The Law of Enterprise Organization Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Law of Enterprise Organization - Assignment Example This is then followed by a discussion of the pros and cons for each investor and for the business as a whole with a focus on Limited Liability Company, Limited Liability Partnership, and â€Å"S" and "C† corporations. Discussion Sole proprietorship In Massachusetts there are no statutory requirements governing the creation of a sole proprietorship. Hence, a sole proprietor interest in the business is represented by the assets of the business, and he or she is not considered as a separate legal entity, in particular for federal income tax. Therefore, every income, loss, credit and profits are taxed under the owner marginal tax level. The other major reason why sole proprietorships cannot benefit this group is that they will each be completely liable for the responsibility of the business to the degree of his or her individual and business assets. Every personal assets committed to the enterprise can be seized to make payments. Even though homeowner insurance can help in excludi ng liabilities arising in the course of the business transaction, they will still need further riders and policies (Griffin 2). Given that the owner of any sole proprietorship is in complete and absolute command of the business such a structure would not work in a group like this due to dissimilar vested interests, ideas, and contributions. General Partnerships General Partnerships would not work very well for this group since the partners would be liable for the debts as well as obligations arising from any wrongful acts by another partner. Specifically when that partner performs during the commonplace itinerary of the business or otherwise acted with the say-so of other partners. This group comprises ambitious people who have their own idea on how to run the business with each seeking to be more active in the management. Hence, any business debt or liabilities due to one of them implies that they will be liable for the risk also as they are legally tied. Therefore, it is going to be difficult to create lasting trust (Miller and Jentz 530). Limited Partnerships Based on the stipulations of Chapter 109, section 2 of the Uniform Limited Partnership Act, a limited partnership would not work very well for this group since it would imply some members possessing minimal level of control and rather limited liability and the one who is active will be liable for any debt or obligation. For instance, to Charlie such a structure would imply him having minimal control of the business since he would not be active, even though he has contributed significant amount of capital and clientele and publicity. Furthermore, the fact that one general partner responsible for running the partnership implies that he or she will be responsible for debts plus liabilities beyond the sum of their contributions, and this would definitely make it hard for any of them to accept to be a general partner, as it will be a great risk on their part. For Leila this would entail placing her parentsà ¢â‚¬â„¢ retirement and property at risk and Andrew and Indira would lose a lot in terms of their contribution, in particular Indira who is willing to mortgage her house as part of her capital contribution (O'Neill and Warda 14). Limited Liability Partnerships Based on the Uniform Partnership Act Chapter 108A, Section 48 one of the key benefits of Limited liability partnerships is that, there is a

Community Hazard Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Community Hazard Analysis - Essay Example Durham County occupies the area of 299 square miles, while the City of Durham encompasses 94.9 square miles. The Durham City covers about 33% of the Durham County total land. Its physical location is 406 feet above sea level. The climatic conditions of the area are presented in the table below (Schell, 2006): Natural Hazards are part of our everyday life taking up different form and shapes like tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, and winter storms. All these events are natural phenomena, thus, are uncontrollable. However their impact on the area and society are quite destructive. Despite their damaging occurrences these natural hazards are part of the natural system. When this natural system meets the man-made environment, then disasters occur. This happens due to the man-made buildings, agriculture and infrastructure that take the path of the natural forces, and these human buildings are neither indestructible nor are recuperative, hence occurrence of a natural disater debilitates the entire community (Management & Hill, 1998). Although it is unlikely to prevent a natural hazard but there are some means available that can help in reducing its adverse consequences. Making use of the available tools and techniques can help in avoiding the devstating effects of a hazard in a timely manner. Here the state and the agencies combine together to make efforts and to assist the community with rebuilding efforts. Since the occurrence of a hazard can impact the community in a destructive manner, it is important to have a hazard mitigation plan in place to make recovery easy. Also, by managing the characteristics that cause the occurrence of the hazard, the negative impacts can be mitigated before a hazard occurs. Thus, a hazard mitigation plan is essential, as it can provide a framework to make informed decisions in event of uncertainity and chaos (Natural Hazards Center, 2006). The basic

Effects of Atmospheric Aerosols on Human Health

Effects of Atmospheric Aerosols on Human Health Abstract: A highly Sensitive (LOD; 0.04-0.4 ng/ml) method is developed for detection and quantification of acidic compounds (C3 -C10) containing mono and dicarboxylic acids on GC-MS. These compounds (C3 -C10) existed in trace amount, as secondary organic aerosols i.e. important constituents of Aerosols. Membrane extraction technique was utilized for selective enrichment (1-4300 times) of target compounds. Good repeatability (RSD% ≠¤ 10%) from selective organic phase (10% TOPO in DHE) was achieved with three phase HF-LPME. Aerosols containing samples, after Ultrasonic Assisted extraction were detected and quantified Through GC-MS. Effective derivatization of each target compound was performed with BSTFA reagent. Gas Chromatography, having capillary column and interfaced with mass spectrometry was used for separation, detection and quantification of target compounds. Method Development and Application -hollow fiber Supported liquid membrane extraction of Fatty acids (C3-C10) containing mono and dicarboxylic acids and Detection of aerosols Samples after ultrasonic assisted extraction. 1. Introduction: Impact of Atmospheric aerosols on human health and effect on radioactive stability in Earth’s atmosphere is getting importance now a days and this phenomenon has been well understood. [1]. Atmospheric aerosols can harm respiratory and cardiovascular system of human. Impact of Secondary organic aerosols as biogenic and anthropogenic antecedent is identified (Adams and sinfold, 2002) [1, 17]. Low molecular dicarboxylic acids (C3-C9) are also vital tracers of SOA [2]. Short chain fatty acids are found as secondary organic aerosols which are also supposed to derive from long chain fatty acids [1]. Importance of organic aerosol has been well established now a days and carboxylic acids are of great interest for environmental studies [1]. Several studies and mechanisms were proposed to understand the production of these SOA precursors [1]. Short chain carboxylic acids are found extensively in troposphere [2]. Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) are formed in the atmosphere by gas particles conversions. Organic matter present in aerosol contains more than 90% of troposphere’s aerosols [5, 15]. Dicarboxylic acids found in nature as polymeric compounds such as suberin and cutin [3]. Short chain dicarboxylic acids are found in vegetables [Siddiqui, 1989] and in soil containing micro organisms of durum wheat [4]. Dicarboxylic acids are found in plant oils which have greater interest for cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries [6]. Short chain dicarboxylic acids having aliphatic chain possess strong cyclotoxicity and antineoplastic activities [18]. Many analytical techniques are used to determine the composition of SOA so keeping in view these techniques new method for determination of fatty acids (common in SOA) has been developed. Membrane extraction is used in this method due to its increasing importance for high selectivity and high enrichment factor [24]. Dicarboxylic acids formed of bio oxidation of fatty acids so these are considered as metabolic part of fatty acid [42]. Dicarboxylic acids and their derivatives can be used to make polymers and their condensation with diols in solution produces high molecular weight polyester [39]. Additionally these dicarboxylic acids use less temperature in the reaction for the preparation of polyesters [39]. 