gruesome and gloomy. The Catholic Church suffered a credibility loss when it could not explain the disease. This contributed to the development of Protestantism. Scourge Spread Across the World The Black Death of the 14th century was a tremendous interrupter of worldwide population growth. The bubonic plague still exists, although it can now be treated with antibiotics. Fleas and their unknowing human carriers traveled across a hemisphere and infected one person after another. Survivors of this swift menace seized the opportunities that arose from altered social and economic structures. Although humanity will never know the exact death toll, researchers will continue to study the epidemiology and history of the plague to ensure that this horror never happens again.

Factors Affecting Health Communication Campaigns

Factors Affecting Health Communication Campaigns A comparison of HIV Aids and Polio Campaigns in Aligargh, Uttar Pradesh Introduction: Last two decades of the century has seen a renewed interest in the field of health communication, disease prevention and health promotion. This was because it was realized that continued investments in clinical health research brings diminishing returns if it is not accompanied with strategic information, education and communication(IEC) efforts. (Pencheon, Guest, Melzer, Gray, 2004) Public and government health departments are rich with tacit knowledge regarding health communication practices and the problems encountered with the population in their geographical area. However this information is rarely collected and written down due to lack of resources. Effective communication can spread knowledge, value and social norms. This can be instrumental in affecting behaviour and improving the over-all health status of the population. India faces a dual challenge in tackling the problem of HIV Aids and Polio. First is the overall high population and poor living conditions of people living in small towns and villages, and second is the complex socio- cultural factors which lead to poor awareness and stigma attached to these diseases. It is important to understand these factors which affect the impact of health communication campaigns in a particular geo-graphical sub system if a comprehensive micro understanding of this field has to be generated. Moreover there always exists a gap between the people who design health communication campaigns and the campaign implementers. An assessment and feed-back from the grass root level implementers needs to be taken if this gap has to be effectively filled. This research hopes to uncover these insights which will be useful not only to the academics but also to the practitioners. Literature review Health Communication: Health communication involves the use of communication strategies by experts in public health domain to influence the health behaviour of people. It is a link between health care practices and communication which has a significant impact on influencing individual and community behaviour towards health and thereby a huge potential to significantly improve their life. (Neil Mckee, 2004) HIV AIDS: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that infects cells of the immune system, destroying or impairing their function. As the infection progresses, the immune system becomes weaker, and the person becomes more susceptible to infections. The most advanced stage of HIV infection is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It can take 10-15 years for an HIV-infected person to develop AIDS; antiretroviral drugs can slow down the process even further. HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal), transfusion of contaminated blood, sharing of contaminated needles, and between a mother and her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Global Case load: HIV Aids In countries most heavily affected, HIV has reduced life expectancy by more than 20 years, slowed economic growth, and deepened household poverty. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, the epidemic has orphaned nearly 12 million children aged less than 18 years. The natural age distribution in many national populations in sub-Saharan Africa has been dramatically skewed by HIV, with potentially perilous consequences for the transfer of knowledge and values from one generation to the next. In Asia, where infection rates are much lower than in Africa, HIV causes a greater loss of productivity than any other disease, and is likely to push an additional 6 million households into poverty by 2015 unless national responses are strengthened (Commission on AIDS in Asia, 2008). According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), HIV has inflicted the single greatest reversal in human development in modern history (UNDP, 2005). Fig 1.1 A global view of HIV Infection (UNAIDS, 2008) The current statistics on HIV/AIDS as published by UNAIDS (2008) are: Estimate People living with HIV/AIDS 33.0 million Adults living with HIV/AIDS 30.8 million Women living with HIV/AIDS 15.5 million Children living with HIV/AIDS 2.0 million People newly infected with HIV in 2007 2.7 million Children newly infected with HIV in 2007 0.37 million AIDS deaths in 2007 2.0 million Child AIDS deaths in 2007 0.27 million Fig. 1.2 -Current Statistics on HIV Aids Global Health Communication initiatives for HIV Aids: Education Entertainment Approach: The Soul City, South Africa (Goldstein, Japhet, E.Scheepers, 2004) South Africa even though a developed country had a wretched health care system, mainly due to long years of apartheid practices. In late 1990s Dr Garth Japhet, a young doctor observed this at Alex clinic. He observed that the health communication efforts in South Africa where very slogan based and not sustainable. Bursts of activity like National Aids day were not enough. There was no formative research before planning these campaigns. More over the campaigns followed a Top Down approach, and lacked synergies between medical community, government and media. Soul City was an extensive multi media campaign started in South Africa, due to the efforts of Dr Garth Japhet. The whole campaign was a collection of mass