History of Matches Essay

A match is a small stick of wood or strip of cardboard with a solidified mixture of flammable chemicals deposited on one end. When that end is struck on a rough surface, the friction generates enough heat to ignite the chemicals and produce a small flame. Some matches, called strike-anywhere matches, may be ignited by striking them on any rough surface. Other matches, called safety matches, will ignite only when they are struck on a special rough surface containing certain chemicals. History The first known use of matches was in 577 during the siege of a town in northern China. Women in the town used sticks coated with a mixture of chemicals to start fires for cooking and heating, thus allowing them to conserve their limited fuel by putting the fires out between uses. The details of this technique were subsequently lost to history. It was not until 1826 that John Walker of England invented the first friction matches. Walker’s matches were ignited by drawing the heads through a folded piece of paper coated with ground glass. He began selling them in 1827, but they were difficult to light and were not a success. In 1831, Charles Sauria of France developed a match that used white phosphorus. These matches were strike-anywhere matches and were much easier to ignite. Unfortunately, they were too easy to ignite and caused many unintentional fires. White phosphorus also proved to be highly toxic. Workers in match plants who inhaled white phosphorus fumes often suffered f rom a horrible degeneration of the jawbones known as â€Å"phossy jaw.† Despite this health hazard, white phosphorus continued to be used in strike-anywhere matches until the early 1900s, when government action in the United States and Europe forced manufacturers to switch to a nontoxic chemical. In 1844 Gustaf Pasch of Sweden proposed placing some of the match’s combustion ingredients on a separate striking surface, rather than incorporating them all into the match head, as an extra precaution against accidental ignition. This idea—coupled with the discovery of less-reactive, nontoxic red phosphorus—led J. E. Lundstrom of Sweden to introduce safety matches in 1855. Although safety matches posed less of a hazard, many people still preferred the convenience of strike-anywhere matches, and both types continue to be used today. The first matchbook matches were patented in the United States by Joshua Pussey in 1892. The Diamond Match Company purchased the rights to this patent in  1894. At first, these new matches were not well accepted, but when a brewing company bought 10 million matchbooks to advertise their product, sales soared. Early match manufacturing was mainly a manual operation. Mechanization slowly took over portions of the operation until the first automatic match machine was patented by Ebenezer Beecher in 1888. Modern match manufacturing is a highly automated process using continuous-operation machines that can produce as many as 10 million matches in an eight-hour shift with only a few people to monitor the operation. Raw Materials Woods used to make matchsticks must be porous enough to absorb various chemicals, and rigid enough to withstand the bending forces encountered when the match is struck. They should also be straight-grained and easy to work, so that they may be readily cut into sticks. White pine and aspen are two common woods used for this purpose. Once the matchsticks are formed, they are soaked in ammonium phosphate, which is a fire retardant. This prevents the stick from smoldering after the match has gone out. During manufacture, the striking ends of the matchsticks are dipped in hot paraffin wax. This provides a small amount of fuel to transfer the flame from the burning chemicals on the tip to the matchstick itself. Once the paraffin burns off, the ammonium phosphate in the matchstick prevents any further combustion. The heads of strike-anywhere matches are composed of two parts, the tip and the base. The tip contains a mixture of phosphorus sesquisulfide and potassium chlorate. Phosphorus sesquisulfide is a highly reactive, non-toxic chemical used in place of white phosphorus. It is easily ignited by the heat of friction against a rough surface. The potassium chlorate supplies the oxygen needed for combustion. The tip also contains powdered glass and other inert filler material to increase the friction and control the burning rate. Animal glue is used to bind the chemicals together, and a small amount of zinc oxide may be added to the tip to give it a whitish color. The base contains many of the same materials as the tip, but has a smaller amount of phosphorus sesquisulfide. It also contains sulfur, rosin, and a small amount of paraffin wax to sustain combustion. A water-soluble dye may be added to give the base a color such as red or blue. The heads of safety matches are composed of a single part. They contain antimony trisulfide, potassium chlorate, sulfur, powdered glass, inert fillers, and animal glue. They may  also include a water-soluble dye. Antim ony trisulfide cannot be ignited by the heat of friction, even in the presence of an oxidizing agent like potassium chlorate, and it requires another source of ignition to start the combustion. That source of ignition comes from the striking surface, which is deposited on the side of the matchbox or on the back cover of the matchbook. The striking surface contains red phosphorus, powdered glass, and an adhesive such as gum arabic or urea formaldehyde. When a safety match is rubbed against the striking surface, the friction generates enough heat to convert a trace of the red phosphorus into white phosphorus. This immediately reacts with the potassium chlorate in the match head to produce enough heat to ignite the antimony trisulfide and start the combustion. Match boxes and match books are made from cardboard. The finned strips of cardboard used to make the matches in match books are called a comb. The Manufacturing Process Matches are manufactured in several stages. In the case of wooden-stick matches, the matchsticks are first cut, prepared, and moved to a storage area. When the matchsticks are needed, they are inserted into holes in a long perforated belt. The belt carries them through the rest of the process, where they are dipped into several chemical tanks, dried, and packaged in boxes. Cardboard-stick matches used in match books are processed