1.1. Analytes Description: Properties (physical, chemical, etc.) of Compounds (C3-C10) containing mono and dicarboxylic acids are discussed in section; 1.1.1-1.1.12. These compounds (C3-C10) are the target analytes in this diploma project. These target analytes are extracted through Liquid phase micro extraction and detected by GC-MS system. Fig. 1.1-1.12 represents structures of target analytes (section; 1.1.1-1.1.12). 1.1.1- Adipic Acid Adipic acid is a product of lipid per oxidation. Adipic acid does not undergo hydrolysis in the environment perhaps due to the lack of hydrolysable functional groups (Harris 1990) [5]. 1.1.2- Malonic Acid: Malonic Acid is a metabolite of plants and tissues and Malonyle-CoA [28]. Malonic Acid is an intermediate for preparation of fatty acids from plants and other tissues [7]. Malonic acid is also present in aerosols [8]. Malonic acid is an important constituent of short chain fatty acids [8]. Malonic acid present in beet rots as a Calcium salt [42]. 1.1.3- Succinic Acid: Succinic acid is found in atmosphere as water soluble compound and as a compound of Secondary organic aerosols [29]. Succinic acid is a solid exists as crystals, anciently called spirit of amber. Succinic acid is an important intermediate in citric acid cycle which is very important constituent of living organism [42]. 1.1.4- Glutaric acid: Glutaric acid is found as SOA in aerosols [8]. Glutaric acid is sparingly soluble in water [41], can be used to prepare a plasticizer for polyester [41]. 1.1.5- Pimelic Acid: Pimelic acid is a last dicarboxylic acid relative to carbon number which has IUPAC name. Derivatives of Pimelic acid are used for biosynthesis of amino acid typically lysine [41]. Pimelic acid is produced, when Nitric acid is heated with Oleic acid as a secondary sublimation product which is not crystallized [20]. 1.1.6-Suberic Acid: Suberic acid is produced from suberine [8]. Suberic acid can also be obtained by vigorous reaction condition of natural oil with nitric acid [8]. 1.1.7-Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid is an important constituent of secondary organic aerosols because it produces short chain fatty acids upon photo oxidation and also because it can be produced during oxidation of unsaturated acid that is found in Oleic acid [11]. 1.1.8- Cis-pinonic Acid: Cis-pinonic acid is also produced in atmosphere by photo oxidation of ÃŽ ±-pinene in the existence of Ozone [30]. 1.1.9- Pinic Acid: Pinic acid is derivative of ÃŽ ±-pinene. Pinic acid can be generated by photo oxidation of ÃŽ ±-pinene with Ozone as given in this chemical reaction; (C10H16 + 5/3 O3 -> C9H14O4 + HCHO). Pinic acid is present in a crystalline form used to prepare plasticizers [30]. 1.1.10- 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid 4-Hydroxy benzoic acid is exists as crystals. It is used to derive parabens and can be used as antioxidant [41]. 1.1.11-Phthalic Acid: Phthalic acid is an aromatic dicarboxylic acid it is found as white crystalline state in pure form [41]. Phthalic acid is found abundantly in atmosphere and it has toxic properties. Aromatic acids are generally emitted through anthropogenic sources like reminiscent of solvent evaporation and Automobile exhaust [31]. 1.1.12-Syringic Acid. Syringic acid is found as humic substance in environment [40]. 1.2. Detection of Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction samples(UAE): A detection procedure by GC-MS is established with reference standard injections and UAE samples. A theoretical description is given in section 1.2 for â€Å"Ultrasonic assisted extractions†. Unknown real Samples from Aerosols containing mono and dicarboxylic acids (C 3-C 10) are provided after Ultrasonic assisted extraction [34]. 1.2.1- Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction: ‘Ultrasonic’ is derived from ultrasound. Ultrasound refers to a sound that has a higher frequency than a normal human can hear. This technique is used in chemistry in several aspects and due to application in chemistry it is known as Sonochemistry [23]. Ultra Sound is used in sample preparation in analytical chemistry like extraction, filtration, dissolution and sample purification. When Ultrasonic technique is used for assistance in extraction, this assistance in extraction is called â€Å"Ultrasonic assisted extraction† (UAE) [23]. There are many advantages by using UAE because it require less organic solvents ,non destructive, less expensive and less time consuming comparative to other sample preparation techniques like soxhlet [21]. The normal range of ultrasound frequencies used in laboratory ranges from 20 KHz to 40 KHz. Use of UAE is simple. A sample solution inside a vessel in an appropriate solvent can be placed inside ultrasonic bath at desired temperature and sound waves stir the sample [20]. The mechanism of US is as â€Å"when a sound source produces a high frequency waves, sample molecules starts vibrating and shift this vibration to other molecules of sample in a longitudinal direction when gas and liquid is used as a sample, while in solid sample both longitudinal and transverse waves can be produced† [19]. When UAE is utilized it increases speed of mass transport by vibration of mechanical transport from the sample matrix through a process called â€Å"cavitation† [21]. 1.2.2- Theory of Ultrasonic Assisted extraction: There are two theoretical aspects of sonication i.e. physical and chemical aspects in sample preparation. Physical and chemical aspects are described in section (1.2.2.1-1.2.2.2), in order to understand its practical use in analytical chemistry. 1.2.2.1- Physical aspects of UAE: During Ultrasonic assisted extraction, a bubble in a liquid cannot take energy (due to US) and implodes. On the other hand due to Ultra sound in liquid extractions, the cavitational pressure is shifted relatively higher so formation of bubble is difficult [21]. Ultrasonic intensity produces cavitations in a liquid sample during extraction (UAE). Two types of US cavitation is produced known as â€Å"transient cavitation† (produce transient bubble) and â€Å"permanent cavitation† [21]. The life time of transient bubble is so short that no mass transport or diffusion of gas is possible with in a sample [21]. Transient bubble is believed to be produced at US intensity (10 W/cm2) and permanent bubble at intensity (1-3 Watt/cm2). Sonochemical effects are intense inside the bubble because energy (numerous amounts) is produced during bubble eruption and production [21]. 1.2.1.2 Chemical aspects of UAE: When US radiation strikes a water molecule it produces free radicals OH* and H* due to collapsing cavitations’ bubble which exhibits high temperature and pressure inside and also many other radicals can be produced in solution [21]. Radical OH* is believed to be more stable and can begin many new reactions while H* radical is not stable. Second Sonochemical effect is pyrolytic reactions that occur inside bubble and can degrade compounds under analysis [21, 23]. 1.3. Liquid Phase microExtraction(lpme): The application of membrane extractions in analytical chemistry has taken the intentions of analysts during recent time. The goal of utilizing membrane extraction is to achieve high enrichment, selective extraction and environmental friendly procedure [24]. Small quantity of solvent (usually in micro liters) is required comparative to old techniques of extractions (soxlet) [24]. Clean extracts are obtained and after extraction, recovered compounds are shifted to another analytical instrument like Gas chromatography or liquid chromatography directly for further quantitative analysis [24]. 1.3.1 Hollow fiber membrane extraction: Two types of membrane are used in LPME. One membrane is flat sheet porous and second membrane is polypropylene hollow fiber. In this project polypropylene hollow fiber is used as a membrane support in membrane extractions due to limited cost and to reduce carry over problems [24]. 