The Flaws Of Hamlet :: essays research papers

What is Hamlets flaw?&8230Nor to any one is he known to have defect. No one constantly ventures to speak of him slightingly or critic eachy. Why does not the King, Laertes, or Fortinbras despise him for a scholar and a dreamer, at least, instead of taking him as they all do for the worthy son of his warrior sire? Why does not the Queen once sigh, or Horatio sadly shake his head? He is a courtier, soldier, scholar, the expectation and rose of the fair state, cries Ophelia, and there is no suggestion that she is saying it as one who does not know. It is the accepted opinion. The king fears him, and he shrinks form bringing him to bet for Polonius death, he says because of the great love the general gender bear him. This sinful Queen quails under his rebuke, and yet loves him too well to betray his confidence. And as very oftentimes in Shakespeares tragedies, at the end of the play judgment to the same effect is pronounced on his character by a disinterested party.Was Hamlet verb oten of his mind, or was he pretending to be crazy? Did anyone realize what Hamlets dilemma, such as Ophelia, the King, and the Queen? What was his delay? Could it be that Hamlet was not so much afraid of killing the king, simply hurting his mother, mentally, emotionally, after the death of her King and her abrupt marriage to Claudius. Was Hamlet afraid, that maybe the tracing of his father wasnt really his fathers ghost at all, in that it was a trick of the devil? Hamlets over analysis is what turns out to be the reason for so many deaths, including his own. His procrastination kills not only if himself, but also his mother, his girlfriend, and others, but it also leaves the reader full of doubt. Of course the average reader is aware that Hamlet will kill the new king, but was it necessary to have so many deaths due to one mans uncertainty? Yes, his father, the king, was killed by his own brother, Hamlets uncle, and at seems as quickly as he died, he queen was re-married just as quickly. More often than not, Hamlet questions himself, his goal, his reason for being alive, but for every question came an opportunity to kill Claudius and he didnt. Hamlet, doubtless was confused, and probably scared, but the key question here is, was he in his right mind?

Research Paper on Pakistan :: essays research papers

PAKISTANI chose to do my research on the customs and lifestyles of Pakistan and their people. It took me quite a while to get in tinct with someone who lives there, but once I finally did, I made a friend for life I was very curious how the Pakistanis felt about Americans, and if I could get an honest answer from someone there. My friend Hussain assured me that although there argon extremists, just as there are everywhere, who take their hatred for America, and for any other country that they feel threatened by, and use it to destroy innocent peoples lives. For instance, like the suicide bombers that we hear of so often, they would be considered extremists. As far as the common people as Hussain put it, they understand that our government (meaning President Bush and his administration) is doing what must be done in order to protect the citizens and/or the common people of America. I didnt catch as much time to correspond with Hussain before this research idea was due, as I would h ave liked too, I look forward to continue learning about the lifestyles and customs there. Its amazing to learn how contrary peoples lives are depending on what culture they live in. I had so many questions for Hussain, but I was also afraid that I would decease my boundaries by asking certain questions, therefore I tried to be very careful in the way I worded things. Its very tripping to tell even through an e-mail that he has a very distinct accent, however, he does speak good English. He told me that he was married and had 3 children. He was born in Sindh, Pakistan, which I later found out that Sindh is a State like Oklahoma. He got his education and graduated in 1991. (He did not say whether or not that meant high school, or college) He was married in 1994, through an arranged marriage. His parents picked out this young lady for him, and he said that through time, he did learn to love her very much, and that he was grateful to have a success story. He did say, however, that h is wife was not educated, and therefore it was difficult for her to do anything, as far as working, outside the home. She stays home with the children. His oldest son is in the 3rd grade, and the younger two have not yet started school.

Technology Knowledge :: essays research papers

Technology KnowledgeMy definition of technology would be something that whizz possesses that jocks to make their life easier. Knowledge would be one of those factors that dart up been made easier to access. Not merely knowledge, but certain things such(prenominal) as computer/internet access, calculators, television and so forth that help one to be more aware of these conveniences. American Samoa has been blessed to witness parts of this technological revolution. There are m whatever things affected by technology, however, I testament be basing this paper on the conveniences that we deem as necessary to continue an education.After discussing the best parts of technology with Timoteo Tali, I talked with Tuumasina Tui about what ones life was most like without technology. In comparing my notes, I find that technology is a great thing, yet at the same sequence Anapogi Young and I realize that there are many downfalls to the numerous things that help make school and work, among v arious things, much more accessible.Examples of how technology affects us in a positive way are the computer programs, Internet access, television shows, and also calculators that make it easier for one to learn. Ive seen the benefit of having television programs such as Sesame Street, Barney, and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. I realize now, that though I was probably just enjoying the program, I was also learning from it. As I matured, so did the programs that I watched, but nonetheless, I was still learning and at the same time, having fun doing so. I am glad to have had such technological devices to help me throughout school and life. Another device would be the computer. There are computer programs and games that help you learn without really knowing you are. And then theres Internet access that gives you information to practically anything you need. Youve got the world at your fingertips, is a quote that Ive heard many times. Youre able to research any topic at any time from the pri vate comfort of your home you can also e-mail assignments to your teachers. Now, there are also classes you can take online without going to school, another benefit. Another major device would be the calculator. In my discussion with Tuu, I realize that it must have been quite difficult to bring certain math problems without the use of a calculator. The calculator is ones best friend in a math class it has values such as sine or logarithm that would be quite hard to calculate by hand due to the amount of time of the class.

By referring closely to J B Priestley’s account of Bradford, explain :: English Literature

By referring closely to J B Priestleys account of Bradford, pardonwhat he considers gave the city its particular lineament at the sniphe was writing.J.B. Priestley, in his writing about Bradford, believes its charactercomes from, what might seem like, conflicting ideas. These ideascontribute to what Priestley c completelys Bradfords odd quality.The character of Bradford, in 1933, when Priestley was writing, wasmade up of two extremes, provincialism and that of a cosmopolitancity. Provincialism re primary(prenominal)ed in Bradford, firstly because the railwaywent to Leeds and not to Bradford and therefore the city didnt cast downmuch cutting contend, such as any other manufacturing and/or greatereducational opportunities. As this was not the case and the railwaywent to Leeds instead of Bradford, the main job emblem in Bradford wasthe woolen industry, as it had already been for generations. All overBradford there would have been spinning mills where people wereemployed to call on real tenacious and unsociable hours for very little pay.Another reason why provincialism remained in Bradford was because thewoollen profession was what the people were used to. For generationsin Bradford the woollen trade is what the local residents have beenaccustomed to and they enjoyed it. In 1930s when I am talking about,the peasants in the outskirts of Bradford would commute into Bradfordon the trams. This kind of Bradford (the woollen industry etc.) is allthey know and understand about life. This style of living is all thatcomes naturally to them. I feel that the people who lived and workedhere in Bradford became very insular they did not look beyond theirexperience. This is what kept provincialism a reality in Bradford.There is a lot more about Bradford that I havent already explained,aside from provincialismA contradicting view of Bradford, to the above, is that the city wasvery based around cosmopolitan ideas and mindsets. Some people neerventured further than twen ty dollar bill or thirty miles out of Bradford whereas,others would have travelled to, what would seem to regularBradfordians, the end of the universe, selling and buying woollenproduce. Although they had travelled the world, gained moreunderstanding and catch more intelligent, when they returned toMarket Street, Bradfordians would never have changed as, say Londonerswould have. They still remained their same selves. When you metsomeone from Bradford you would think they had only travelled as coldas York or Morecambe, but in actual fact they might have been toBy referring closely to J B Priestleys account of Bradford, explain English LiteratureBy referring closely to J B Priestleys account of Bradford, explainwhat he considers gave the city its particular character at the timehe was writing.J.B. Priestley, in his writing about Bradford, believes its charactercomes from, what might seem like, conflicting ideas. These ideascontribute to what Priestley calls Bradfords odd quality. The character of Bradford, in 1933, when Priestley was writing, wasmade up of two extremes, provincialism and that of a cosmopolitancity. Provincialism remained in Bradford, firstly because the railwaywent to Leeds and not to Bradford and therefore the city didnt getmuch new trade, such as any other manufacturing and/or greatereducational opportunities. As this was not the case and the railwaywent to Leeds instead of Bradford, the main job type in Bradford wasthe woollen industry, as it had already been for generations. All overBradford there would have been spinning mills where people wereemployed to work very long and unsociable hours for very little pay.Another reason why provincialism remained in Bradford was because thewoollen profession was what the people were used to. For generationsin Bradford the woollen trade is what the local residents have beenaccustomed to and they enjoyed it. In 1930s when I am talking about,the peasants in the outskirts of Bradford would commute into Bradfordon the trams. This kind of Bradford (the woollen industry etc.) is allthey know and understand about life. This style of living is all thatcomes naturally to them. I feel that the people who lived and workedhere in Bradford became very insular they did not look beyond theirexperience. This is what kept provincialism a reality in Bradford.There is a lot more about Bradford that I havent already explained,aside from provincialismA contradicting view of Bradford, to the above, is that the city wasvery based around cosmopolitan ideas and mindsets. Some people neverventured further than twenty or thirty miles out of Bradford whereas,others would have travelled to, what would seem to regularBradfordians, the end of the universe, selling and buying woollenproduce. Although they had travelled the world, gained moreunderstanding and become more intelligent, when they returned toMarket Street, Bradfordians would never have changed as, say Londonerswould have. They still remained thei r same selves. When you metsomeone from Bradford you would think they had only travelled as faras York or Morecambe, but in actual fact they might have been to

The Importance of Respect in John Steinbecks Cannery Row Essay example

The Importance of revere in joke Steinbecks Cannery RowCannery Row is a refreshed John Steinbeck wrote after World War I. At first, the novel almost seems like a humorous book, written in a style commonly apply by Steinbeck. The book has its main plot, but likewise has side chapters that periodically interrupt the main idea, which adds to the story. One would think that these side chapters atomic number 18 there to generalise the book, but in fact that is not true. The side chapters tell their own story, and they have a message that Steinbeck was clearly trying to show through his book. The novel has a main point some respect. In Cannery Row , Steinbeck is trying to say that respectability is the destructive force that preys on the world. Steinbeck uses his characters to tell this story ab protrude respect and its effect on society. The central figure of the whole book, Doc, better explains this point by saying, It has always seemed strange to me . . . The things we admire in men, kindness and generosity, openness, honesty, dread and feeling are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits we detest, sharpness, greed, acquisitive, meanness, egotism and self-interest are the traits of success. And while men admire the quality of the first they love the produce of the certify (131). In chapter three, the respect issue is brought up and is closely related to chapter four. Chapter three introduces Dora and her prostitutes. It also introduces a character named William, who is the bouncer at Doras Bear Flag Restaurant. William finds out that the tight society of Cannery Row rejects him and laughs at him. William had no friends and no respect from others, so he thought that suicide was his only way out. Chapter four duologue ab... ...s respect was at the lowest it had been in his life when he explained to Doc, It dont do no good to say Im sorry. I been sorry all my life (119). Respect is something everyone wants in their society. If one is respected, it also brings on a self-comfort in that society. Mack and the boys showed that they had respect even though they were nothing more than bums. Doc always showed unselfish respect and was admired for that. Steinbeck does a perfect job of showing how respect from individuals has an affect on society. Cannery Row is a very humorous book, but it also has its points about respect hidden inside of it. One can find many places where Steinbeck shows the differences of respect in Cannery Row, and there are many more that are hidden in this humorous novel by John Steinbeck. Work CitedSteinbeck, John. Cannery Row, Viking Press., New York 1973.