media campaigns which were connected and implemented year on year. There was a 13 part prime time- television series called Soul city, which was accompanied by a 60 episode radio show. Even though content of both these shows was not similar yet they both highlighted same health issues. Later on printed IEC material was also developed and distributed based on the characters of Soul City. These booklets were also reviewed by 11 top newspapers of the country. Through 1994 to 1999 five series of Soul city were broadcasted. These were consisted rated as top three most watched drama series in South Africa. The Radio program also got very high listenership ratings. Formative research and high creative input went into designing the IEC material which was targeted uniquely to adults and young population. The key to success of Soul City multimedia program was use of media conversion, from print to radio to television. This encouraged inter-personal discussions about health issues. Learning: Locally developed content which has quality entertainment works well For a multimedia educational model to succeed it should return value to all the stake holders Media advocacy leads to policy and social change A continual and integrated multimedia strategy is necessary if the effect of communication has to be sustained. Against Stigma: ACT UP, United States of America (Documents archive/Act Up explained) Stigma is a problem which plagues every country and becomes a very important factor in HIV + people seeking help and coming out in public .The Aids Coalition to unleash power , is one such organisation which attempts to remove this stigma through bold and creative action. They boldly use their slogan Silence = Death which urges people to speak up about HIV and Aids. They seek to normalize talks about condoms and Aids by radical action like sticking posters on telephone booths which say this telephone has been touched by a person with Aids Public demonstrations at churches, baseball fields, Wall Street etc are held to imply that Aids is everybodys business. Once during a Sunday sermon session in New York the ACT UP activists did staged a mass die in outside to highlight the bishops silence on Aids. ACT UP activists use linguistic symbols to make strong statements like -No, Glove No Love and Aids is no ball game. These were used as places like Shea baseball stadium. Learning: ACT UP founder Larry Kramer studied the fight against stigma by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Martin Luther King and suitably adapted it for modern day audience Use of creative and clutter breaking ideas helps discussion and normalization of sensitive issues like stigma Use of public demonstration, Sit ins and Die ins helps create buzz and social change. Health communication efforts for HIV Aids in India: The National Aids Control Program (UNAIDS, 2008): Every State in India has an Aids prevention and Control Society which under supervision from NACO carries out local initiatives. The second Stage of National Aids control program (NACP) ended on March 2006.This focussed on various platforms to promote youth education about safe sex, safe blood donation and HIV testing. Various platforms like Street plays, concerts, national aids day, TV and radio spots, and celebrity endorsements were utilised. Use of teachers and peer group influencers was done to disseminate knowledge about HIV aids The third stage of NACP will have a strong focus on condom promotion. The installation of over 11,000 condom vending machines in colleges, road-side restaurants, stations, gas stations and hospitals has been done. With support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the government has also initiated a campaign called Condom Bindas Bol!, which involves advertising, public events and celebrity endorsements. It aims to break the taboo that currently surrounds condom use in India, and to persuade people that they should not be embarrassed to buy them. (Shhhhnot anymore!) Various multi-media campaigns have been implemented in India to create awareness about HIV. These include special communication programs to target special audience like sex workers, truck drivers, and street children. Radio programs are broadcasted on a regular basis to disseminate information. Field publicity units, Drama and song division has been set up to target rural India. Aids hotlines with around 1097 toll free numbers have been set up in major cities of India. A very successful program has been the University Talk Aids (UTA program), which covered 4,044 institutions in India and reached out to 3.5 million students. The program was implemented by National Service Scheme with assistance from WHO and NACO.Independent evaluation suggested that the program was highly successful in creating a healthy attitude about sex among young children  ­Communication regarding Condom promotion: Social marketing of Condoms combined with free distribution has been used to promote usage among general public as well as high risk groups. Department of Family welfare has been instrumental in distribution and supply of condoms. Family Health Awareness Campaign This campaign was focussed on creating awareness about RTI and STI among the general public as well as the field level functionaries. This campaign is organised annually in rural as well as urban slum areas. (Shaukat Mohammed, 2003) Reaching Special Audiences: Reaching Men who have Sex with men (MSM): Case Study Naz foundation Trust of India: (Rakesh, 2002) Background: India with a very high population runs the risks of very high PLHA even if a low prevalence rate of HIV is present. Even though most sources of infection are through hetero-sexual sex yet in certain areas like north -eastern India, IDU becomes a dominant factor for HIV transmission. Strategy: The Naz foundation was set up in 1994 to address sexual health issues of MSM, women, truck drivers and PLHA. The key communication objectives were: Communication about modes of transmission Prevention and risk reducing strategies Means of accessing treatment The intervention strategies utilised were: Community outreach: Nine outreach sites which were staffed with