1.3.1.1 HF-LPME Technique: When a hollow fiber is used in LPME, this technique (LPME) is called hollow fiber liquid phase micro extraction (HF- LPME). In HF- LPME technique, a hollow fiber is used containing a thin film of immobilized liquid membrane inside the pores while the fiber is dipped into an aqueous phase containing objective analytes. Target analytes can transport through the membrane into a liquid filled inside the lumen of the fiber, which is termed as accepter solution [22]. Extraction of target analytes (C3-C10) was carried through three phase HF- LPME during whole of the project. Donor solution was contained analytes in aqueous medium, a suitable organic solvent i.e. Dihexyl ether (TOPO mixture) was used in pores of hollow fiber as a stationary liquid membrane support (SLM). Accepter solution was in aqueous medium [22].Target analytes were recovered into accepter phase after evaporation of water. Acetonitrile solvent was added in dried GC vial along with derivatizing reagent. After derivatization these samples were injected into a Gas chromatographic system. 1.3.2 Basic Principle of LPME: Basic principle is same for all LPME techniques (two phase or three phase LPME), the variation is only from accepter region [24]. In three phase liquid phase micro extraction technique (HF- LPME) a donor aqueous solution is filled in a vial or flask containing sample analytes. A short piece of hollow fiber is used and accepter solution is injected inside fiber through a micro syringe after injecting accepter solution one end is closed and other end contains syringe needle. Fiber containing solutions is inserted in an appropriate organic solvent having less polarity (Dihexyl ether) to create a stationary liquid membrane (SLM). Donor solution pH is adjusted such that it can restrain the ionization of target analytes [22]. The process of three phase extraction [22] can be explained as follows in Eq 1.1. Where ‘A’ is a target analyte, ‘K1’, ‘K2’, ‘K3’ and ‘K4’ are first order extraction rate constants. In order to obtain combined distribution coefficient, at equilibrium recovery, Eq. 1.2 is derived [22]. D accepter/sample = C eq accepter / C eq sample = C Org sample/ C eq accepter =ÃŽ ± D .Korg/sample / ÃŽ ± a. Korg/accepter†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.1.2 In Eq. 1.2, C eq accepter, C eq sample and C Org sample are the concentration of analytes at equilibrium, in accepter phase, in aqueous sample phase and in organic membrane phase respectively.Here Korg/sample, Korg/accepter are the partition ratio’s between Organic phase and sample phase and between accepter phase and organic phase respectively [22]. ÃŽ ± D and ÃŽ ± a are the extractable fraction of total concentration of target analyte in sample and accepter respectively. If conditions are similar between sample and accepter, other than ionization of analytes in sample phase, from Eq. 1.2, equilibrium is independent from partition ratio of stationary liquid membrane in three phase lpme i.e. it depends mainly on ionization of analytes in sample [22]. Extraction efficiency (E) can be calculated from Eq. 1.3[22]. V sample, V accepter and V mem , in Eq. 1.3, are the volume of donor sample phase, aqueous accepter phase and organic immobilized membrane liquid phase respectively. D accepter/sample and D Org/sample are individual distribution coefficients relative to accepter phase to sample phase and Organic phase (SLM) to sample phase respectively [22]. Eq. 1.3 is derived for three phase lpme. It is evident; from the interpretation of Eq. 1.3 that efficiency is mainly controlled by individual distribution coefficients. Individual distribution ratios are directly dependent on partition coefficients, so by increasing the partition ratios efficiency can be improved [22]. Partition coefficients can be improved by properly adjusting the pH of donor and accepter and by using an appropriate organic solvent. Volume of sample and organic phase should also be kept minimum, according to Eq. 1.3 in order to develop efficiency [22]. 1.3.3-Mass transfer in LPME: Enrichment factor (Ee) for three phase LPME is given in Eq. 1.4. Ee = C accepter/C initial = V sample. E / V accepter †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 1.4 In Eq. 1.4, C accepter is the concentration of target analyte, present in final stage inside accepter solution [22]. When an acidic analyte is ionized in aqueous solution, total extractable fraction of analyte (ÃŽ ±) is given in Eq. 1.5 [24]. ÃŽ ± = [AH]/ [A-][AH] = 1/[1+10(pH-pKa)] †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 1.5 In the context of Eq. 1.3, the overall distribution constant (D) at equilibrium can be rearranged as given in Eq. 1.5 [24]. D = 1+10 s (pH-pKa) . KD /1 + 10 s (pH-pKa). KA †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 1.6 ‘s’ is equal to 1 for acidic analytes (Eq. 1.6). ‘pKa’ is dissociation constant and pH refers to donor or accepter solution(Eq. 1.6) [24]. à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  C = ÃŽ ±D .Cs ÃŽ ±a CA.KA/KS †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 1.7 Eq. 1.5-1.7 are derived from Henderson-Hasselbalch relation, in this equation ÃŽ ± represents the extractable fraction of analytes [24]. The driving force for the extraction in neutral conditions of three phase LPME is the concentration gradient (à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  C) from sample to accepter [12]. The concentration gradient between two phases, between donor and accepter, is described in Eq. 1.7. K represent partition ratio of uncharged analyte between the membrane and aqueous phase. CA and Cs are the concentrations of analytes in accepter and sample phase respectively. 1.3.4 End point for extraction: Three end points are normally considered for extraction [22]. 1. Exhaustive extraction. 2. Kinetic extraction. 3. Equilibrium extraction. 1.3.4.1 Exhaustive extraction: Exhaustive end point is the specific end point (time), when all amount of analytes are exhausted (which can be practically possible) present in donor [22]. In this practical diploma work, Exhaustive end point will be applied in (LPME) extractions. Enrichment factor will increase by growing analyte concentration in accepter by the passage of time, at certain point it reaches a stable value [12]. Mass transfer between organic phase and liquid phase is dependent on concentration gradient [12]. Enrichment factor can be improved by increasing the value of ÃŽ ±D preferably close to unity and decreasing the value of ÃŽ ±A to zero. Such conditions for the ÃŽ ±D and ÃŽ ±A values are called â€Å"infinite sink† conditions, normally required for exhaustive extractions [22]. Situation close to these values can be achieved for acids by selective tuning the pKa values. For example for acidic compound if pH of accepter is adjusted, 3.3 (pH) units above than the pKa of acidic analytes this Di fference set the value of ÃŽ ±A to 0.0005, at this point accepter can capture all analytes. At this set value (ÃŽ ±A), enrichment factor increases linearly with time [12]. Peak time of enrichment factor, when other parameters are constant, can be calculated by comparison of CA maximum. CA maximum (‘CA’ is considered as time dependent) can be obtained by careful calculation of CA maximum values at a certain time, before this value starts to decrease again [12]. 1.3.5 Rate of LPME: Two parameters, govern the rate of extraction (when extraction approaches to equilibrium conditions), are membrane controlled extractions or diffusion controlled extractions [13, 24]. The maximum concentration Ee can be obtained when concentration gradient (à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  C) is approaches to zero described in Eq. 1.8 [13, 24]. Ee (max) = (C a / C d) max = ÃŽ ±D/ÃŽ ±A †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 1.8 In membrane controlled extractions, the rate limiting step is the diffusion of target analytes. When analytes pass through the organic phase, the mass transfer (Km) is given in Eq. 1. 9 [13, 16]. Km  µ K.D m /h m †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 1.9 In Eq. 1.9; K is partition coefficient, Dm is membrane diffusion coefficient and ‘h m ‘ is the thickness of membrane [13, 16]. 1.3.6 Addition of Trioctylphosphine oxide(TOPO): Mass transfer can be improved for acidic analytes by using different concentrations (w/v) of TOPO in organic solvent typically for short chain carboxylic acids. Interaction of TOPO with polar acids in solution takes place efficiently due to hydrogen bonding [16]. 