The Importance of Respect in John Steinbecks Cannery Row Essay example

The Importance of Respect in John Steinbecks Cannery RowCannery Row is a novel John Steinbeck wrote after valet War I. At first, the novel almost seems like a humorous throw, written in a style commonly used by Steinbeck. The book has its main(prenominal) plot, but also has side chapters that periodically interrupt the main idea, which adds to the story. One would think that these side chapters be there to universalize the book, but in fact that is not true. The side chapters tell their own story, and they have a message that Steinbeck was clearly trying to show through his book. The novel has a main point about remark. In Cannery Row , Steinbeck is trying to say that look uponability is the destructive force that preys on the world. Steinbeck uses his characters to tell this story about respect and its arrange on association. The central figure of the whole book, Doc, better explains this point by saying, It has always seemed strange to me . . . The things we admire in men, kindness and generosity, openness, h mavensty, understanding and feeling are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits we detest, sharpness, greed, acquisitive, meanness, egotism and self-interest are the traits of success. And while men admire the quality of the first they love the produce of the second (131). In chapter three, the respect issue is brought up and is closely related to chapter four. Chapter three introduces Dora and her prostitutes. It also introduces a character named William, who is the bouncer at Doras Bear Flag Restaurant. William finds out that the tight society of Cannery Row rejects him and laughs at him. William had no friends and no respect from others, so he thought that suicide was his only way out. Chapter four talks ab... ...s respect was at the lowest it had been in his life when he explained to Doc, It dont do no good to say Im sorry. I been sorry all my life (119). Respect is something everyone wants in their society. If one is re spected, it also brings on a self-comfort in that society. Mack and the boys showed that they had respect even though they were nothing more than bums. Doc always showed unselfish respect and was prize for that. Steinbeck does a perfect job of showing how respect from individuals has an affect on society. Cannery Row is a very humorous book, but it also has its points about respect hidden inside of it. One can find many places where Steinbeck shows the differences of respect in Cannery Row, and there are many more that are hidden in this humorous novel by John Steinbeck. Work CitedSteinbeck, John. Cannery Row, Viking Press., New York 1973.

Classifying Humans into Absolute Categories Essay

There ar three basic ways in which people have tried to classify people to real biological differences, instead of cultural differences, in the past. The first is the typological model. This model classifies people into geographical groups, on selected common characters. The second model is the populational model, which classifies people on the basis of exclusive mating with each other, over a long period of time. The goal model is the clinical model.This model looks at the inherited characteristics of a group, which change over time and is different from the changes in other geographic areas the dispersal of these characteristics (Ellison & Goodman). All three models fail to do the job. The typological model is erroneous because of the incident that some racial characteristics are found in different groups. The populational model fails because of the fact that people do not limit their breeding to small areas.The clinical model is undermined by the fact that some human groups m igrate and the therefore discontinuity of the classifiable characteristic, and by the fact that there are not so many small communities left on the world anymore. Scientists now agree on this, they come across that classifying humans, based on any specific model, would be arbitrary. Scientists now just use the classifications as a tool to organize the data.The number of racial groups that are discovered depend on the number of characteristics researched. Therefore, all research methods are relative, and the classifications change when the sets of characteristics (or the research topic) change. Biological anthropology describes the nature of human variations through focusing on the biological aspects. This researches the human as biological organism, the behaviour of primates and the human evolution.The most important research is done through research of the genetic patterns and the connections between different populations over the whole world. Anthropologists can also compare his toric gene material with modern ones. All these techniques might contribute to a expressed evidence of our origin and the way people populated the earth. References Ellison,G. & A. H. Goodman. The Nature of Differences. Science, Society and Human Biology. Boca Raton, FL, CRC Press, 2006.

Marketing Case on Target

1. What micro environmental factors have affected targets play over the past few years? The biggest affect would be its competitors. Walmart has affected targets performance in the past few years. The fact that they could keep low prices when that was at a high demand do target judge that they had to lower their prices which would made their customers think that they didnt have that high quality that they once had before. 2. What macro environmental factors have affected targets performance over the past few years?The biggest affect was recession and inflation, this was not good for target beca wont the lost a lot of money. A person wasnt looking for quality they had to make every dollar count so they were looking for low prices. The used advertising to get there sells up and use there even out less marketing plan to help target become better and to get there customers back. 3. By focusing on the pay less part of its slogan, has target pursued the vanquish strategy? Why or why not? There pay less strategy is the best strategy.They told the old customers that they still have high quality product just at lower prices than before. They showed new customers that they could have high quality products without having to pay a high price. 4. What alternative strategy might target have followed in responding to the first signs of declining revenues and profits? 5. Given targets current situation, what recommendations would you make to steinhafel for is smart tougheneds future? By focusing on the Pay Less part of its slogan, has object pursued the best strategy? Why or why not? I believe that Target has been doing things right since the beginning.They were the first to build them selves on a very diversified and unique strategy and way of business. They set them selves a part and succeeded as their slogan Expect More. Pay Less. took off and had customers in love with their chic in products. As they reached a peek they made one small mistake and that is focusing too much of their advertising on Expect More only. When the Recession hit, customers were low on funds and theme that shopping at Target would be too much of a treat, fancy, and/or More expensive then what they can afford.They chose the right strategy to use, solely definitely the wrong time to enforce it. They were late on using the other half of the slogan, which nearly ended Target. CEO Gregg Steinhafel had other plans to continue push the strategy to an extreme/last resort through newspapers, commercials, and other marketing and advertising. This move in strategy stabilized and saved the company, and maybe even created a better and perfect Business strategy. 4. What alternative strategy might Target have followed in responding to the first signs of declining revenues and profits?Well they could have just unplowed the same strategy and motto and just tweaked it. Their motto Expect More Pay Less could be used with the current strategy to let customers go to bed that they dese rve better and/or higher quality clothes, appliances, and other products, which other stores do not provide. Like adding, You Deserve it at the end of the current motto will have people thinking and saying Do I? (Most people with a decent salary will always believe they do and spend the money) This might make it possible to tap into a completely new market segment.With a smooth transition that could provides a low danger situation. A great way to make sure the strategy follows through and succeeds would be to communicate with the company, integrating departments, give satisfying service, and value the customers. 5. Given Targets current situation, what recommendations would you make to Steinhafel for his companys future? The Pay Less strategy worked so well that I would recommend that the company itself work more intensely on keeping the Pay Less strategy while at the same time keep the Expect More strategy.As near customers love to save money no matter what economic stage, I als o recommend that give more coupons out in newspapers and/or asseverate more discounts in store like a store membership card. With the card, the customers apply for and are able to save money and receive offers that non-cardholders are not able to receive. With these benefits, the customers will feel more self-valued, greater worth, and satisfied. This in the end will create loyal customers and bring in new customers.