in a similar manner. Here is a typical sequence of operations for manufacturing wooden-stick matches: Cutting the matchsticks 1 Logs of white pine or aspen are clamped in a debarking machine and slowly rotated while spinning blades cut away the outer bark of the tree. 2 The stripped logs are then cut into short lengths about 1.6 ft (0.5 m) long. Each length is placed in a peeler and rotated while a sharp, flat blade peels a long, thin sheet of wood from the outer surface of the log. This sheet is about 0.1 in (2.5 mm) thick and is called a veneer. The peeling blade moves inward toward the core of the rotating log until only a small, round post is left. This post is discarded and may be used for fuel or reduced to wood chips for use in making paper or chipboard. Stripped logs are placed in a peeler, which cuts a sheet about 0.1 in (2.5 mm) thick, called veneer, from the log. The veneer proceeds to the chopper, which cuts it into small sticks. The sticks are soaked in a dilute solution of ammonium phosphate and dried, removing splinters and crystallized solution. The matches are dumped into a feed hopper, which lines them up. A perforated conveyor belt holds them upside down while they are dipped in a series of three tanks. The matches are dried for 50-60 minutes before they are packaged. 3 The sheets of veneer are stacked and fed into a chopper. The chopper has many sharp blades that cut down through the stack to produce as many as 1,000 matchsticks in a single stroke. Treating the matchsticks 4 The cut matchsticks are dumped into a large vat filled with a dilute solution of ammonium phosphate. 5 After they have soaked for several minutes, the matchsticks are removed from the vat and placed in a large, rotating drum, like a clothes dryer. The tumbling action inside the drum dries the sticks and acts to polish and clean them of any splinters or crystallized chemical. 6 The dried sticks are then dumped into a hopper and blown through a metal duct to the storage area. In some operations the sticks are blown directly into the matchmaking facility rather than going to storage. Forming the match heads 7 The sticks are blown from the storage area to a conveyor belt that transfers them to be inserted into holes on a long, continuous, perforated steel belt. The sticks are dumped into several v-shaped feed hoppers that line them up with the holes in the perforated belt. Plungers push the matchsticks into the holes across the width of the slowly moving belt. A typical belt may have 50-100 holes spaced across its width. Any sticks that do not seat firmly into the holes fall to a catch area beneath the belt and are transferred back to the feed hoppers. 8 The perforated belt holds the matchsticks upside down and immerses the lower portion of the sticks in a bath of hot paraffin wax. After they emerge from the wax, the sticks are allowed to dry. 9 Further down the line, the matchsticks are positioned over a tray filled with a liquid solution of the match head chemicals. The tray is then momentarily raised to immerse the ends of the sticks in the solution. Several thousand sticks are coated at the same time. This cycle  repeats itself when the next batch of sticks is in position. If the matches are the strike-anywhere kind, the sticks move on to another tray filled with a solution of the tip chemicals, and the match ends are immersed in that tray, only this time not quite as deeply. This gives strike-anywhere matches their characteristic two-toned appearance. 10 After the match heads are coated, the matches must be dried very slowly or they will not light properly. The belt loops up and down several times as the matches dry for 50-60 minutes. Packaging the matches 11 The cardboard inner and outer portions of the match boxes are cut, printed, folded, and glued together in a separate area. If the box is to contain safety matches, the chemicals for the striking strip are mixed with an adhesive and are automatically applied to the outer portion of the box. 12 When the matches are dry, the belt moves them to the packaging area, where a multi-toothed wheel pushes the finished matches out of the holes in the belt. The matches fall into hoppers, which measure the proper amount of matches for each box. The matches are dumped from the hoppers into the inner portions of the cardboard match boxes, which are moving along a conveyor belt located below the hoppers. Ten or more boxes may be filled at the same time. 13 The outer portions of the match boxes move along another conveyor belt running parallel to the first belt. Both conveyors stop momentarily, and the filled inner portions are pushed into the outer portions. This cycle of filling the inner portion s and pushing them into the outer portions is repeated at a rate of about once per second. 14 The filled match boxes are moved by conveyor belt to a machine, which groups them and places them in a corrugated cardboard box for shipping. Quality Control The chemicals for each portion of the match head are weighed and measured exactly to avoid any variation in the match composition that might affect performance. Operators constantly monitor the operation and visually inspect the product at all stages of manufacture. In addition to visual inspection and other normal quality control procedures, match production requires strict attention to safety. Considering that there may be more than one million matches attached to the perforated belt at any time means that the working environment must be kept free of all sources of accidental ignition. The Future The use of matches in the United States has steadily declined in the last few decades. This decline is the result of several factors: the availability of inexpensive, disposable lighters; the decrease in the use of tobacco products by the general public; and the development of automatic lighting devices for gas-fired stoves. Of the matches that are sold, book matches far outsell wooden stick matches because of their advertising value. Worldwide, matches will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future, although their production will probably follow the demand and migrate to other countries. Where to Learn More Books Bennett, H., ed. The Chemical Formulary, Vol. XV. Chemical Publishing Company, Inc., 1970. Periodicals Bean, M.C. â€Å"History of the Match,† Antiques and Collecting Hobbies. September, 1992, pp. 42-44. — Chris Cavette