officers who provided information on safe sexual health practices, condom usage and provided referrals STI referrals: A non judgemental approach to STI risk patients was followed. STI clinics were set up with a MSM friendly physicians Social and Group meetings: support groups were formed to help MSM and create a freer environment for information interchange Counseling:Telephone hot lines and personal counselling was set up to address MSM concerns Results: The implementation of Naz foundation strategies was evaluated and it showed a number of positive results. An increase from 11 % to 43% for all time condom usage ,the STI clinic visits increased from 24% to 56%, and condom usage by male sex workers increased from 20% to 43 % Learning: Naz foundation realized that in order to reach out to special audiences tailored solutions are necessary. Some risk groups like female partners of MSMs are very difficult to reach and hence intensive efforts are needed in this area. Reaching out to Injecting Drug Users (IDU): Case Study IDUs in New Delhi India (Dorabjee, 1998) Background: In some cities of India like New Delhi the HIV prevalence rate among IDU users is as high as 85%.The Indian NGO Sharan has been working for IDU since 1979,and has done some breakthrough work in this area.(AIDS Analysis Asia ,1996). Strategy: IDU were motivated to join either drug substitution therapy which involved substituting drug injections to oral drug usage or needle exchange program where the registered IDU users vouched to stop exchanging needles during drug usage. The reason behind the success of this program was that it managed to develop a strong trust among IDU users because it employed recovering drug users as outreach workers. Constant feedback was sought from them and the program was modified accordingly. The IEC approaches used were counselling, peer education, information on sexual transmission of HIV aids, condom distribution and drug use prevention programs. Results: 33 % of registered IDU started taking oral drugs instead of Injections 21% stopped sharing needles Use of advocacy resulted in government accepting the use of harm reduction strategies for IDU users Learning: Political support is necessary for the success of any IEC project on sensitive issues. This can be influenced through strong advocacy Incorporating feedbacks by outreach workers and IDU can significantly increase the impact of the campaign A range of clinical, social and communication services are required to meet the purpose of HIV prevention among IDU users Addressing the mobile population: Case Study the Trucker Population of India (Bhoruka, 2001) There are about 50 million trucker population in India, who spend around ten months away from home. Around 70% of these engage in unprotected extra marital sex (UNAIDS, 2006).HIV infection is high in this segment along with a high STI danger. A major obstacle is that these truck drivers do not use condoms for road side sex as it regarded as a re-creational activity. Strategy: The Bhoruka public welfare trust (BPWT), attempted to reach these truck drivers through free tea parlours set up at 5 main route stops in India. These tea parlours offered a meeting ground for the truck drivers and offered tea, newspaper, TV and other forms of entertainment. However no prostitution or drugs were encouraged. Condoms, clinical counselling and STI medical referrals were offered at a subsidised rate. The most important aspect was focus on peer education and counselling. As these truck drivers discussed about their life, peer educators gave them counselling and information. Parking lots were used as another reaching stop where peer educator gave out condoms and IEC material. This program became so successful that various truck drivers themselves became informal peer educators. The tea-shops were also managed by truck drivers or sex workers. Informal truck driver peer educators were later trained and given certificates to become formal peer educators and work in these tea shops. Small motivational incentives like bags and pens were also offered to these truck drivers as well as informal peer educators. Results: Every tea centre reaches out to close to 48,000 people annually, provides subsidised treatment to 2,200 patients .Fifty percent of these patients are treated for STIs Around 200 truck drivers had been trained as peer educators by the year 2000 The condom social marketing component of this program was very successful, with steady increase in condom sales. Till 2000 there were 104,832 sold and 162 active condom distribution set up. Learning: A high level of motivation should be maintained amongst the peer learning groups. Its important to have support of all the stakeholders for the success of any ICE program. Poliomyelitis (polio) Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease, which mainly affects young children. The virus is transmitted through contaminated food and water, and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system. Many infected people have no symptoms, but do excrete the virus in their faeces, hence transmitting infection to others. Initial symptoms of polio include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. In a small proportion of cases, the disease causes paralysis, which is often permanent. Polio can only be prevented by immunization (World Health Organisation) Global Case load: Polio Polio cases have decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350 000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries then, to 1997 reported cases in 2006. In 2008, only parts of four countries in the world remain endemic for the disease the smallest geographic area in history. In 1994, the World Health Organization (WHO) Region of the Americas (36 countries) was certified polio-free, followed by Western Pacific Region (37 countries and areas including China) in 2000 and the WHO European Region (51 countries) in June 2002. In 2007, more than 400 million children were immunized in 27 countries during 164 supplementary immunization activities (SIAs). Globally, polio surveillance is at historical highs, as represented by the timely detection of cases of