Pressure Ulcers

Feature Strategies to cleanse the measure of hug ulcerationationations Judy Elliott describes a project that sought to improve tissue viability during the patient journey from admission to discharge analysis This article outlines the actions taken by one acute trust to implement essay-based, beat out practice recommendations for wardrobe ulcer prevention. Initi wholey, an exploratory body of work identified specialised areas for practice development, particularly improving earliest run a venture mind, incumbrance and focus on click ulcers.Further actions take ond recruiting tissue viability validate workers to promote a squelch ulcer campaign. Prevalence size up results demonstrated meliorate prevention and reduced prevalence of hospital-acquired constrict ulcers by 6 per cent and heel ulcers by 4. 9 per cent. Further work is required to ensure prevention strategies are consistent and record. Keywords opera hat practice, manifest base, hale ulcer preventi on ( Institute for Innovation and progression 2009), therefore it is important to seek further initiatives to eliminate avoidable compress ulcers from NHS care. meander suffering A pressure ulcer is defined as ( europiuman Pressure ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) and National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) 2009) localized injury to the skin and/or inherent tissue usually everyplace a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with clip. Healthy individuals are continuously moving and readjusting their body potency to prevent excess pressure and shear forces. Reduced mobility or sensation interrupts this natural response, rendering an individual vulnerable to tissue wrong.Eurther susceptibility is influenced by an individuals indispensable risk factors reflected by their tissue allowance account (Bonomini 2003). Individual risk factors include immobility, malnourishment, cognitive impairment, acute and chronic ulness (National Institute for He alth and CUnicad Excellence (NICE) 2005). Pressure ulcer prevention involves the modification of an individuals risk factors by the whole multidiscipUnciry team (Gould et al 2000). jeopardize estimation Identification of vulnerable individuals can be challenging.Designated risk assessment tools retain been found to lack reliability and validity with a tendency to overestimate risk (Pancorbo-Hidalgo et al 2006). The NICE (2005) guideline emphasises the importance of early assessment, indoors sbc hours, using clinical judgement. Vanderwee et al (2007a) found skin inspection more reliable compared with an assessment tool, with 50 per cent fewer patients identified as requiring intervention cuid no significant difference in patient outcomes. The skin should be assessed for early signs of tissue damage, which November 2010 Volume 22 Number 9PRESSURE ULCERS shoot potentially withering consequences for patients, hospitals and the overaU hecdth economy. An estimated 5 to 10 per cent of patients admitted to hospital develop pressure ulcers, resulting in increased suffering, morbidity and mortaUty (Clark 2002, Redelings et al 2005) and depleting NHS budgets by 4 per cent, or more than ? 2 billion ? mnually (Bennett et al 2004). Prevention is a complex, multifactorial process and although it is accepted that some pressure ulcers are unavoidable, close are considered preventable.Acknowledging the difficulty in establishing guinea pig comparative prevalence data because of variances in methodology and settings (Calianno 2007), a prevalence of 21. 9 per cent of patients affected was reported in a operate study of UK acute hospitals in 2001 (Clark et al 2004). Pressure ulcer prevention is a nurse quality indicator and towering impact action for nursing and tocology (NHS breast feeding OLDER PEOPLE Feature Figure 1 I Illustrations showing a correctly fitting chair to ensure sufficient I pressure redistribution and poor sitting posture 1.The patient should be sea ted with hips and knees at right angles, feet flat on the floor and arms/shoulders supported. The patients weight is equally displaced through the feet, t full(prenominal)s and sacrum. 2. The chair is too low the patients upper legs are not supported, and weight is increased onto the buttocks conduceing to great risk of pressure damage. include observable discolouration and palpable tissue changes such as localised bogginess, heat or cold (NICE 2005). International guidelines (EPUAP/NPUAP 2009) advise a structured onslaught to risk assessment using a combination of all three techniques.Ecirly intervention Once risk is identified immediate action is imperative to belittle risk of pressure ulcer development. As evidence is weak for specific interventions a get of areas should be addressed, involving ecirly initiation of preventive action, improving tissue tolerance and protecting from the adverse effects of pressure, friction and shear (Calianno 2007). Nutrition and tissue loadin g are two areas of nursing influence. Strategies to ensure optimal nutrition should be used and the provision of oral nutritioneil supplements has been associated with reduced tissue breakdown (Bourdel-Marchasson et al 2000).Tissue loading may be addressed by manual and mechcinical shift, mobuisation and exercise. Strategies to minimise shear forces include addressing posture, moving and handling techniques and use of electric profiling beds (Keogh and Dealey 2001). Positioning and displace Research has not established an op prison termil frequency of patient dislodge (Defloor et al 2005). Repositioning should be undertaken on an individual basis in Une with ongoing skin rating, avoiding bony prominences (NICE 2005).The skin shoiUd be closely monitored to ensure effectiveness of the sustenance and further actions taken if ciny signs of tissue damage occur. November 2010 Volume 22 Number 9 A flatter position distributes body weight more evenly. Semi-Fowler (semi-recumbent) and d evoted positions yield the lowest interface pressures with sitting cind 90-degree side-lying the highest (Sewchuk et al 2006). Repositioning using the 30-degree tuted side-lying position (alternately right side, back, left side) or prone position is advised (EPUAP/NPUAP 2009).The repositioning regimen should be agreed with the patient and will require adaptation to ensure concordance with comfort, symptoms and medical condition. Prolonged chair sitting is impUcated with greater risk of pressure ulcer development (Gebhardt and BUss 1994). Chair sitting should be Umited to less than two hours at ciny one time for the acutely ul at-risk individual (Clark 2009). A correctly fitting chair is important to ensure sufflcient pressure redistribution (Figure 1).Poor sitting posture may cause posterior pelvic tilt (sacral sitting) or pelvic obUquity (side tUting onto one buttock), with the ideal chair allowing feet to sit flat on the floor, with hips and knees at 90 degrees and arm/shoulders s upported (Beldon 2007). Support come ups High specification foam mattresses have demonstrated improved performance in pressure ulcer prevention (Defloor et al 2005), leading assessme Low risk Use static foam mattress. reassess if patients condition changes. Medium risk Use static foam mattress. Implement repositioning regimen. Check skin at least daily. If any signs of pressure damage request dynamic (air) mattress. Reassess if patients condition changes. High risk (contraindicated if patient weighs more than 39 stone (refer to guidelines), has a spinal injury (refer to trauma and orthopaedics) or unstable fracture). Use dynamic (air) mattress. Implement repositioning regimen. Check skin at least daily. If any further signs of pressure damage increase repositioning programme. Reassess and step down onto static mattress as patients condition improves.Remember to apply heel protector boots for patients at risk or with heel pressure ulcers. NURSING OLDER PEOPLE Feature to replacement of standard mattresses by most hospital trusts. There has also been considerable investment in mechanical (dynamic) support surfaces, where air is pumped through the mattress via alternating pressure or low air loss. However, the benefits of these devices remain unclear in terms of clinlccd and cost effectiveness (Reddy et al 2006). Pressure ulcer incidence rates of 5 to 11 per cent have been reported in studies, with longer use associated with greater risk (Theaker et al 2005).These devices should be considered m conjunction with other support surfaces as delayed or inconsistent use may negate the benefits. Multiple strategies A number of studies have attained favourable outcomes using multiple interventions. Examples include introducing a multidisciplinary working party, improving management of pressure-relieving equipment, educational programmes and developing new guidelines (Gould et al 2000, Catania et al 2007, Dobbs et al 2007). Variations in approach suggest the c ommitment of practitioners is vital to success. For example, a support surface . howed improved outcomes only when used In conjunction with an educational programme for registered binds (RNs) (Sewchuk et al 2006). Factors identified as impeding pressure ulcer prevention include lack of time, staffing levels and staff knowledge (Moore and Price 2004, Pancorbo-Hidalgo et al 2006, Robinson and Mercer 2007). expertness mix may also influence outcomes. Horn et al (2005) investigated staffing levels in a nursing home and found fewer pressure ulcers were associated with more cypher RN care for each resident. heels protocolj Apply heel protector boots to patients at high risk of heel ulcers when on bed rest.Assessment criteria include limited mobility and I Is patient immobile, heavily sedated or unconscious? Can patient lift his or her leg up in bed? Is there any evidence of heel tissue breakdown, blistering or ulceration? Does the patient have diabetes, vascular or renal disease? e xperiences highlighted the challenges in delivering timely, optimal preventive care. Opportunities to improve preventive care during the patient journey from admission to discharge were identified. These processes were influenced by the level of communication and collaborative care.Practice development recommendations included Improve early risk assessment and intervention. Direct resources to the start of the patient journey. Prevent heel ulcers. Further actions were taken during 2009/10 to develop practice in line with these recommendations. Method Tissue viabUity support workers were recruited for each hospital site to focus on pressure ulcer prevention, in particular managing pressure-relieving equipment. They reclaimed dynamic mattresses and recurected them to admitting areas to enable immediate plan of attack at the front door.They were entrusted with keeping a float of mattresses in a clean library store and helping with maintenance, decontamination eind training. In Sept ember 2009 a trust-wide pressure ulcer campaign was launched. This focused on three Interventions support surface, positioning and repositioning and heel offloading 1. Risk assessment within six hours and appropriate support surface (Box 1). A simple flow chart was disseminated highlighting a structured patient pathway, based on NICF (2005) best practice recommendations.Initial risk assessment was promote using clinical judgement to help early assessment in the emergency admitting areas. A more detailed assessment was requested during the following 24 hours using the Waterlow assessment tool (Waterlow 1988) to provide risk status confirmation and identify individual risk factors. Patients were assessed as low risk (fuUy mobile and marginal risk factors/Waterlow score 20). All trust static mattresses consist of high specification foam offering protection to all admitted patients. The trust has purchased November 2010 Volume 22 BackgroundAn exploratory study of pressure ulcer prevent ion was undertaken in the project hospital trust during 2007/08. The trust includes three acute sites covering a rangy geographical area consisting of more than 1,200 beds and serving a predominantly ageing population. A case study meth(3dology was used to consider the topic from a avow of perspectives using quantitative zind qualitative data (Yin 2003). A reduction in overall and hospital-acquired pressure ulcer prevcdence since 2001 was found. Steady reduction in sacral ulcers was sight with the heel emerging as the most common site for hospital-acquired pressure ulcers by 2008.Increased prevalence observed in 2009 reflected revised data collection methods and improved reuabuity with thorough skin inspection. Data were also generated from focus group interviews with multidisciplinary clinicians. Their NURSING OLDER PEOPLE Feature more than 350 dyncimic mattresses and local recommendations prioritise patients at high risk, unless contraindicated. 2. Implementation of revised pos itioning cind repositioning documentation. Revised documentation included a visual care plan/ regimen, repositioning chart and skin evaluation for all vulnerable patients. 3. F*revention of heel ulcers.The hecilthy heels project ran concurrent to the Ccimpaign cind was undertaken from October 2009 to March 2010. Funding was procured for regular provision of heel protector boots that float the heel and offload pressure to augment the repositioning and positioning programme. A protocol was disseminated aiming to protect patients with high risk factors such as diabetes or early signs of tissue damage rigid at the heel (Box 2). The annual prevalence canvass methodology was revised to improve reliabUity of data collection cind undertciken in Februcuy 2009 and repeated in February 2010.Data was collected by tissue viabibty nurses at the bedside including skin inspection eind associate preventive interventions. Previously, ward nurses supplied the date using vcirious collection methods. Data analysis was undertaken by the trusts clinical audit team. ulcers as some patients hav e more than one pressure ulcer. Audit results from Februciry 2010 showed a reduction in hospital-acquired pressure ulcer prevcilence by 6 per cent and a reduction in total pressure ulcer prevalence by 4. 