1.3.7 Trapping of Analyte in Three phase lpme[24]: Concentration enrichment of analytes in three phase LPME can be achieved by stable mass transfer through the membrane to accepter phase. Back diffusion of analytes is prevented by trapping of analytes in accepter phase. In order to achieve high enrichment of acidic analytes pH of accepter phase is fixed enough basic so that when acidic analytes reached to the accepter solution becomes charged. Analytes could not be driven back to donor. So this trapping of analytes due to pH adjustment is called ‘’direct trapping’’. For high enrichment purpose, pH of accepter is usually adjusted 3.3 pH units higher than the pKa values of acidic target analytes while extracting from acidic donor. Buffer capacity of accepter should be sufficient such that during extraction protons from acidic donor cannot be neutralized by the concentration gradient between two aqueous phases during three phase lpme [24]. 1.3.8 Selection for Organic phase: Choice of organic solvent has basic importance in method validation because this solvent directly affect partition coefficient. Organic phase solvent should have low solubility in water [22] and low volatility to prevent solvent losses during extraction process [16]. Organic phase should have high distribution coefficient, between donor to organic phase and between organic to accepter phase, to achieve high enrichment. Organic phase should have adequate affinity to the hollow fiber. Organic phase should be immobilized sufficiently to cause efficient trapping of analytes in the pores through polarity matching [22]. Mixture of organic solvents can also be used as mobile phase [16]. In this project organic solvent is either pure DHE or DHE is also mixed with different amount of TOPO (section; 1.3.6) to achieve high stability of organic phase [22, 24]. 1.3.9 Agitation of sample: Extraction kinetics can be improved by agitation. Agitation increases analyte diffusion from donor to accepter. Organic membrane solution (DHE) is very stable inside pores of the membrane. Shaking by a magnetic stirrer helps analyte transfer from donor solution to the accepter solution [17]. When Donor solution containing analytes is stirred at high speed, probability of fresh solution contact with membrane phase is enhanced [9]. In order to enhance mass transfer all membrane extractions in this project are assisted through agitation by a magnetic stirrer. A membrane extraction assembly is shown in Fig. 1.13. 1.3.10Volume of donor and acceptor solutions. Volume of donor and accepter solution is very important because sensitivity can be improved by proper volume adjustment of accepter solution. Volume of accepter solution should be minimum comparative to donor to get better sensitivity [17]. Volume of accepter solution should be enough to be injected, detected and quantified by GC or HPLC. Volume of the accepter solution should be enough to fill lumen of hollow fiber appropriately [17]. 1.3.11 Adjustment of pH. Proper adjustment of pH of donor and accepter is very important because high partition ratio can be obtained in three phase lpme by proper adjustment of donor and accepter solution [17]. According to Eq. 1.7, Efficiency can be improved by increasing concentration gradient which depends mainly on pH. In this project three phase lpme is utilized on acidic analytes (C3-C9) containing carboxylic and hydroxyl groups so in donor solution pH is adjusted slightly lower than the pKa values of analytes to suppress ionization of these analytes [17]. 1.4. Detection and quantification of Analytes: 1.4.1-GC-MS analysis: GC-MS is a powerful detection technique for environmental trace analysis due to its high sensitivity [14]. Aerosols are existed in trace level so their detection requires a sensitive device with low limit of detection. GC-MS suffers less matrix effect and is usually cost effective and highly selective [14]. Analytes are separated according to their charge to mass (m/e) ratio after passing through mass spectrometer. Scan mode is used for identification of each analyte [14]. When gaseous analytes come to mass spectrometer they are converted to their respective molecular ions. Electron ionization in mass spectrometer strikes molecules to fragments [18]. These molecular ions are specific for each analyte and sensitivity and selectivity can be improved through selected ion chromatogram (SIM) [14]. Signal to noise ratio (SNR) is improved through extracted ion chromatogram (XIC) which is selected through SIM mode [14]. SIM mode is used for qualitative and quantitative analysis [14]. Analytes (C3-C10) are polar and non volatile, so these analytes cannot be detected in pure form and separated by using Gas chromatographic column. A derivatization step is necessary to convert Analyte into volatile substances. Derivatization is made to convert carboxylic and hydroxyl functional groups to their respective ester functional group [14]. 1.5. Derivatization: Two derivatization reagents; ‘’N, O-bis(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide’’ (BSTFA) and ‘’N-(tertbutyldimethylsilyl)-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide’’ (MSTFA) are commonly used for esterification of hydroxyl and carboxylic functional groups before injecting to GC-MS system[14]. Both derivatizing reagents are applied separately and compared prior to GC-MS analysis. 1.5.1- Silylation: Analytes containing carboxylic acids (C3-C10) are introduced to GC-MS after derivatization. Carboxylic acids are converted to their respective trimethyl silyl ester (TMS derivative) by BSTFA. A nucleuphilic attack is taken place by a hetero atom to silicon atom when BSTFA reagent is used as a derivatization reagent [14]. BSTFA is found very efficient to convert hydroxyl groups to respective Silyl ester [18]. Advantage with BSTFA is that its derivative can be injected directly without purification and it can be used for very sensitive detection [18]. BSTFA is non polar and its efficiency can be improved by using BSTFA in Acetonitrile [32]. Chemical structure of BSTFA is shown in Fig [1.14] below. Due to the use of BSTFA reagent in the reaction, a common peak is appeared at m/z= 73, due to [Si(CH3)3]+ molecular ion and at m/z=145 due to [OH=Si(CH3)2]+ molecular ion . when Analytes containing dicarboxylic acids are used for MS analysis, Ion peak is appeared at m/z=147. Ion peak at m/z=147 is appeared due to the [(CH3)2Si=Si(CH3)2]+ molecular ion [18]. 2. Method: 2.1 Membrane extraction: Three phase HF- LPME method is used for extraction. Section 2.1 describes the method for three phase hollow fiber liquid phase micro extraction technique. 2.1.1 Equipment and reagents for Membrane Extraction: Hollow fiber Accurel PP polypropylene (Q3/2) is purchased from Membrana (Wuppertal, Germany). The wall thickness of membrane is 200  µm, Inner diameter 600  µm and pore size is 0.2  µm. Before extraction a 7.5 cm membrane was cut carefully with a fine cutter. After cutting membrane was washed in acetone and dried overnight. A magnetic stirrer, containing multiple stations, model (Ika-werke, Germany) was used for agitation of donor solution. Micro Syringe 50  µl (Agilent, Australia) was used to push accepter solution inside the lumen of membrane and for holding of membrane. pH meter (Mettler Toledo) was used to measure pH for donor and accepter solution. Volumetric flask (Kebo, Germany) was used for extractions (contain donor solution). Milli-Q water was obtained from Millipore gradient system (Millipore, USA). Hydrochloric acid (37%, Fluka) and Sodium hydroxide monohydrate (Fluka) were used to prepare further solutions. Dihexyl ether (97%) was purchased from Sigma Aldrich. TOPO (99%; Aldrich) was used to prepare solutions in DHE (%, w/v). 2.1.2Set up for Membrane Extraction: 2.1.2.1 Donor solution: The pH donor solution was adjusted to 2. All aqueous solutions were prepared in mill Q water and pH was adjusted by adding HCl (0.1M). All Samples were spiked in a dried 100 ml volumetric flask (Germany). This flask was then, filled up to mark with donor solution. Further 5 ml of donor solution was added in same flask in order to dip membrane inside donor solution. Total volume of donor solution was adjusted to 105 ml. A clean magnet was dropped in flask and then, this spiked solution inside the flask was allowed to stir for 30 minutes and at a fixed revolutions/min (800 rpm) of magnetic stirrer. 