acute flaccid paralysis. Persistent pockets of polio transmission in northern India, northern Nigeria and the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan are key epidemiological challenges. As long as a single child remains infected with polio, children in all countries are at risk of contracting the disease. The poliovirus can easily be imported into a polio-free country and can spread rapidly among unimmunised populations. Between 2003 and 2005, 25 previously polio-free countries were re-infected due to importations. The four polio-endemic countries are Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan. Global Health Communication efforts for Pulse Polio: Strategic communication efforts in Afghanistan (Rafiqi, 2004) The Pulse polio eradication program of Afghanistan faced stiff challenges due to illiteracy, resistance, inaccessibility and worsening security conditions. Strategic approach for Polio health communication in Afghanistan focussed on advocacy, social mobilization, communication to support the program and training. Advocacy was achieved by involving top leaders at every program launch, and getting them involved at all levels by sharing epidemiological data. Social mobilization through involvement of religious leaders, mosque and prayer announcements, and inter-personal communication. Television and Radio was also utilized. Communication to support the program was achieved through district and community based forums which encouraged discussions, dedicated community specific social mobilization workers were employed and training was given to Imams and other religious leaders. Print media was used effectively for brochures, banners and leaflets. Learning: Its a challenge to shift the focus of health communication from campaign type to sustainable communication Advocacy at highest level is instrumental to success of the campaign Use of local facilities like mosques, bazaars, mobile loudspeakers etc lead to effective social mobilization Appropriate mix of print and radio can effectively reach mobile population Establish strong relationship with religious leaders Promote health education through health facilities as well as private practitioners Ensure all factions of community are involved including women Polio immunization efforts through public health education efforts in West Africa. (African Science Academy Development Initiative (ASADI), 2005) Nigeria faced a major challenge when polio vaccination was stalled in northern areas due to huge negative controversy in local as well international media regarding the safety of these oral medicines. Moreover allot of trusted religious leaders also spoke out against the vaccine. To fight this drastic loss of acceptance of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), a strong communication plan was developed with the objective that each child should get OPV drops.This was achieved through heightened advocacy through large scale public flag offs of campaigns, direct involvement of the president, working with the private companies including telecom companies, and engagement of religious as well as community networks. To focus on community education community mobilizers were assigned to high risk area, traditional media like street theatre, town criers, mobile cinema and folk songs were utilized. Mass media like TV spots and radio jingles were also integrated Effective use of Media for behaviour change was used. This included broadcasting in national languages, special programs for minority groups, projection of human interest stories to create positive dialogue, folk media, community theatre and mobile cinema followed by dialogue. Success of this campaign can be determined by the fact that the demand for immunization and OPV drops substantially increased. The OPV controversy was effectively resolved, along with support from key stake holders. Learning: Behaviour Change through public education and integrated mass and traditional campaigns can effectively result in more demand and acceptance of polio immunization. Health communication efforts for Polio: India Reducing resistance and increasing community dialogue: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh (United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) India, 2007) Meerut is one of the regions of Uttar -Pradesh which is seen as high risk for the polio endemic. A highly innovative social mobilization campaign was implemented in Meerut, which involved: Use of distinct influencers; Three teams of 35 Urdu teachers,24 kirana store owners and Hajis (people who have completed Haj pilgrimage )were involved in these teams. Close to 25,000 primary schools were approached on republic day, to educate the children, inform them of the dates of immunisation so that better participation is achieved. Mosques were approached to educate the community. Their participation increase from 61% in January 2007 to 74% in February 2007. Meetings on a regular basis were conducted with mothers and daughter in laws, to discuss polio and child health issues. Booklets were published which contained poems written by local influential poets. These boosted the morale of health workers and also worked as strong advocacy measure. Due to these innovative techniques Meerut recorded the lowest no. of resistant households in Uttar Pradesh in 2007. Learning: Polio needs to be incorporated as a part of overall child health program . Consistent, open and on-going dialogue with all factions of community is necessary. Use of innovative techniques to create interest: Polio Joker (Kher, 2007) Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), hired Manchanda Jha to dress up as a joker and attract kids to polio booths .He sings songs about polio, does tricks, engages children and gives information about the importance of polio drops alongside.When dances and sings Chal chale polio boothpe hum sathiyoon, chalke do boondh jeevan ke le sathiyon the children are not only humoured but also an important message has been delivered. He became so successful that he came to be called Polio Joker popularly. He has been instrumental in reaching out to care-givers and kids in slum areas. This