Definition of Nursing Essay

The definition of nursing as put forward by the American Nurses Association describes a framework that incorporates caring and health promotion. It is far reaching and intentionally inclusive to all fellow human beings. It has a goal to advocate and help decrease any element of suffering. Nursing is a professional body which strongly advocates the advancement of professional knowledge. Scholarly resources are used to anchor our credibly with research findings. The use of objective data develops processes to improve outcomes of care. Attentions are focused on human action and reactions to changes in health. The body of nursing  acts as influential body to impact social justice. The definition opens the scope of similarities and difference in approach where nurses can provide optimal care for their patients. The metaparadigm concepts: person, health, environment and nursing are platforms in which the protection, health promotion and goal to alleviate suffering can be developed. Dr Jean Watson, a nurse theorist is best now for her work on human caring. She asserts caring as central focus for nursing. Caring serves as pivot to the metaparadigm concepts. She found nurses who were not able to practice caring became harsh and brittle (as cited in Watson, 2009, p.467). As I work with my patients I now realize how my plans of care are based on theses metapadigm concepts. I frequently ask my coworkers what worked best for the patient and why. Then I incorporate that in my daily plan of care. References Watson, J. (2009). Caring science and human caring theory:transforming personal and professional practices of nursing and healthcare. Journal of Health and Human Services Administration,31(4), 466-483.