2.1.2.2 Accepter solution: Accepter solution was prepared in milli Q water and pH 12 was adjusted by Sodium hydroxide (0.5 M, 5 M). The accepter solution was injected inside lumen of dried membrane through a micro syringe. Specific amount of (24  µl) accepter solution was injected inside lumen of hollow fiber via a BD micro syringe. Specific volume (24  µl) of accepter solution was fixed after several adjustments, for best compatibility with a 7.5 cm hollow fiber, to achieve good repeatability and enrichment. 2.1.2.3 Membrane solvent: Membrane containing accepter solution was dipped for 15 s (Approximately) into the organic solvent (pure DHE or topo% solutions in DHE), to impregnate the fiber with organic solvent and to establish a membrane phase. The solvents, immobilized in the pores of hollow fiber were; pure DHE, 1% topo in DHE (w/v), 5% topo in DHE (w/v), 10% topo in DHE (w/v), 15% topo in DHE (w/v) and 19% topo in DHE (w/v). All solutions (topo in DHE) were prepared and mixed by manual shaking, although 15% topo in DHE and 19% topo in DHE solutions were prepared by vigorous shaking and were put inside sonicator for efficient mixing. 2.2. Sample preparations: All primary solutions were prepared in methanol. Primary solutions were prepared by transferring specific weight of analytes to a sample vial, having air tight caps. This solution was diluted with methanol to prepare a solution of concentration (100 ÃŽ ¼g/ml). Table 2.1 represents properties (physical, chemical) of analytes. A (abbreviation) name was given respective to TMS ester of each analyte, new name consists of three words only. Molecular weight (Mw), Molecular (Molec) formula, Source (chemicals were purchased from), pKa values of individual analytes (dissociates in water) and purity (as labeled on each chemical) of each analyte is listed in Table 2.1. Table. 2.1- Analytes source (purchased from)and purity. Sr. No Chemical name Abbreviation Mw Molec formula Purchased from pka. Values Purity (%) 1 Malonic Acid Mal 104.06 C3H4O4 Aldrich 2.83, 5.69 (36) 99 2 Succinic Acid Suc 118.09 C5H6O4 Fluka 4.19, 5.48 (36) 99.9 3 Glutaric Acid Glu 132.04 C5H8O4 Aldrich 4.34, 5.42 (36) 99 4 Adipic Acid Ad 146.14 C6H10O4 Fluka 4.34,5.44 (36) 99.5 5 Pimelic Acid Pim 160.17 C7H12O4 Aldrich 4.48, 5.42 (36) 98 6 Suberic Acid

The Day The World Cried Essay -- history

The Day The World Cried Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended. Our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices – secretaries, businessman and women, military and federal workers. Moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings fires burning, huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat . But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people have been moved to defend a great nation. Those were the words of President George W. Bush, as he moved his country from disbelief to reality. Good morning / afternoon Ms. Scully and fellow classmates. September 11th was a dark and stormy Tuesday where the lives of people became the cost of revenge. Many innocent people faced their Tuesday morning by ending their lives instantly, as a high jacked plane plummeted from the sky, towards their office building. At 8:45 am a high jacked passenger jet, flight 11 of American Airlines, plunges into the North tower of The World Trade Center. 9:03 am another plane hit this time the South tower. Leaving both buildings ablaze in flames of deat...

Shadow Kiss Chapter 20

Twenty â€Å"Lets talk about your mother.† I sighed. â€Å"What about her?† It was my first day of counseling, and so far, I wasn't impressed. Last night's Mason sighting was probably something I should have brought up right away. But I didn't want school officials to have any more reason to think I was losing my mind – even if I was. And honestly, I didn't know I was for sure. Adrian's analysis of my aura and the story of Anna certainly lent credence to me being on the road to Crazyville. Yet I didn't feel crazy. Did crazy people know if they really were? Adrian had said they didn't. Crazy itself was a weird term. I'd learned enough about psychology to know that it was also a very broad classification. Most forms of mental illness were actually very specific and had select symptoms – anxiety, depression, mood swings, etc. I didn't know where I fell on that scale, if I did at all. â€Å"How do you feel about her?† continued the counselor. â€Å"About your mother?† â€Å"That she's a great guardian and a so-so mother.† The counselor, whose name was Deirdre, wrote something in her notebook. She was blond and Moroi-slim, clad in a teal cashmere sweater dress. She actually didn't look much older than me, but certificates on her desk swore she had all sorts of degrees in psychotherapy. Her office was in the administrative building, the same place the headmistress's office was, and where all other sorts of Academy business was conducted. I'd kind of been hoping for a couch to lie on, like therapists always had on TV, but the best I had was a chair. It was a comfy chair, at least. The walls were covered in nature pictures, things like butterflies and daffodils. I guess they were supposed to be soothing. â€Å"Do you want to elaborate on ‘so-so'?† Deirdre asked. â€Å"It's an upgrade. A month ago I would have said ‘horrible.' What's this have to do with Mason?† â€Å"Do you want to talk about Mason?† I'd noticed she had a habit of answering my questions with questions. â€Å"I don't know,† I admitted. â€Å"I guess that's what I'm here for.† â€Å"How do you feel about him? About his death?† â€Å"Sad. How else should I feel?† â€Å"Angry?† I thought about the Strigoi, their leering faces and casual attitudes toward killing. â€Å"Yeah, a little.† â€Å"Guilty?† â€Å"Sure, of course.† â€Å"Why ‘of course'?† â€Å"Because it's my fault he was there. I'd upset him†¦and he had this thing to prove. I told him where the Strigoi were, and I wasn't supposed to. If he hadn't known about them, he wouldn't have done it. He'd still be alive.† â€Å"You don't think he was responsible for his own actions? That he was the one who chose to do that?† â€Å"Well†¦ yeah. I guess he did. I didn't make him do it.† â€Å"Any other reason you might feel guilty?† I looked away from her and focused on a picture of a ladybug. â€Å"He liked me – like romantically. We kind of dated, but I couldn't get into it. That hurt him.† â€Å"Why couldn't you get into it?† â€Å"I don't know,† I said. The image of his body, lying on the floor, flashed into my mind and I shoved it away. No way would I cry in front of Deirdre. â€Å"That's the thing. I should have. He was nice. He was funny. We got along really well †¦ but it just didn't feel right. Even kissing or anything like that†¦ I eventually just couldn't do it.† â€Å"Do you feel like you have a problem with intimate contact?† â€Å"What do you – ? Oh. No! Of course not.† â€Å"Have you ever had sex with anyone?† â€Å"No. Are you saying I should have?† â€Å"Do you think you should have?† Damn. I'd thought I had her. I'd thought for sure she wouldn't have a question for that one. â€Å"Mason wasn't the right person.† â€Å"Is there someone else? Someone you think might be the right person?† I hesitated. I'd lost track of how this related to me seeing ghosts. According to some paperwork I'd signed, everything we said in here was confidential. She couldn't tell anyone unless I was a danger to myself or doing something illegal. I wasn't entirely sure where a relationship with an older man fell there. â€Å"Yeah†¦but I can't tell you who he is.† â€Å"How long have you known him?† â€Å"Almost six months.† â€Å"Do you feel close?† â€Å"Yeah, sure. But we're not†¦Ã¢â‚¬  How exactly did one describe this? â€Å"We're not actually really involved. He's kind of †¦ unavailable.† She could think what she wanted about that, like that maybe I was interested in a guy with a girlfriend. â€Å"Is he the reason you couldn't get close to Mason?† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"And is he holding you back from dating someone else?† â€Å"Well†¦ he's not like purposely doing anything.† â€Å"But as long as you care about him, you're not interested in anyone else?† â€Å"Right. But it doesn't matter. I probably shouldn't even be dating anyone at all.† â€Å"Why not?† â€Å"Because there's no time. I'm training to be a guardian. I have to give all my attention to Lissa.† â€Å"And you don't think you can do that and be romantically involved with someone?