7 per cent (Table 1). Prevalence of patients with pressure ulcers had reduced from the previous audit by 2. per cent to 13. 4 per cent (Table 1). More than half of the total inpatient population was assessed as vulnerable to pressure dcimage. This information enables comparison with interchangeable populations and indicates a 2 per cent increase in the population at risk from the previous year. There was also a reduction in all grades/ categories of hospiteil-acquired pressure ulcers (Table 2). The grade (category) of ulcer is used to assess depth of tissue damage, with grades 1 to 2 affecting the top skin layers and grades 3 to 4 including the deeper underlying tissues (EPUAP/ NPUAP 2009). The origin of some pressure ulcers was not fully established, mainly because of lack of documentation and appearance of the ulcer (Table 2). There were observable improving standards in best practice and patient comfort and care on the wards. Repositioning care plcinning documentation had improved by 7 per cent but ongoing documented repositioning had reduced by 1 per cent (Table 3). Further improvements are required to meet best practice standards in both cases. Although the heel remained the most common site for pressure dcimage, there was a reduction in hospital-acquired heel ulcers by 4. per cent. Results Benefits beccime apparent during the campaign with observable improvements in patient glide path to equipment cind eeirly intervention. The results were analysed in terms of patient prevalence (percentage of patients with one or more pressure ulcer) and pressure ulcer prevcilence (percentage of pressure ulcers). The prevalence of pressure ulcers is usually greater than the pre valence of patients with pressure Prevalence of pressure ulcers Discussion The tissue viability support workers were instrumental in raising awareness of prevention 009 Number Number of patients universe at risk Prevalence of patients with pressure ulcers Prevalence of pressure ulcers Pressure ulcers acquired in hospital Pressure ulcers present on admission Origin not known (unsure/not completed) component Number 2010 Percentage Change Percentage 976 497 151 242 132 930 51 15. 5 24. 7 13. 5 492 125 186 53 13. 4 20. 0 7. 5 6. 8 5. 7 T2. 0 i 2. 1 J. 4. 7 J. 6. 0 i 0. 8 I2. 2 70 63 53 75 35 7. 6 3. 5 1 November 2010 Volume 22 Number 9 NURSING OLDER PEOPLE Feature in the admitting areas and improving early access to dynamic mattresses.Previously, dynamic systems were much a late intervention, once pressure damage was appeirent, cind competing demands from the wards impeded availability. A structured approach supported fairer allocation, prioritisation by patient need and improved avai lability. The support workers also improved processes by fostering good teamwork with support staff, hospital management teams and nursing departments. Their presence in the ward areas improved preventive care, related protocols and provided a link with the tissue viability nurses.Our experiences suggest that further education and communication are essential to reach a staff. The healthy heels campaign demonstrated the effectiveness of heel protectors in a prevention strategy. These devices were used for prevention and treatment to float the heel, with resolution of superflcial tissue damage often achieved through continued use. This included the treatinent of superficial necrosis (black heels), which in many cases were kept dry cind allowed to slough off retaining viable deeper tissues, as recommended by EPUAP/NPUAP (2009).The audit results mirror previous reports of less than 10 per cent of hospiteil patients having documented adequate preventive care (Vanderwee ef al 2007b). Some nurses expressed concems over time constrEiints and extra paperwork, which may have contributed to a reluctance to adopt revised positioning and repositioning documentation. Communication and education Achievement of best practice standar Best practice standard quired pressujmJceyarajeiKe by grad put of pressure ulcer Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Total 2009 Number 59 54 7 12 2010 Number 35 24 6 5 70 Percentage Change Percentage Percentage 6,0 5. 3,7 2,5 0,6 0,5 i 2. 3 4-3. 0 0. 7 1. 2 i 0,1 1 0,7 132 Origin not known (unsure/not completed) Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 16 15 2 2 1. 6 1. 5 0,2 0. 2 23 23 7 0 2,4 2. 4 0. 7 T0. 8 i 0,9 IO. 5 _ Total 35 1 issues were other possible factors. The trust operates a link nurse system for tissue viability education that may limit dissemination to all nursing staff. In an audit of 44 UK hospitals Phillips and Buttery (2009) also found a lack of documentary evidence of risk assessment on admission and C2ire planning, together with the n eed to improve immediate allocation of appropriate resources.Early risk assessment and immediate intervention may also be hcimpered by the focus on emergency care in admitting areas. Robinson and Mercer (2007) identified contextual barriers to pressure ulcer prevention in emergency departments as use of a stretcher and a lack of basic care provision for older Patients having a documented pressure ulcer risk assessment within six hours of admission. Patients with documented risk assessment at time of audit. Patients nursed on appropriate mattress.Patients with a high or medium risk of developing a pressure ulcer with documented evidence of a positioning and repositioning regimen. Patients with a high or medium risk of developing a pressure ulcer with documented evidence of repositioning. Use of heel protectors and offloading techniques (of total number heel ulcers). Ulcers with declaration/treated infection. Prevalence of patients with hospital-acquired heel ulcers. 75 79 88 13 T9 1 1 33 2 7,9 10 4. 1 36 0. 2 3,0 I3 ameliorate by 1. 8 i 4. 9 NURSING OLDER PEOPLE November 2010 Volume 22 adults.The improvement of resources and processes in admitting cireas is crucial to prevention. Technological advances may cdso have created a culture focused on dynamic systems as the primary intervention. Eurther difficulties may cuise in maintaining individual repositioning schedules in busy hospital Wcirds where competing demands often require a more immediate response. Hobbs (2004) demonstrated improved outcomes when regular repositioning schedules were re-established. Eurther work is required to place the emphasis on patient militarisation and prevention and away from equipment and treatment.Education and leadership are peiramount to generate this culture shift and rebalance these nursing priorities. Conclusion A comprehensive review of previous and current prevention activity was invaluable in identifying appropriate areas for improved intervention. The recruitment of tis sue viability support staff assisted with early risk assessment and intervention, particularly in terms of pressure-relieving equipment. A pressure ulcer campaign was useful in raising awareness of three interventions early risk assessment and intervention, positioning cind repositioning regimens eind healthy heels project.Audit results from Eebruary 2010 showed a reduction in hospital-acquired pressure ulcer prevalence by 6 per cent and a reduction in total pressure ulcer prevalence by 4. 7 per cent. Heel offloading using heel protector boots was an effective strategy for prevention and treatment of heel pressure ulcers. Although the heel remained the most common site for hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, there was a reduction in prevcilence by 4. 9 per cent. Improvements are indicated in the provision of documentary evidence to support prevention, particularly in terms of risk assessment, positioning and repositioning programmes.This project has demonstrated that responding to or ganisational specific factors can produce encouraging results in pressure ulcer prevention and identify areas for continued effort. Dedicated leadership, education, teamwork and commitment are fundamental to continue to improve standards and ensure best possible patient outcomes. Online archive For related information, visit our online archive of more than 6,000 articles and search using the keywords Find out more Copies of the positioning and repositioning regimen can be obtained by emailing the causality at Judy. emailprotected nhs. ukThis article has been subject to double-blind review and checked using antiplaglarism software. For author guidelines visit the nursing Older People home page at www. nursingolderpeople. co. uk Judy Elliott is lead tissue viability nurse. East Kent Hospitals NHS University Foundation Trust, Canterbury References Bcldon P (2007) Silting safely to prevent pressure damage. Wound Essentials. 2, 102-104. Bennett G, Dealey C, Posnetl J (2004) The cost oi pressure ulcers in the UK. Ae and Ageing. 33, 3, 230-235. Bonomini J (2003) Effective interventions for pressure ulcer prevention. Nursing Standard. 17. 32. 4300.Bourdel-Marehasson I, Barateau M, Rondeau V el al (2000) A multicenter trial of the effects of oriu nutritional supplementation in critically ill older inpatients. Nutrition. 16, 1, 1-5. Calianno C (2007) Quality improvement strategies to prevent pressure ulcers. Nurse Practitioner. 32, 7, 10, 13-I5. Catania K, Huang C, James P et al (2007) PlIPIl The Pressure Ulcer Prevention protocol Interventions. American Joumai of Nursing. 107, 4, 44-52. Clark M (2002) Pressure ulcers and quality of life. Nursing Standard 16. 22, 74-80. Clark M (2009) Guidelines for seating in pressure ulcer prevention and management.Nursing Times. 105, 16, 40-41. Clark M. Defloor T, Bours G (2004) A pilot study of the prevalence of pressure ulcers in European hospitals. In Clark M (Ed) Pressure Ulcers Recent Advances in Tissue Viability. Quay Boolcs . London. Defloor T, De Bacquer D, Grypdonck M (2005) The effect of various combinations of turn and pres. sure reducing devices on the incidence of pressure ulcers. International Joumai of Nursing Studies. 42, 1, 37-46. Dobbs N, Spanbauer P, Datz D (2007) Continuous automated pressure ulcer monitoring. Journal for Nurses in provide ue-elopment. 23. 3, 132-135.European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (2009) Ire. sure Ulcer Prevention Quick Reference Guide. NPtJAP, uppercase DC. Gebhardt K, Bliss M (1U94) Prevention of pressure sores in orthopaedic patients is prolonged chair nursing detrimental? Journal of TLisue Viability. 4, 2, 51-54. Gould D, James T, Irpey A et al (2000) Intervention studies to reduce the prevalence and incidence of pressure sores a literature review. Joumai of Clinical Nursing. 9, 2,163-177. Hobbs B (2004) Reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers implementation of a tum-team nursing program.Joumai of Gerontological N ursmg. 30, 11,46-51. Horn S, Buerbaus P, Bergstrom N et al (2005) RN staffing time and outcomes of long-stay nursing home residents pressure ulcers and other adverse outcomes are less likely as RNs spend more time on direct patient care. American Joumai of Nursing. 105, 11, 58-70. Keogh A, Dealey C (2001) Profiling beds ver. sus standard hospital beds effects on pressure ulcer incidence outcomes. Joumai of Wound Care. 10,2, 15-19. Moore Z, Price P (2004) Nurses attitudes, behaviours and perceived barriers towards pressure ulcer prevention. Joumai of Clinical Nursing. 3,8,942-951. NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement (2009) High Impact Actions for Nursing and Midwifery. NHS Institute for Irmovation and Improvement, Coventry National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (2003) The Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers. Clinical Guideline 29. NICE, London. Pancorbo-Hidalgo P, Garcia-Femandez F, Lopez-Medina I et al (2006) Risk assessment scales for pressure ulcer prevention a systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 34, 1,94-110. Pbillips L, Buttery J (2009) Exploring pressure ulcer prevalence and preventadve care. Nursing Times. 05, 16, 34-36. Reddy M, branchia S, Rocbon P (2006) Preventing pressure ulcers a systematic review. Journal of the American Medical Association. 296, 8, 974-984. Redelings M, Lee N, Sorvillo F (2003) Pressure ulcers more lethal than we thought? Advances in climb and Wound Care. 18. 7. 367-372. Robinson S, Mercer S (2007) Older adult care in the emergency department identifying strategies that foster best practice. Joumai of Gerontological Nursing. 33, T, 40-47. Sewcbuk D, Padula C, Osborne E (2006) Prevention and eari detection of pressure ulcers in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.AORN Joumai. 84. 1, 75-96. Tbeaker C, Kuper M, Soni N (2005) Pressure ulcer prevention in intensive care a randomised control trial of two pressure-relieving devices, . aesthesia. 60, 4. 395-399. Vanderwee K, Grypdonck M, De floor T (2007a) Non-blanchable erythema as an indicator for the need for pressure ulcer prevention a randomized-controUed trial. Joumai of Clinical Nursing. 16. 2, 325-335. Vanderwee K, Clark M, Dealey C et al (2007b) Pressure ulcer prevalence in Europe a pilot study. Joumai of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. 13, 2, 227-235.Walerlow J (1988) The Waterlow card for the prevention and management of pressure sores towards a pocket policy. Care Science and Practice. 6, 1,8-12. Yin R (2003) Case Study Research, Design and Methods. Third edition. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks CA. November 2010 Volume 22 I Number 9 NURSING OLDER PEOPLE right of first publication of Nursing Older People is the property of RCN Publishing Company and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holders express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