program was implemented for three years and has very high recall value. Learning: New entertaining techniques need to be implemented if communication has to reach children Communication methods should be tailored to meet the needs of high risk areas. Rationale of the research Health status of a country is influenced by a number of factors like food, water, income, sanitation, education and accessibility to health care services. Health communication campaigns and health services dont exist in a vacuum but are influenced by external socio-economic, cultural and factors. These factors play an important part on how health information education and communication campaigns are designed, implemented and finally received by the target audience. These factors also influence policies, resource allocation, technology, training of medical staff and communication strategies used. These in turn shape the health services system of a particular region. Studies which have documented the health communication efforts have restricted themselves to an analysis at national level. It will be not surprising to find that in a complex nation like India various sub-systems exist, and every sub-system might influence the message in its own way. HIV AIDS and Polio are two major health concerns faced by Indian population. On-going and consistent efforts are made to educate people regarding these. However again within a geographic sub-system people might react and respond both these campaigns in a differential manner owing to a variety of factors like sensitivity of the issue, complexity of the message and stigma. Through this study I wish to explore these factors which affect the impact of health communication campaigns of HIV Aids and Polio, in a geographic sub-system. Research Objectives: Through the analysis of the literature review and recommendation of my guide the following research objectives have been identified: To understand the health communication processes and initiatives undertaken for HIV Aids and Polio prevention/care at a sub-system, grass root level. To identify factors which lead to an differential impact of these health communication campaigns To suggest improvements ,if possible, to current health communication practices followed in the geographic sub-system Research Areas: Health communication campaigns which will be studied extensively are: Against HIV-Aids: These will include the communication efforts in the area of prevention (transmission through mother to child, sexual transmission and primary prevention) and against stigma. Against Pulse Polio: Campaigns for polio education and routine immunisation will be studied. This study aims to understand the use of traditional media, electronic and human channel employed at the grass root level. What are the problems faced in implementation, what are the intermediary factors which affect them, and what measures are taken to combat these problems. An evaluation of these campaigns will also be conducted based on how much has the target audience been receptive to them, and responded by either positive action or behaviour change. Ultimately both these campaigns will be compared and contrasted to arrive at the differentiating factors which impact the outcome of these. Research Methodology: Phase One An extensive secondary research will be done to establish a foundation for the primary research. The literature review provides certain learning about different methods of strategic health communication. This learning will be taken forward to secondary research where the focus will be kept on the grass root health communication initiatives undertaken in the chosen sub-system. In addition a case study method will be employed to shape up the key focus areas for the primary research. Phase two This phase will consist of primary research will be essentially qualitative and exploratory in nature. The purpose of this type of research methodology is to generate basic knowledge on relevant areas, discover associated factors, and identify information gaps. Data collection and Analysis: Secondary research will consist of data collection from online sources, medical and communication journals as well as reports. Various performance reports and internal documents which are generated at the primary sub-system level will also be looked into gather data. Expert In-depth interviews will be conducted to gain more understanding on the subject. It is important to note that the interviews will be open -ended and flexible to generate maximum insights. These interviews will involve extensive probing and will utilize the technique of laddering, An interview guideline will however be prepared for a comprehensive and systematic execution. Similar technique of in-depth interviews will also be employed to collect information from target audience regarding the appeal of the campaigns. The reason why in-depth-interviews will be used over other methods of data collection is: It is flexible It provides in-depth information about areas to be covered Since the area of study is very specialised it provides scope for clarification Some of the issues which needs to be discussed are personal in nature, a face to face and private discussion is necessary Like other techniques, this tool also suffers from certain limitations. It is prone to bias and largely depend on the skill of the interviewer. It is an expensive technique, can be time consuming and responses may be difficult to interpret. The structure of the interview is not clearly defined unlike a survey and so same questions may not be asked to all the respondents Area of Study: The chosen geographical sub-system for the primary research is Aligarh in UP. The reasons behind this are the following: Northern UP has a relatively high prevalence rate of HIV AIDS Its one of the few areas in India which is still Polio Endemic Familiarity with the local language Initial contacts are available Timeframe of the study: Phase one-: November till mid-December 2009 Phase two/primary research: Mid December to January 2010 Sampling: Sampling universe consists of all the experts in the area of the study, and the population to which the health communica