† I shook my head. â€Å"No. I have to be willing to lay down my life for hers. I can't be distracted by someone else. We have this saying with the guardians: ‘They come first.' You guys. Moroi.† â€Å"And so you figure you'll always have to put Lissa's needs ahead of yours?† â€Å"Of course.† I frowned. â€Å"What else would I do? I'm going to be her guardian.† â€Å"How does that make you feel? Giving up what you want for her?† â€Å"She's my best friend. And she's the last of her family.† â€Å"That's not what I asked.† â€Å"Yeah, but – † I stopped. â€Å"Hey, you didn't ask a question.† â€Å"You think I always ask questions?† â€Å"Never mind. Look, I love Lissa. I'm happy to spend my life protecting her. End of story. Besides, are you, a Moroi, going to tell me, a dhampir, that I shouldn't be putting Moroi first? You know how the system works.† â€Å"I do,† she said. â€Å"But I'm not here to analyze it. I'm here to help you get better.† â€Å"Seems like you might not be able to do one without the other.† Deirdre's lips quirked into a smile, and then her eyes flicked to the clock. â€Å"We're out of time today. We'll have to pick this up next time.† I crossed my arms over my chest. â€Å"I thought you'd be giving me some kind of awesome advice or telling me what to do. But you just kept making me talk.† She laughed softly. â€Å"Therapy isn't so much about what I think as you do.† â€Å"Then why do it at all?† â€Å"Because we don't always know what it is we're thinking or feeling. When you have a guide, it's easier to figure things out. You'll often discover that you already know what to do. I can help you ask questions and go places you might not have on your own.† â€Å"Well, you're good at the question part,† I noted dryly. â€Å"While I don't have any ‘awesome advice,' I do have some things I want you to think about for when we talk again.† She glanced down at her notepad and tapped it with her pencil while she thought. â€Å"First, I want you to think again about what I asked about Lissa – how you really feel about dedicating your life to her.† â€Å"I already told you.† â€Å"I know. Just think about it some more. If your answer's the same, that's fine. Then, I want you to consider something else. I want you to think about whether maybe the reason you're attracted to this unavailable guy is because he's unavailable.† â€Å"That's crazy. That doesn't make any sense.† â€Å"Is it? You just told me that you can't ever be involved with anyone. Do you think it's possible that wanting someone you can't have is your subconscious mind's way of coping? If it's impossible for you to have him, then you never have to confront feeling conflicted about Lissa. You'll never have to choose.† â€Å"This is confusing,† I grumbled. â€Å"It's supposed to be. That's why I'm here.† â€Å"What's this have to do with Mason?† â€Å"It has to do with you, Rose. That's what's important.† I left therapy feeling like my brain had melted. I also kind of felt like I'd been on trial. If Deirdre had been there to grill Victor, they probably would have finished up in half the time. I also thought Deirdre had totally been going in the wrong direction. Of course I didn't resent Lissa. And the thought that I'd fallen for Dimitri because I couldn't have him was ridiculous. I'd never even thought of the conflict with guarding until he'd mentioned it. I'd fallen for him because †¦ well, because he was Dimitri. Because he was sweet, strong, funny, fierce, and gorgeous. Because he understood me. And yet, as I walked back to the commons, I found her question spinning around in my brain. I might not have been thinking about a relationship distracting us in our guard duties, but I'd certainly known from the start that his age and job were huge barriers. Could that have really played a part? Had some piece of me known we could never really have anything – thus allowing me to always stay dedicated to Lissa? No, I decided firmly. That was ridiculous. Deirdre might be good at asking questions, but she was clearly asking the wrong ones. â€Å"Rose!† I looked to my right and saw Adrian cutting across the lawn toward me, oblivious to the slush's effects on his designer shoes. â€Å"Did you just call me ‘Rose'?† I asked. â€Å"And not ‘little dhampir'? I don't think that's ever happened.† â€Å"It happens all the time,† he countered, catching up to me. We stepped inside the commons. School was in session, so the halls were empty. â€Å"Where's your better half?† he asked. â€Å"Christian?† â€Å"No, Lissa. You can tell where she is, right?† â€Å"Yeah, I can tell because it's last period, and she's in class like everyone else. You keep forgetting that for the rest of us, this is a school.† He looked disappointed. â€Å"I found more case files I wanted to talk to her about. More super-compulsion stuff.† â€Å"Whoa, you've been doing something productive? I'm impressed.† â€Å"You're one to talk,† he said. â€Å"Especially considering your whole existence here revolves around beating people up. You dhampirs are uncivilized – but then, that's why we love you.† â€Å"Actually,† I mused, â€Å"we aren't the only ones doing beatings lately.† I'd nearly forgotten about my royal fight club mystery. There were so many things I had to worry about lately. It was like trying to hold water in my hands. It was a long shot, but I had to ask him. â€Å"Does the word Man? mean anything to you?† He leaned against the wall and reached for his cigarettes. â€Å"Sure.† â€Å"You're inside the school,† I warned. â€Å"What – oh, right.† With a sigh, he put the pack back in his coat. â€Å"Don't half of you study Romanian here? It means ‘hand.'† â€Å"I study English here.† Hand. That didn't make any sense. â€Å"Why the interest in translation?† â€Å"I don't know. I think I got it wrong. I thought it had some connection to this thing that's been going on with these royals.† Recognition flashed in his eyes. â€Å"Oh Lord. Not that. Are they really doing it here too?† â€Å"Doing what?† â€Å"The Man?. The Hand. It's this stupid secret society that pops up at schools. We had a chapter of it back at Alder. It's mostly a bunch of royals getting together and having secret meetings to talk about how much better they are than everyone else.† â€Å"That's it then,† I said. The pieces clicked together. â€Å"That's Jesse and Ralf's little group – the one they tried to get Christian to join. That's what this Man? is.† â€Å"Him?† Adrian laughed. â€Å"They must have been desperate – and I don't mean that as a slam against Christian. He's just not really the type to get into that kind of thing.† â€Å"Yeah, well, he turned them down pretty hard. What's the point of this secret society exactly?† He shrugged. â€Å"The same as any other. It's a way to make people feel better about themselves. Everyone likes feeling special. Being part of an elite group is a way to do that.† â€Å"But you weren't part of it?† â€Å"No need. I already know I'm special.† â€Å"Jesse and Ralf made it sound like royals had to stick together because of all the controversies that are going on – about fighting and guardians and all that. They made it sound like they could do something about it.† â€Å"Not at this age,† said Adrian. â€Å"Mostly all they can do is talk. When they get older, Man? members sometimes cut deals for each other and still have secret meetings.† â€Å"That's it then? They're just hanging out and talking to hear themselves talk?† He turned contemplative. â€Å"Well, yes, of course they're doing lots of that. But I mean, whenever these little chapters form, there's usually something specific they want to do in secret. Each group's kind of different that way, so this one's probably got some plan or scheme or whatever.† A plan or scheme. I didn't like the sound of that. Especially with Jesse and Ralf. â€Å"You know a lot for someone who wasn't in it.† â€Å"My dad was. He never talks much about it – hence the secret part – but I picked up things, and then I heard about it while I was at school.† I leaned against the wall. The clock across the hall told me classes were almost over. â€Å"Did you hear anything about them beating up people? There are at least four Moroi I know of who were attacked. And they won't talk about it.† â€Å"Who? Like non-royals?† â€Å"No. Other royals.† â€Å"That doesn't make any sense. The whole point of it is for elite royals to band together to protect themselves from change. Unless, perhaps, they're going after royals who refuse or are supporting non-royals.† â€Å"Maybe. But one of them was Jesse's brother, and Jesse seems to be a founding member. Seems like he'd have to make the cut. And they didn't do anything when Christian refused.