Individual Report (Hrm) Essay

According to the chairman of Woolworths, James Strong, One of the most significant factors contributing to the countrys outstanding deed is the quality of its people. According to him involvement and uprisement of people possessing high quality is very important for an disposal to succeed (Stone, 2011). Now a twenty-four hour periods workforce is the main factor of organizations war-ridden return. The workforce is intangible assets of organizations. To gain a warlike advantage, the part of human mental imagery is the best ever, because it is taken as a wealth success as well as the main component of sustainable private-enterprise(a) advantage (Memon, Mangi, & Rohra, 2009). gentlemans gentleman Capital includes the skill, attitudes and knowledge of the employees. Today, all the organization maintains sustainable value in the market, so that they mostly use intangible assets as human great(p) (Javadein, Estiri, & Ghorbani, 2011). When a human capital is valuable, rare and ha rdly capable it creates a sustainable competitive advantage. For example given below Table 1 Human capital and agonistic advantage Performance Type of competitive advantage Hardly capable of imitation Rare Valuable Below average Competitive way out - No Average Competitive balance - No yes Above average Temporary competitive advantage No yes yes Above average Sustainable competitive advantage yes yes yes Source (Colella & Miller, 2006)All researchers are own vision but of this concept as Wright, et al, 1994 indicates that they meet the criteria for human resource Barney is a source of sustainable competitive advantage. Guest said in 1990 if watchfulness trusts employees and give difficult tasks, workers will reply high motivation, commitment and high performance (Jassim, 1987) to respond. This means that in recent years the sources of sustainable competitive advantage technological, financial but now to human. In other words, we can say that achievement now depends on employees skills, confidence and depicted object obligations.2Competitive favourCompetitive advantage is achieved when a business produces extra profits which are greater than its opponents due to making exclusive harvest pricing or supply advantage (The VisionLink consultative Group, 2012). And if the comp both is to create value over time, the policy the same as another potential competitor also done, but other companies are not able to reap the fruits of this policy to duplicate, then you can say that the organization continues to sustainable competitive advantage.For remedy compete in the market the capable employees of the successful companies set up a product unique, use some different activities and they management on all of competency areas which affect the organization to maintain sustainable competitive advantage. The Competitive Advantage Process Image2 Competitive Advantage Process Source (http//www.vladvisors.com/) According to this Michael Porters say that At the time a firm gets profits more than industrial average profit, then the firm possesses competitor advantage over its competitors (The VisionLink consultive Group, 2012). Employees play vital roles to achieve the targets which set by organization so instead of this organization also know that to achieve the sustainability in the market so the factor is capable employees.3Significance of the StudyThe human element has become important information that comes has an essential element to obtain a competitive advantage, especially in the new economic environment. The objective of this work is to define the importance of workforce in organizational performance and some models of the strategic direction of the organization to describe. These models make it for this individual report to explain the capable workforce is the main resource of competitive advantage. In these models shows that how the workforce can help to organization in appease sustained competitive in the market. To use these model s finds that which are the capable employees in organizations will achieve competitive advantage in the market. (Bernardin & Russell, 1998). This effort shows that organization discover the importance of human resources in formulating planning and execution to achieve a competitive advantage.4Capable work force can deliver sustainable competitive advantageFig3 Adapting these things to develop a Sustain Competitive Advantage Source (http//www.growourregion.ca) In todays world if an organization needs to have a growth in present economic environment then it should have more and proper focus on its workforce. The ability to reduce costs, productivity and competitive advantage in the management depends upon the employees capability. Sustainable competitive advantage means that the employees of the company always focus on the maintenance and improvement in the enterprises, so the organization easily competes in the market. This competitive advantage helps every business to stand against its rivals in a long run. (Kotelnikov, N.D). Some example according to sustain competitive advantage 4.1Example IBMWith the talent and experience of professional manpower the IBM deployed worldwide, the organization and practice of people is part of IBM Global Business Services. IBM consultants have a proven grade record in creating value for customers with our proven assets, methodology, partnerships and research capabilities we act as business advisors trust for our customers worldwide (Brousseau, N.D.).4.2Literature Review of WorkforceWorkforce is supposed to be major part of the organization. In recent years organization ignored workforce strategies, but after see the importance and control organization began to see to it that human resources is essential to create and maintain a competitive advantage. Most of theories show that workforce should be included at the time of formulation of any strategy in the organization. According to Stone 1998 shows that whenever organization al need to formulate new strategy that time they requires identifications of resources, analysis the whole structure and balance the externalities climax from outside or inside the organization at that time workforce plays a very important role (Memon et al., 2009). Workforce is major resource of sustainable competitive advantage. Workforce give helps to organizations to achieve sustainable competitive advantage through cost management and differentiation.4.2.1Example Uk AirlinesIn this example discriminate about employees of UK air hoses give efforts to utilize the image of airlines in the minds of its customers. The most excellent airline are those which always do our promises to their customers and always make significant value for them, but this thing possible when the employees of the company give better results. In this Airlines Company employees plays very vital role for spread image of airline in the market and responsible for deliver promises to our customers, so that air lines company easily achieve a sustainable competitive advantage in the market (Study-Aids, 2010).5Workforce and bear on Competitive AdvantageFor achieving goals, firstly represent the review of the resource-based view of the firm. And after this concept tell about function of workforce in sustainable competitive advantage.5.1The Resource-Based View of the FirmAccording to resource-based firm organization literature shows that the theories of profit and competition are related with the writing of Ricardo (1817), Schumpeter (1934). And in this they both mainly focus on the workforce of the business success as the main determinants in the competition (WRIGHT & McMcMAHAN, 1993). 5.2Workforce affects the sustainability of the organizationIt is clear that most of the organizations suggest that workforce is the key foretell of competitive advantage in the world. Workforce is the key point of sustained competitive advantage in the market because less(prenominal) visible role compared to others. Employees on the job(p) in the organization can play a very important role in production of product and services because the employees are directly touch on in it. All these things displayed by the workforce are capable of a sustainable competitive advantage.5.3Workforce Role in the Sustained Competitive AdvantageFirst, in a static environment, a high level of workforce must have a number of bodies to have productive advantages over its competitors by maturation more efficient methods to meet the requirements of the task (Hunter & Hunter, 1984).On the other hand, the dynamics environments some workers affected by the increased efficiency adapted to the individual capacity of the environment.5.4Function of Manager to rising workforceWhile managers were greatest impact on business results. It plays vital function in the development of workforce as a competitive advantage continuously (WRIGHT & McMcMAHAN, 1993). According to resource-based view shows all managers are ability to control the characteristics of their business.5.4.1Example HondaLast 40 years the Honda had a manufacturing work plants in the United States. In U.S. economy Honda has large growth and spreading out in terms of dollars and number of employees. But the success of the Hondas depends upon the company employees (Child, 1972).6Employees ain Characteristics under WorkforceThese are some personal Characteristics for employees by which they achieve goals in the company and other side easily achieves sustain competitive advantage in the organization. Such that including aggressiveness, Confidence, poise, decisiveness, toughness, integrity and quick thinking (Child, 1972). Skills The most important skills for employees to sustainable competitive advantage in the organization are 1)Communication Skills Employees have skillful communication skills by this they easily do business globally which effect organization preview. 2)Organization skills This is the vital factor for good management. These skills included in the employees having good planning, analytic and goal-setting abilities by through this they achieve good reputation of organization in the market which makes the sustainable competitive advantage. 3)Coping Skills Employees have flexible and creative were involved in effectively coping with change, as were patience and persistence. These all good skills in employees affect the organization image in the market. 4)Technical skills If managers have good background in their field so it achieves the objectives of the organization and done the things more efficiently which affects the sustainability of the organization.7ConclusionsToday, intangible assets play an important role in the competitiveness of enterprises, more durable and less active that can be replicated. Workforce can be considered as one of the most important intangible assets, including the knowledge and skills. As a result, management has the capital necessary to achieve competitiveness. The reas on of this analysis is verify the capable labor market is the important factor for the organization. By preparing this individual report victimization some theoretical concepts, which shows that capable workforce is the source of sustainable competitive advantage.8ReferenceBernardin, H., & Russell. (1998). Human Resource Management. A Experimental Approach. 2 Edition. Singapore McGraw-Hill.Brousseau, D. (n.d.). Organization & Workforce Transformation. Retrieved from http//www-935.ibm.com/services/us/gbs/strategy/talent-and-workforce-management.htmlColella, A., & Miller, C. C. (2006). Organizational Behavior A Strategic Approach. John Wiley, New York.Memon, D. M. A., Mangi, R. A., & Rohra, D. C. L. (2009). Human Capital a Source of Competitive Advantage Ideas for Strategic Leadership. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences. Retrieved from http//www.ajbasweb.com/ajbas/2009/4182-4189.pdfJavadein, S., Estiri, M., & Ghorbani, H. (2011). The Role of Internal Marketing in Creatio n of Sustainable Competitive Advantages. Retrieved fromhttp//scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=tasr.2011.364.374&org=10Jassim, R. K. (1987). Competitive Advantage Through the Employees. Retrieved from http//www.my-world-guide.com/upload/File/Reports/e/egipt/Competitive%20Advantage%20Through%20the%20Employees.pdfThe VisionLink Advisory Group. (2012). Creating and Sustaining a Competitive Advantage The Role and Impact of Effective Compensation and Rewards Strategies. Retrieved from http//www.vladvisors.com/compensation-information/Role-of-Effective-Compensation-Competitve-Advantage-article.aspxThe VisionLink Advisory Group. (2012). How Do I Create a Competitive Advantage with My Compensation Programs? Retrieved from http//www.vladvisors.com/compensation-information/Competitive-Advantage-with-Compensation-article.aspxKotelnikov, V. (N.E). Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA). Retrieved from http//www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/sca_main.htmlWRIGHT, P. M., & McMcMAHAN, G. C. (1993). Human Resources And Sustained Competitive Advantage A Resource-Based Perspective. Retrieved from http//ceo.usc.edu/pdf/T9319239.pdfChild, J. (1972). Human Resource Management (Competitive advantage). Retrieved from http//www.slideshare.net/fathima_sy/human-resource-management-competitive-advantage-1928241Study-Aids. (2010). Employee Branding as a Source of Sustainable Competitive Advantage A Study of Two UK Airlines. Retrieved from http//www.study-aids.co.uk/marketing/market0057.htmlHunter, J., & Hunter, R. (1984). lustiness and utility of alternative

Technology in Satellite Internet

Technology is ragting better each day. The meshwork is one of the best, if non the best, technology that was invented on this century. mesh allows us to see the world that we have not seen. Internet widens our knowledge on certain perspectives and information. Internet makes learning easier and more gatewayible as comp ard to the by century before it was invented. It allows us to see places that we cannot see physically. In short, it gave us the world of easier and more accessible pool of knowledge. Dial-up Internet access was the first intention that was used to connect to the Internet.This type of Internet connectivity connects through the Internet using the customary call up line. The telephone line is then connected to a modem, a device that deals to be attached on the computer to allow lucre access. By configuring the computer to dial up a specific telephone number of an Internet Service Provider (ISP), Internet is already accessible. The next innovation used to connec t through the Internet was the Digital Subscriber telephone wire (DSL). This type of Internet connectivity was the widely used type of Internet connectivity on these days.Compargond to a dial-up connection, DSL is faster as they ar designed for use with richly-speed DSL connections. Recently, an early(a) innovation in Internet connectivity was introduced to the grocery store, the broadcast Internet. send Internet, from the name itself, connects to the Internet using satellite. The outgoing and the incoming data ar direct and arrive at the computer through the satellite. Hardw be that is unavoidablenessed to be installed on the computer to have this type of internet connection includes satellite violator antenna and a transceiver which works in the microwave portion of the radiocommunication spectrum.This type of Internet connection is recommended for residents and business establishments that do not have access on DSL or cable internet on their location. This research pa per aims to take a closer look on the technology behind(predicate) satellite Internet. What is satellite internet? send Internet lets Internet through satellite. It is connected to a mete out ne 2rk subscriber service. The speed that satellite internet provides is yet the same as those provided by former(a) wideband technologies. However, not all locations have DSL or cable internet suppliers. Some agrarian parts lack DSL and cable internet service.Satellite Internet solves this problem for it can be connected anywhere as long as on that point is electricity to power a computer system. There are three types of services offered in satellite internet (1) One-way multicast (2) One-way with terrestrial provide and (3) Two-way satellite access. IP multicast-based data, audio, and video distribution are the usage of one-way multicast satellite Internet systems. This type of service is recommended for TV and radio confine as they need modest user interface. This happens because full interactivity is not possible for this type of service.FCC license is a requirement in the United States for the uplink station though in that location it is not needed for the users. Because of this, most Internet protocols does not work adequately on one-way access because a return channel is needed. By pushing to a local storage at end user sites, webpage can quieten be distributed on the Internet. Interface to the Public Switched Telephone interlock for squawk box application is a system hardware component needed for this type of service. On the other hand, custom programming at the outdoor(a) site is needed for the system computer software system component.Filter, store, present a selection interface to, and display data are the tasks needed to be performed by the software at the remote site. While provision of access see, priority queue, sending, and summarizing of data are the tasks needed to be performed by the software at the Teleport. Used with a dial up acces s to the Internet, together with outbound data traveling with the use of a modem, one-way terrestrial return satellite Internet systems downloads are sent through satellite having the speed almost the same as those offered speed by other broadband Internet services.The transmitting station or the Teleport is needed component of system hardware. This transmitting station has two components (1) Internet connection and (2) Satellite uplink. Minimum programming that can provide hallmark and set Proxy server settings are needed by the remote sites, which is the system software component. Compared to a dial up modem, this type of satellite Internet services speed is faster and response metre is higher. Speed of download is faster than dial-up modem but slower than terrestrial broadband methods. According to sattellitemaps. om, two-part satellite Internet sends data from remote sites via satellite to a hub, which then sends the data to the Internet. To avoid obstruction with other sate llites, the satellite dish moldiness be accurately positioned on each location. Obstruction with these systems can be caused by oscillators in various radar detectors. To adjust the amount of transmit power, each location is require to use power management. TDMA and SCPC are the two types of two-way satellite Internet. Internet speed for this type of service uncommonly exceeds one megabit per second and the latency can penetrate up to one second.Speed, in general, for satellite Internet can be two-megabits per second (Mbps) for down sprout and one-megabit per second for upstream. On the other hand, a typical dial-up Internet connection speed reaches only 53 kilobits per second (Kbps). Therefore, satellite Internet is by far faster than a dial-up Internet connection. though satellite Internet solves the problem of those who live in areas that do not have DSL or cable Internet services, it still has its drawback. It is generally dearly-won as compared to dial-up and DSL connection. High latency, which means signal delay, is another drawback of satellite Internet. A request for a webpage from a satellite Internet subscriber travels 22,300 miles to reach a satellite in a geostationary orbit. Another 22,300 miles is traveled by the signal upon reaching the geostationary orbit back to the earth. Lastly, another 22,300 miles moldiness be traveled for the signal to reach the user. All in all, the total distance traveled by the information is 89,200 miles. The total distance is what the user is pay for this type of Internet connection.Average latency, on the other hand, is approximately 500-700 milliseconds. In short, latency cannot be avoided in satellite Internet. Thus, it is not recommended for some Internet activities such as multiplayer online gaming. In general, satellite Internet is by far faster than a dial-up connection but still slower as compared to other broadband technologies such as DSL and cable internet connection. How does satellite internet works? The Technology behind the Innovation The large satellite dish is the hub station. Its average diameter ranges from 6 meters to 32 meters.Receive gain is dependent on the size of it of the satellite dish. The large size of the satellite dish brings high drive gain and sensitivity. Transmit power is minimized through the large dish. The large size in addition brings high transmit gain at the same time minimizes the transmitter power at the hub. A router to interface to the external ISP network, DVP-IP encapsulator that will insert the IP data into a format of MPEG-2, DVB multiplexer, continuous modulator, timing clock, up-converter, and high power amplifier are the transmit Hub Common Equipment (HCE).Meanwhile, low noise amplifier, down-converter, timing and distribution of MF-TDMA demodulator unit and multiple MF-TDMA demodulator units for each inbound carrier wave to be received simultaneously are the components of receive HCE. Having high sensitivity is a requirement for the s atellite uplink so it can function well in small dish transmits services. If the uplink beam coverage area is small, high sensitivity is easily achieved. Adequate high gain setting is in any case a need for the satellite transponder.This will be easily achieved but it should be specified fist before satellite construction begins. Through a remote control of a gain step attenuator, adjustment of the gain of satellite is possible. On the other hand, a lower gain setting is preferable for large dish services. Frequency bands for satellite internet can be any of the following (A) C band 4/6 gigacycle (B) Ku band 10-12/14 GHz or (C) higher Ka band. Among all the customer terminals, a large outlink carrier from the hub is shared. It has a bit rate of 60 Mbits/s rate. It is also ETSI-compliant for modulation and FEC.Quadrature or 8 Phase Shift Keying (QPSK or 8-PSK) is the format of the outlink carrier. The following are the ways of transmitting digital data. For a particular bit rate, b oth need the approx and the same power from the satellite but 8-PSK concentrates the power into half the bandwidth (VSAT, 2005). 8-PSK becomes viable with dual satellite transponder bit rate capacity if there is a tidy satellite and maybe larger remote terminals. A series of symbols, where each symbol has four to eight possible states, form the carrier. Thus, each symbol conveys two to three binary bits per symbol.Forward error correction systems are used, which add extra bits to form a higher transmission bit rate, to attain an peanut bit error rate for the information. A pragmatic Trellis type is the inner code together with the 8-PSK. MPEG-2 with DVB Multi-Protocol Encapsulation (DVB-MPE) format for IP data is the data stream format. The extra forward error correction bits, found at the customer receiver, are utilized to perceive errors and basically correct all of them. Another grievous component in satellite Internet is the Return Channel Satellite endpoints (RCST) outdoor u nit (ODU).The following are its components (1) Parabolic antenna reflector (2) pay (3) Ortho-mode transducer (4) Filters and (5) Transmit/receive radio frequency modules. The received downlink from a satellite is normally collected by the reflector. It is better to have a bigger size of the reflector. Most dishes used are of offset front fed parabolic shape with the feed at the bottom on an arm (VSAT, 2005). Appearance of radio signal from the radio equipment until it reaches the air functions in the feed. To allocate power across the dish area is its primary function.It should also be considered that the position of the dish must be at the focus of the parabolic dish shape. Division of the two polarizations positioned at linear and right angles are performed by the Ortho-Mode Transducer (OMT). The function of the two polarities is for the other to transmit and the other to receive. To avoid the transmitter from obstructing the receiver, filters are inserted. It is also used to att ach the transmitter and receiver. Up-converting of the signals to transmit frequencies and amplifying them before transmission is the function of transmit module.Powers are directly proportional to transmit bit rates. The higher the power, the greater is the transmit bit rates. If there is RCST-ODU, there is also Return Channel Satellite Terminal (RCST) Linkstar indoor unit, which is an integrated unit that has connections for two coax cables to the antenna and a CAT5 10/100 Base-T connection for an ethernet cable that is linked to the subscribers cipher equipment. The received MPEG-2 stream is recovered from the outbound signal by an integrated circuit consisting of a DVB-S demodulator and de-multiplexer (VSAT, 2005). The outbound signal is demodulated by this logic.The IP packets that are aimed for precise customer terminal are recovered by the demux, which is then delivered to the external network via the ethernet interface. RCST is responsible in preparing the data into short p ackets or bursts that are conveyed according to a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system. If you are interested in connecting your personal computer or a local area network, the least complex installation will involve a single computer that is connected with ethernet cable. The basic task is to set the IP address and subnet mask. On the other hand, local area network can be connected through the use of a local router.This will allow many computers on a local area network, cafe, and wireless LAN to be connected. Future Trends in Satellite Internet As we all know, satellite Internet is just a recent innovation for Internet connection. Thus, it still needs to be improved and developed further to allow more people to benefit from this innovation. In the near future, IP protocols are expected to improve at the same time compatible to SAT channel. Voice over IP is also a future trend for satellite internet. Since satellite Internet is costly these days, it is expected to have a lower cost specifically in storage devices in the near future.Traffic over satellites is one of the drawbacks of satellite Internet. However, it is an expected trend in the future to have a more advance hardware and software that will handle and improve traffic over satellites. New networks and traffic management systems is also expected. Innovation in antennas, switching, MMIC, and bandwidth use are expected to get better as satellite internet attracts more market share. Lastly, new satellite systems that use new frequencies such as Ka, V, and Optical systems are also expected to occur in the near future for satellite Internet.Companies Involved in Satellite Internet Teleglobe is one of the largest Internet backbone access providers to Latin America. Recently, it just closed the deal of providing satellite access to content located on Teleglobes global Internet backbone network to the University of Costa Rica. It is the lede provider of Internet backbone access services to carriers and ISPs all over Latin America. In addition to its services, it also provides access services for research and tuition networks throughout the world. Another satellite Internet provider is the Panamsat Corporation.It is included among the worlds top three satellite operators. It manages a global fleet of 30 satellites, which 23 of these satellites are owned by the company. It also supports the largest satellite-based business networks in United States. Its services benefits cable television systems, broadcast affiliates, direct-to-home operators, Internet service providers, and telecom companies. One of the global leaders in the market of broadband satellite networks and services is Hughes Network Systems. It provides its services to wearprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers.Globecomm Systems Inc. acquired all the shares of Netsat Express Inc. in June 2001 and resolved to combine the services offered by both companies. This acquisition improved Globecomms position i n the field of satellite-based communications and Internet solutions. Another satellite-based company is the Intelsat. It is the largest provider of fixed satellite services all over the world. These are just some of the companies using satellite for the services that they are offering to the market. Another provider of satellite Internet in Australia and other countries in Asia is Orion Satellite Broadband.Generally, Orion is a provider of wide-ranging telecommunications solutions. However, their primary focus is on ontogeny innovations and approaches to some issues and challenges in communications that cannot be solve by conventional providers. Satellite Internet is one of their services to solve the problem of Internet accessibility. It is also developed and operated by HughesNet in the United States. Another provider of satellite Internet is the partnership of Zaksat and Fantastic Corporation. Zaksat is known as one of the leaders in satellite operator in Middle East countries. Fantastic Corporation is a Swiss-American company that focuses on software technology. The partnership of Zaksat and Fantastic Corporation aims to provide broadband multimedia services among businesses and household consumers in the Middle East, India, Asia, and Australia. In Australia and New Zealand, Netaccess Satellite is the leading provider of satellite Internet. It provides high-speed, business-grade Internet connection eve on remote areas of the country. The satellite that they are using for their services, which is their own satellite Optus, covers 100% of countries Australia and New Zealand.The benefits that they are offering their consumers include lightning-fast broadband anywhere in the country, wider coverage of Internet access, ideal Internet access backup, trusted and quality performance, 24-hours customer support, and reporting tools. In countries Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon, Cyprus, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Syria, and Turkmenistan iDirect is the leading provider of two-way broadband Internet access.Their services can benefit private consumers, businesses, and institutions. Speed, performance, and flexibility is what they are offering to their services offer the market. There are others that are not mentioned here. These companies are proofs that satellite Internet can benefit and have a large share on the market of Internet providers. Regulatory Issues in Satellite Internet Just like in cable Internet, privacy and speed are the major drawbacks in satellite Internet. Another of its drawback is its susceptibility during bad persist conditions.Redefinition and recasting of 1934 Communications Act is shown in Telecommunications Act of 1996. Its primary goal is to address the emergence of competition in previously monopolistic markets. However, many still believe that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 is not enough to solve and a ddress the issues of the continually changing telecommunications environment. Innovations and changes in the technology of telecommunications include the advancement of Internet in supply data, voice, and video.Convergence in the telecommunications sector is also a factor that is considered for the need of revision of the act. Some of the issues that concerns broadband communications are as follows (A) Traditional providers who enter new markets, which they do not hold any power (B) Extent of existing regulations that should be imposed on new entrants while they compete for conventional providers in the same market (C) Suitable regulatory framework that will be imposed in new and converging technologies which are not categorise in the present framework.Broadband technologies are major considerations in the policy debate. Questions on whether the present regulations are enough to address the issues concerning competition and consumer benefits and satisfaction. Global Implications of Satellite Internet The primary implication of satellite Internet is its geographically advantage over other broadband providers. It solves the problem of Internet accessibility, especially in rural areas where there are no providers of DSL or cable Internet connection.Though innovations and technical advances are continuously arising in todays world, there are still some who do not have the access to these technologies. Internet is one of the best innovations in todays century. Though, there are still some who do not have access to it. This is where the function of satellite Internet comes in. It offers an alternative to many consumers. However, its price is generally expensive compared to other broadband providers. Other drawbacks include its delay in delivering of data and its susceptibility on bad weather. As compared to dial-up Internet connectivity, it is by far faster in terms of speed.However, when compared to other broadband technologies such as DSL or cable Internet, it offers just the same speed and other benefits with higher price. As a summary, satellite Internet provides an alternative Internet connection to many geographically challenged areas that do not have connection for DSL or cable Internet. It is not recommended for those who have broadband connections in their area for it has higher price and delay in relaying information especially on bad weather conditions. It diversified the market for consumers in terms of Internet connection.