† Adrian spread his hands wide. â€Å"Even I don't know everything, and like I said, this one's probably got its own little agenda they're keeping hidden.† I sighed in frustration, and he gave me a curious look. â€Å"Why do you care so much?† â€Å"Because it isn't right. The people I saw were in bad shape. If some group's going around and ganging up on victims, they need to be stopped,† Adrian laughed and played with a strand of my hair. â€Å"You can't save everyone, though God knows you try.† â€Å"I just want to do what's right.† I remembered Dimitri's comments about Westerns and couldn't help a small smile. â€Å"I need to bring justice where it's needed.† â€Å"The crazy thing, little dhampir, is that you mean that. I can tell by your aura.† â€Å"What, are you saying it's not black anymore?† â€Å"No†¦still dark, definitely. But it's got a little light in it, streaks of gold. Like sunlight.† â€Å"Maybe your theory about me catching it from Lissa is wrong then.† I'd been trying very hard not to think about last night, when I'd learned about Anna. Mentioning it now stirred up all those fears all over again. Insanity. Suicide. â€Å"Depends,† he said. â€Å"When was the last time you saw her?† I gave him a light punch. â€Å"You have no clue, do you? You're making this up as you go along.† He caught my wrist and pulled me closer. â€Å"Isn't that the way you normally operate?† I grinned in spite of myself. This close to him I could appreciate just how lovely the green of his eyes was. In fact, despite continually making fun of him, I couldn't deny that the rest of him was pretty good-looking too. His fingers were warm on my wrist, and there was something kind of sexy about the way he held it. Thinking back to Deirdre's words, I tried to assess how it all made me feel. The queen's warnings aside, Adrian was a guy who was technically available. Was I attracted to him? Did I get a thrill out of this? The answer: no. Not in the same way I did with Dimitri. Adrian was sexy in his way, but he didn't drive me wild the way Dimitri did. Was it because Adrian was so readily available? Was Deirdre right about me purposely wanting relationships that were impossible? â€Å"You know,† he said, interrupting my thoughts, â€Å"under any other circumstances, this would be hot. Instead, you're looking at me like I'm some kind of science fair project.† That was exactly how I was treating this, actually. â€Å"Why don't you ever use compulsion on me?† I asked. â€Å"And I don't mean just to stop me from getting in fights.† â€Å"Because half the fun of you is that you're so difficult.† A new idea occurred to me. â€Å"Do it.† â€Å"Do what?† â€Å"Use compulsion on me.† â€Å"What?† It was another of those rare shocked Adrian moments. â€Å"Use compulsion to make me want to kiss you – except you have to promise not to actually kiss me.† â€Å"That's pretty weird – and when I say something's weird, you know it's serious.† â€Å"Please.† He sighed and then focused his eyes right on me. It was like drowning, drowning in seas of green. There was nothing in the world except for those eyes. â€Å"I want to kiss you, Rose,† he said softly. â€Å"And I want you to want me too.† Every aspect of his body – his lips, his hands, his scent – suddenly overpowered me. I felt warm all over. I wanted him to kiss me with every ounce of my being. There was nothing in life I wanted more than that kiss. I tilted my face up toward his, and he leaned down. I could practically taste his lips. â€Å"Do you want to?† he asked, voice still like velvet. â€Å"Do you want to kiss me?† Did I ever. Everything around me had blurred. Only his lips were in focus. â€Å"Yes,† I said. His face moved closer, his mouth only a breath away from mine. We were so, so close, and then – He stopped. â€Å"We're done,† he said, stepping back. I snapped out of it instantly. The dreamy haze was gone, as was the yearning in my body. But I'd discovered something. Under compulsion, I had definitely wanted him to kiss me. Yet even under compulsion, it hadn't been the electric, all-encompassing feeling I had when I was with Dimitri, that feeling that we were practically the same person and were bound by forces bigger than both of us. With Adrian, it had simply been mechanical. Deirdre had been wrong. If my attraction to Dimitri was just some subconscious reaction, then it should have been as superficial as that forced attraction to Adrian. Yet they were completely different. With Dimitri, it was love – not just some trick my mind was playing on me. â€Å"Hmm,† I said. â€Å"Hmm?† asked Adrian, eyeing me with amusement. â€Å"Hmm.† The third â€Å"hmm† hadn't come from either of us. I looked across the hall and saw Christian watching us. I separated from Adrian, just as the bell rang. The sounds of students pouring out of classrooms rumbled through the hallway. â€Å"Now I can see Lissa,† said Adrian happily. â€Å"Rose, will you come with me to the feeders?† asked Christian. He spoke in a flat tone, and his expression was unreadable. â€Å"I'm not guarding you today.† â€Å"Yeah, well, I miss your charming company.† I told Adrian goodbye and cut through the cafeteria with Christian. â€Å"What's up?† I asked. â€Å"You tell me,† he said. â€Å"You were the one about ready to start making out with Adrian.† â€Å"It was an experiment,† I said. â€Å"It was part of my therapy.† â€Å"What the hell kind of therapy are you in?† We reached the feeders' room. Somehow, despite him getting out of class early, there were still a few people ahead of us in line. â€Å"Why do you care?† I asked him. â€Å"You should be happy. It means he isn't moving in on Lissa.† â€Å"He could be moving in on both of you.† â€Å"What are you, my big brother now?† â€Å"Annoyed,† he said. â€Å"That's what I am.† I looked beyond him and saw Jesse and Ralf enter. â€Å"Well, keep it to yourself, or our good friends will overhear.† Jesse, however, was too busy to hear, because he was arguing with the feeding coordinator. â€Å"I don't have time to wait,† he told her. â€Å"I've got to be somewhere.† She pointed to us and the others in line. â€Å"These people are ahead of you.† Jesse met her eyes and smiled. â€Å"You can make an exception this time.† â€Å"Yeah, he's in a hurry,† added Ralf in a voice I'd never heard him use before. It was smooth and less grating than usual. â€Å"Just write his name down at the top of the list.† The coordinator looked like she was going to tell them off, but then a funny, distracted look came over her face. She glanced at her clipboard and wrote something. A few seconds after she looked away, her head jerked up again, eyes sharp once more. She frowned. â€Å"What was I doing?† â€Å"You were signing me up,† said Jesse. He pointed at the board. â€Å"See?† She looked down, startled. â€Å"Why is your name first? Didn't you just get here?† â€Å"We were here earlier and checked in. You told us it was okay.† She looked down again, clearly puzzled. She didn't remember them coming earlier – because they hadn't – but she apparently couldn't figure out why Jesse's name was at the top now. A moment later, she shrugged and must have decided it wasn't worth overthinking. â€Å"Stand with the others, and I'll call you next.† As soon as Jesse and Ralf came near us, I turned on them. â€Å"You just used compulsion on her,† I hissed. Jesse looked panicked for a fraction of a second; then his normal swagger took over. â€Å"Whatever. I just convinced her, that's all. What, are you going to try to tell on me or something?† â€Å"Nothing to tell,† scoffed Christian. â€Å"That was the worst compulsion I've ever seen.† â€Å"Like you've seen compulsion,† said Ralf. â€Å"Plenty,† said Christian. â€Å"From people prettier than you. Of course, maybe that's part of why yours isn't as good.† Ralf seemed highly offended at not being considered pretty, but Jesse just nudged him and started to turn away. â€Å"Forget him. He had his chance.† â€Å"His chance at – † I remembered how Brandon had attempted weak compulsion when trying to convince me his bruises were nothing. Jill had said that Brett Ozera actually had convinced a teacher that his were nothing. The teacher had dropped the matter, much to Jill's surprise. Brett must have used compulsion. Lightbulbs went off in different parts of my brain. The connections were all around me. The problem was, I couldn't untangle the wires quite yet. â€Å"That's what this is about, isn't it? Your stupid Man? and its need to beat up on people. It's got something to do with compulsion†¦.