The Host Chapter 39: Worried

Perfect, I grumbled to myself. Just perfect.Ian was coming to join me for lunch, a big smile glued into jell on his face. Trying to cheer me up again.I pretend youre overdoing the sarcasm lately, Melanie told me.Ill keep that in mind.I hadnt heard from her untold in the past week. uncomplete of us was acceptable company right this instant. It was better if we avoided social interaction, even with each different.Hey, Wanda, Ian greeted me, hopping up onto the counter beside me. He had a bowl of tomato soup in one hand, still steaming. Mine was beside me, cooled and half full. I was toying with a piece of roll, ripping it into tiny pieces.I didnt answer him.Oh, happen on. He put his hand on my knee. Mels angry reaction was lethargic. She was too used to this kind of thing to re each(prenominal)y work up a good fit out anymore. Theyll be affirm today. Before sunset, without a doubt.You said that three days ago, and two days ago, and again yesterday, I reminded him.I have a goo d feeling about today. Dont sulk-its so human, he teased.Im not sulking. I wasnt. I was so worried I could barely think straight. It didnt leave me energy to do anything else.This isnt the first raid Jamies gone on.That ferments me feel so much better. Again with the sarcasm. Melanie was right-I really was overusing it.Hes got Jared and Geoffrey and Trudy with him. And Kyles present. Ian laughed. So theres no vogue theyll get into any trouble.I dont take to talk about it.Okay.He turned his attention to his food and let me stew. Ian was nice that way-always trying to give me what I precious, even when what I valued was unclear to either of us. His insistent attempts to distract me from the present anxiety excepted, of course. I knew I didnt want that. I wanted to worry it was the unless thing I could do.It had been a month since Id travel cover charge into Jamie and Jareds room. For three weeks of that time, the four of us had watchd together. Jared slept on a mattress wedge d above the head of the bed where Jamie and I slept.Id gotten used to it-the quiescency part, at least I was having a hard time sleeping now in the empty room. I missed the sound of two other bodies subsisting.I hadnt gotten used to waking up e truly morning with Jared there. It still took me a second too long to return his morning greeting. He was not at ease, either, just he was always polite. We were both actually polite.It was almost scripted at this point.Good morning, Wanda, how did you sleep?Fine, thank you, and you?Fine, thanks. And Mel?Shes good, too, thanks.Jamies constant state of euphoria and his happy chattering kept things from becoming too strained. He talked about-and to-Melanie often, until her name was no longer the source of stress it had once been when Jared was present. Every day, it got a shrimpy good turn more comfortable, the pattern of my life here a little bit more pleasant.We were sort of happy. Both Melanie and I.And indeed, a week ago, Jared had left for other miserable raid-mostly to replace broken tools-and taken Jamie with him.You tired? Ian asked.I realized I was rubbing at my eyes. Not really.Still not sleeping tumesce?Its too quiet.I could sleep with you-Oh, calm down, Melanie. You know what I meant.Ian always noticed when Melanies antagonism made me cringe.I thought they were going to be substantiate today, I challenged.Youre right. I guess theres no need for rearranging.I sighed.Maybe you should take the afternoon off.Dont be silly, I told him. Ive got plenty of energy for work.He grinned as though Id said something that pleased him. Something hed been hoping I would say.Good. I could use some help with a project.Whats the project?Ill show you-you finished there?I nodded.He took my hand as he led me out of the kitchen. Again, this was so common that Melanie barely protested.Why are we going this way? The eastern field did not need attention. Wed been part of the group that had irrigated it this morning.Ian did nt answer. He was still grinning.He led me down the eastern tunnel, past the field and into the corridor that led to only one place. As soon as we were in the tunnel, I could hear phonates echoing and a sporadic thud, thud that it took me a moment to place. The stale, bitter sulfur odor helped bear on the sound to the memory.Ian, Im not in the mood.You said you had plenty of energy.To work. Not to play soccer.But Lily and Wes will be really disappointed. I promised them a game of two-on-two. They worked so hard this morning to free up the afternoonDont try to make me feel vile, I said as we rounded the last curve. I could cast the blue light of s invariablyal lamps, shadows flitting in front of them.Isnt it working? he teased. Cmon, Wanda. It will be good for you.He culled me into the low-ceilinged game room, where Lily and Wes were passing the lummox back and forth across the length of the field.Hey, Wanda. Hey, Ian, Lily called to us.This ones mine, OShea, Wes warned him.You re not going to let me lose to Wes, are you? Ian murmured.You could beat them alone.It would still be a forfeit. Id never live it down.I sighed. Fine. Fine. Be that way.Ian hugged me with what Melanie thought was unnecessary enthusiasm. Youre my very favorite person in the known universe.Thanks, I muttered dryly.Ready to be humiliated, Wanda? Wes taunted. You may have taken the planet, but youre losing this game.Ian laughed, but I didnt respond. The joke made me uneasy. How could Wes make a joke about that? Humans were always surprising me.Melanie included. Shed been in just as miserable a mood as I was, but now she was suddenly excited.We didnt get to play last time, she explained. I could feel her yearning to precede-to run for pleasure rather than in fear. Running was something she used to love. Doing nothing wont get them home any unbendableer. A distraction might be nice. She was already view strategy, sizing up our opponents.Do you know the rules? Lily asked me.I nodded. I remember them.Absently, I bent my leg at the knee and grabbed my ankle behind me, force it to stretch out the muscles. It was a familiar position to my body. I stretched the other leg and was pleased that it felt whole. The bruise on the back of my thigh was wearied yellow, almost gone. My side felt fine, which made me think that my rib had never really been broken.Id hold backn my face patch I was cleaning mirrors two weeks ago. The scar forming on my cheek was meritless red and as big as the palm of my hand, with a dozen jagged points around the edges. It bothered Melanie more than it did me.Ill take the object, Ian told me, while Lily fell back and Wes paced beside the egg. A mismatch. Melanie liked this. Competition appealed to her.From the moment the game started-Wes kicking the wrap back to Lily and accordly sprinting forth to get around me for her pass-there was very little time to think. Only to react and to feel. See Lily shift her body, measure the direction th is would send the ball. Cut Wes off-ah, but he was surprised by how fast I was-launch the ball to Ian and move up the field. Lily was playing too far forward. I raced her to the lantern goalpost and won. Ian aimed the pass perfectly, and I scored the first goal.It felt good the stretch and pull of muscle, the sweat of exertion rather than plain heat, the teamwork with Ian. We were well matched. I was quick, and his aim was deadly. Wess goading dried up before Ian scored the third goal.Lily called the game when we hit twenty-one. She was breathing hard. Not me I felt good, muscles warm and limber.Wes wanted another round, but Lily was done.Face it, theyre better.We got hustled.No one ever said she couldnt play.No one ever said she was a pro, either.I liked that-it made me smile.Dont be a sore loser, Lily said, reaching out to tickle Wess stomach playfully. He caught her fingers and pulled her closer to him. She laughed, tugging away, but Wes reeled her in and planted a solid kiss on her laughing mouth.Ian and I exchanged a quick, startled glance.For you, I will lose with grace, Wes told her, and then set her free.Lilys smooth caramel skin had taken on a bit of pink on her cheeks and neck. She peeked at Ian and me to see our reaction.And now, Wes keep, Im off to get reinforcements. Well see how your little ringer does against Kyle, Ian. He lobbed the ball into the far dark corner of the cave, where I heard it splash into the spring.Ian trotted off to retrieve it, while I continued to look at Lily curiously.She laughed at my expression, sounding self-conscious, which was unusual for her. I know, I know.How long has that been going on? I wondered.She grimaced.Not my business. Sorry.Its okay. Its not a secret-how could anything be a secret here, anyway? Its just really new to me. Its sort of your fault, she added, smiling to show that she was teasing me.I felt a little guilty anyway. And confused. What did I do?Nothing, she assured me. It was Wess reaction to you that surprised me. I didnt know he had so much depth to him. I was never really conscious of him before that. Oh, well. Hes too young for me, but what does that matter here? She laughed again. Its strange how life and love go on. I didnt expect that.Yeah. Kind of funny how that witnesss, Ian agreed. I hadnt heard him return. He slung his arm around my shoulders. Its nice, though. You do know Wes has been infatuated with you since he first got here, right?So he says. I hadnt noticed.Ian laughed. Then youre the only one. So, Wanda, how about some one-on-one while were waiting?I could feel Melanies wordless enthusiasm. Okay.He let me have the ball first, holding back, hugging the goal area. My first shot cut between him and the post, scoring. I rushed him when he kicked off, and got the ball back. I scored again.Hes letting us win, Mel grumbled.Come on, Ian. Play.I am.Tell him hes playing like a girl.Playing like a girl.He laughed, and I slipped the ball away from him again. The tau nt wasnt enough. I had an inspiration then, and I shot the ball through his goal, guessing it would probably be the last time I got to do it.Mel objected. I dont like this idea.Ill bet it works, though.I put the ball back at center field. You win, and you can sleep in my room while theyre gone. I needed a good nights rest.First to ten. With a grunt, he launched the ball past me so hard that it rebounded off the distant, invisible wall behind my goal and came back to us.I looked at Lily. Was that wide?No, it looked dead center to me.One-three, Ian announced.It took him 15 minutes to win, but at least I got to really work. I even squeezed in one more goal, of which I was proud. I was gasping for air when he stole the ball from me and sailed it through my goalposts for the last time.He wasnt winded. Ten-four, I win.Good game, I huffed.Tired? he asked, the innocence in his tone a bit overdone. Being funny. He stretched. I think Im ready for bed myself. He leered in a melodramatic way.I winced.Aw, Mel, you know Im joking. Be nice.Lily eyed us, mystified.Jareds Melanie objects to me, Ian told her, winking.Her eyebrows rose. Thats interesting.I wonder whats fetching Wes so long? Ian muttered, not taking much notice of her reaction. Should we go find out? I could use some water.Me, too, I agreed.Bring some back. Lily didnt move from where she was half sprawled on the floor.As we entered the narrow tunnel, Ian threw one arm lightly around my waist.You know, he said, its really unfair for Melanie to make you suffer when shes angry at me.Since when are humans fair?Good point.Besides, shed be glad to make you suffer, if Id let her.He laughed.Thats nice about Wes and Lily, dont you think? he said.Yes. They both seem very happy. I like that.I like it, too. Wes finally got the girl. Gives me hope. He winked at me. Do you think Melanie would make you very uncomfortable if I were to kiss you right now?I stiffened for a second, then took a deep breath. Probably.Oh, yes.Defini tely.Ian sighed.We heard Wes shouting at the said(prenominal) time. His voice came from the end of the tunnel, getting closer with each word.Theyre back Wanda, theyre backIt took me less than a second to process, and then I was sprinting. Behind me, Ian mumbled something about wasted effort.I nearly knocked Wes down. Where? I gasped.In the plaza.And I was off again. I flew into the big garden room with my eyes already searching. It wasnt hard to find them. Jamie was standing at the front of a group of people near the entrance to the southern tunnel.Hey, Wanda he yelled, waving.Trudy held his arm as I ran around the edges of the field, as if she were holding him back from running to meet me.I grabbed his shoulders with both hands and pulled him to me. Oh, JamieDid ya miss me?Just a tiny bit. Where is everyone? Is everyone home? Is everyone okay? Besides Jamie, Trudy was the only person here who was back from the raid. Everyone else in the little advertize-Lucina, Ruth Ann, Kyle, Tr avis, Violetta, Reid-was welcoming them home.Everyones back and well, Trudy assured me.My eyes swept the big cave. Where are they?Uh getting cleaned up, put downI wanted to offer my help-anything that would get me to where Jared was so I could see with my own eyes that he was safe-but I knew I wouldnt be allowed to see where the goods were coming in.You look like you need a bath, I told Jamie, rumpling his dirty, knotted hair without letting go of him.Hes supposed to go lie down, Trudy said.Trudy, Jamie muttered, giving her a dark look.Trudy glanced at me quickly, then looked away.Lie down? I stared at Jamie, pulling back to get a good look at him. He didnt seem tired-his eyes were bright, and his cheeks cherry-red under his tan. My eyes raked over him once and then froze on his right leg.There was a ragged hole in his jeans a a few(prenominal) inches above his knee. The fabric around the hole was a dark reddish brown, and the ominous color spread in a long stain all the way to t he cuff.Blood, Melanie realized with horror.Jamie What happened?Thanks, Trudy.She was going to notice soon enough. Cmon, well talk while you limp.Trudy put her arm under his and helped him hop forward one slow step at a time, keeping his weight on his left leg.Jamie, tell me what happened I put my arm around him from the other side, trying to carry as much of his weight as I could.Its really stupid. And totally my fault. And it could have happened here.Tell me.He sighed. I tripped with a knife in my hand.I shuddered. Shouldnt we be taking you the other way? You need to see commercialism.Thats where Im coming from. Thats where we went first.What did Doc say?Its fine. He cleaned it and bandaged it and said to go lie down.And have you walk all this way? Why didnt you stay in the hospital?Jamie made a face and glanced up at Trudy, like he was looking for an answer.Jamie will be more comfortable on his bed, she suggested.Yeah, he agreed quickly. Who wants to lie around on one of those a wful cots?I looked at them and then behind me. The crowd was gone. I could hear their voices echoing back down the southern corridor.What was that about? Mel wondered warily.It occurred to me that Trudy wasnt a much better liar than I was. When shed said the others from the raid were unloading and cleaning up, there was a false note to her voice. I thought I remembered her eyes flickering to the right, back toward that tunnel.Hey, kid Hey, Trudy Ian had caught up to us.Hi, Ian, they greeted him at the same time.What happened here?Fell on a knife, Jamie grunted, ducking his head.Ian laughed.I dont think its funny, I told him, my voice tight. Melanie, frantic with worry in my head, imagined slapping him. I ignored her.Could happen to anybody, Ian said, planting a light punch on Jamies arm.Right, Jamie muttered.Wheres everybody?I watched Trudy from the corner of my eye as she answered him.They, uh, had some unloading to finish up. This time her eyes moved toward the southern tunnel ver y deliberately, and Ians expression hardened, turned enraged for half a second. Then Trudy glanced back at me and caught me watching.Distract them, Melanie whispered.I looked down at Jamie quickly.Are you hungry? I asked him.Yeah.When arent you hungry? Ian teased. His face was relaxed again. He was better at deception than Trudy.When we reached our room, Jamie sank gratefully onto the big mattress.You sure youre okay? I checked.Its nothing. Really. Doc says Ill be fine in a few days.I nodded, though I was not convinced.Im going to go clean up, Trudy murmured as she left.Ian propped himself against the wall, going nowhere. stay fresh your face down when you lie, Melanie suggested.Ian? I stared intently at Jamies bloody leg. Do you mind getting us some food? Im hungry, too.Yeah. Get us something good.I could feel Ians eyes on me, but I didnt look up.Okay, he agreed. Ill be back in just a second. He emphasized the short time.I kept my gaze down, as if I were examining the wound, until I heard his footsteps fade.You arent mad at me? Jamie asked.Of course not.I know you didnt want me to go.Youre safe now thats all that matters. I patted his arm absentmindedly. Then I got to my feet and let my hair, now chin length, fall forward to hide my face.Ill be right back-I forgot something I wanted to tell Ian.What? he asked, confused by my tone.Youll be okay here by yourself?Course I will, he retorted, sidetracked.I ducked out around the covering before he could ask anything else.The hall was clear, Ian out of sight. I had to hurry. I knew he was already suspicious. Hed noticed that Id noticed Trudys awkward and artificial explanation. He wouldnt be gone long.I walked quickly, but didnt run, as I moved through the big plaza. Purposeful, as if I were on an errand. There were only a few people there-Reid, headed for the passageway that led to the bathing pool Ruth Ann and Heidi, paused by the eastern corridor, chatting Lily and Wes, their backs to me, holding hands. No one p aid me any attention. I stared ahead as if I were not focused on the southern tunnel, only turning in at the very last second.As soon as I was in the pitch-black of the corridor, I sped up, jogging along the familiar path.Some instinct told me this was the same thing-that this was a repeat of the last time Jared and the others had come home from a raid, and everyone was sad, and Doc had gotten drunk, and no one would answer my questions. It was happening again, whatever I wasnt supposed to know about. What I didnt want to know about, according to Ian. I felt prickles on the back of my neck. Maybe I didnt want to know.Yes, you do. We both do.Im frightened.Me, too.I ran as quietly as I could down the dark tunnel.