† I didn't understand how it all fit together, but the surprised look on Jesse's face told me I was on to something, even though he said, â€Å"You don't know what you're talking about.† I pushed forward, hoping some blind hits would make him mad and say something he wasn't supposed to. â€Å"What's the point? Does it give you guys some kind of power trip to do these little tricks? That's all they are, you know. You seriously don't know the first thing about compulsion. I've seen compulsion that would make you do handstands and throw yourself out a window.† â€Å"We're learning more than you can even imagine,† said Jesse. â€Å"And when I find out who told – â€Å" He didn't get a chance to finish his threat because he was called over to the feeder just then. He and Ralf stalked away, and Christian immediately turned to me. â€Å"What's going on? What's a Man† I gave him a hasty recap of Adrian's explanation. â€Å"That's what they wanted you to join. They must secretly be practicing compulsion. Adrian said these groups are always royals who have some plan to change and control things in dangerous times. They must think compulsion is the answer – it's what they meant when they told you they had ways to help you get what you wanted. If they knew how crappy your compulsion was, they probably wouldn't have asked.† He scowled, not liking me reminding him of the one time he'd attempted – and failed – to compel someone at the ski lodge. â€Å"So where's the beating-people-up part come in?† â€Å"That's the mystery,† I said. Christian was summoned over to feed just then, and I put my theories on hold until I could get more info and take action. I noticed which feeder we were being led to. â€Å"Is that Alice again? How do you always get her? Do you request her?† â€Å"No, but I think some people specifically un-request her.† Alice was happy to see us, as always. â€Å"Rose. Are you still keeping us safe?† â€Å"I will if they'll let me,† I told her. â€Å"Don't be too hasty,† she warned. â€Å"Conserve your strength. If you're too eager to fight the undead, you may find yourselves joining them. Then you'd never see us again, and we'd be very sad.† â€Å"Yes,† said Christian. â€Å"I'd cry into my pillow every night.† I resisted the urge to kick him. â€Å"Well, I couldn't visit if I was Strigoi, yeah, but hopefully I'd just die a normal death. Then I could come see you as a ghost.† How sad, I thought, that I was now making jokes about the very thing that was freaking me out lately. Alice found no amusement in it whatsoever. She shook her head. â€Å"No, you wouldn't. The wards would keep you out.† â€Å"The wards only keep Strigoi out,† I reminded her gently. A defiant look replaced her scattered one. â€Å"The wards keep anything that isn't alive out. Dead or undead.† â€Å"Now you've done it,† said Christian. â€Å"The wards don't keep ghosts out,† I said. â€Å"I've seen them.† Considering Alice's own instability, I didn't mind discussing mine with her. In fact, it was kind of refreshing to talk about this stuff with someone who wouldn't judge me. Indeed, she treated this as a perfectly normal conversation. â€Å"If you've seen ghosts, then we're not safe anymore.† â€Å"I told you last time, the security's too good.† â€Å"Maybe someone made a mistake,† she argued, sounding remarkably coherent. â€Å"Maybe someone missed something. Wards are made of magic. Magic is alive. Ghosts can't cross them for the same reason as Strigoi. They aren't alive. If you saw a ghost, the wards have failed.† She paused. â€Å"Or you're crazy.† Christian laughed out loud. â€Å"There you go, Rose. Straight from the source.† I shot him a glare. He smiled at Alice. â€Å"In Rose's defense, though, I think she's right about the wards. The school checks them all the time. The only place guarded better than here is the Royal Court, and both places are overflowing with guardians. Stop being so paranoid.† He fed, and I glanced away. I should have known better than to listen to Alice. She was hardly a reputable source of information, even if she'd been around for a while. And yet†¦ her weird logic did make sense. If wards kept Strigoi out, why not ghosts? True, Strigoi were the dead who had come back to walk the earth, but her point was sound: All of them were dead. But Christian and I were right too: The wards around the school were solid. It took a lot of power to lay wards. Not every Moroi home could have them, but places like schools and the Royal Court had theirs maintained diligently. The Royal Court†¦ I'd had no ghostly encounters whatsoever while we there, yet that had been incredibly stressful. If my sightings were stress-induced, wouldn't the Court and encounters with Victor and the queen have provided great opportunities for them to occur? The fact that I'd seen nothing seemed to negate the PTSD theory. I hadn't seen ghosts until we'd landed at the Martinville airport. Which didn't have wards. I nearly gasped. The Court had strong wards. I'd seen no ghosts. The airport, which was part of the human world, had no wards. I'd been bombarded with ghosts there. I'd also seen flashes of them on the plane – which was unwarded when we were in the air. I looked over at Alice and Christian. They were just about finished. Could she be right? Did wards keep out ghosts? And if so, what was going on with the school? If the wards were intact, I should see nothing – just like at Court. If the wards were broken, I should be overrun – just like at the airport. Instead, the Academy was somewhere in the middle. I had sightings only occasionally. It didn't make sense. The only thing I knew for sure was that if something was wrong with the school's wards, then I wasn't the only one in danger.

There’s more to life than meets the eye

Mary knows everything about the color, red, except to experience the experience of seeing it for the first time. Would she sigh when sees red? Would she hug the person standing next to her out of joy, because she is seeing the color red, a beautiful color, for the first time? Would Mary be reminded of a happy or sad memory when she sees the color, red, for the first time? In other words, would she experience a flashback in black and white? If the answers to all these questions are in the affirmative; it is true that Mary also experiences thoughts and feelings that cannot easily be explained through the physical senses. What is the nature of the mind, after all? Churchland does not even explain how the nature of imagination could be described in terms of things that can be sensed with the five senses alone. Of course, Mary has read about the color, red. Then again, how would she describe the joy she feels in terms of the physical world? If physicalism is the only way to describe and understand the nature as well as experiences of human beings, then Mary should know everything about the color red, just because she has studied everything under the bright blue sky (Vinueza, 2004). This is the belief of people that believe there are only facts to describe about the physical world. There are no bases for feelings, such as joy, in this belief system. So, Mary must essentially feel like a robot. Because Mary is not a robot – she is a human being – it is essential for her to experience the color red for the first time as something breathtaking, even if books had taught her to expect that. In that case, books must also have taught her how she would see the color red for the first time, that is, what she would experience within herself to boot – her thoughts and feelings. If this is true, then physicalism cannot truly be false, according to those that believe in it. After all, it is now possible to reduce everything to physical notes and tones – neurons and electric signals within the brain – in order to understand thoughts, feelings and imagination. Given that it is possible to argue for both physicalism and metaphysical philosophies – it can be stated with confidence that both the knowledge argument and physicalism were developed by reasonable people. It was only their belief systems, and the way they explained their experiences in life and facts about the world – with both metaphysical examples and arguments based on materialism – that made them either for or against physicalism or another philosophy. The example of creative writing or fiction shows that it is possible to explain almost everything with words, regardless of how human reason is applied to create an argument or philosophy. The active human mind makes it possible to believe anything whatsoever.