Employee Training & Development and Organizational Benefits Dissertation

Employee Training & Development and Organizational Benefits - Dissertation Example The economy demonstrates immense uncertainties which has made knowledge one the most important and reliable source of sustaining competitive advantage. Today, knowledge has evolved as the basic capital which triggers the process of development. Initially competition was primarily built on the foundation of the possession of specific resources at low costs. However, the trend has now shifted to the possession of knowledge and knowledge management, which forms a basic component determinant of competition between organizations. Today, modern organizations use resources like time, energy, money and information for the permanent advancement and training of their human resources. Organizations extensively involved with the creation of new knowledge, extending it within the entire organization and also implementing it with the new technologies have evolved as producers of quality goods and services (Vemic, 2007, p.1). Training and Development is an important component in the field of human resource management as it is concerned with those organizational activities which are aimed at improving or bettering the performance of employees in the organizational settings. Training primarily encompasses three activities, namely training, education, and finally development. It involves the transfer of skills and knowledge from a working expert to learners in order to improve their current job performance. The concept of development is much wider. It involves a multi faceted frame of activities aimed at bringing someone from his present level to a different threshold of performance. The project aims to bring forth the effectiveness of employee training and development activities in organizations. Firstly, it begins with presenting the aims and objectives for the purpose. This is followed by a literature review of the topic which emphasizes on different aspects of the subject. A primary research is also conducted which brings out the extent to which training and development acti vities help in the benefit of the organization. The results of the research is briefly presented, interpreted and analyzed at the end of the report. The project concludes by presenting the required recommendations on the subject. Research Aims and Objectives The report primarily aims to bring forth the requirement of training and development in organizations in enhancing employee productivity and organization performance. The main objectives of the research are To bring forth the effects of training and development in organization, To analyze the impacts of training in the productivity of employees, To investigate the different training and development practices adopted in organizations To determine the interrelationship between training and development and organization performance, and To analyze the changing trends in the training and development patterns in organizations across industries. Literature Review Employee Training and Development in Organisations Organisations in the U nited Kingdom and their managers have constantly exhibited

THE PAYG SYSTEM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

THE PAYG SYSTEM - Essay Example The tax tables under PAYG system are structured to result in a refund when an Income tax return is processed. This refund culture encourages strong compliance with annual returns. PAYG also provides flexibility, ability to alter the taxation payments based on the current income received. PAYG has removed lack of equity in payment timing between individuals and companies. Henceforth, tax payers need to file only one form and make one payment for each quarter. PAYG allows the netting off Liabilities and credits. Tax payers like Individuals, Corporate, Trustees, Mutual insurance associates, etc having Business and Investment income are subjected to PAYG Installment system. A taxpayer is subjected to PAYG installment system if his most recent income tax assessment shows more than $2000 of gross investment or business income or if his recent income tax return resulted in a tax debt of over $500. PAYG installments are generally payable quarterly. The due dates by which quarterly installments are required to be paid are 28th July, 28th October, 28th February and 28th April. Certain tax payers like primary producers and Special professionals can pay two installments per year. These tax payers need to pay 75% of PAYG liability by 28th April and the balance by 28th July. A tax payer is eligible to opt for paying PAYG installment annually under the following circumstances: Payments made to tax payers having income other than business or Investment income like Salaries and wages, Pension Annuity, Dividend, Interest, Royalty are subjected to PAYG Withholding system. PAYG withholding is also applicable to payments to other businesses who do not quote Australian Business Number. Employers deduct tax according to the published tables from wages and the net amount is paid to employees. Employers send the amounts withheld to taxation office, hence this system is called Withholding system. Tax payer has to determine the status of the payees like

Research a contemporary church community Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Research a contemporary church community - Essay Example This paper will look at the Hutterites while assessing their organization, leadership structure, venue and time of church meetings, their religious rituals, their theological teachings, and their ethical values. It will also look at the most attractive features of the community’s life and the aspects that would be most challenging. In all Hutterite churches, the church is organized in a group referred to as the Zullbrieder. It is made up of the spiritual leader and an advisory board comprised of a farm manager, two or three witness brothers, and the colony manager. The spiritual leader or minister also holds the title of the chief executive. The spiritual leader together with an advisory board makes the everyday decisions of the church. The spiritual leader’s responsibilities entail disciplining members of the church, undertaking church sermons, funerals, baptisms, and marriages. The church’s advisory board is made up of the farm manager, two or three witness brothers, and the colony manager who are selected for their entire life. The advisory board carries out the responsibilities of the directors or the board of trustees of the church organization. The duties of the church leaders are guided by the congregation (Hostetler 23). The witness brothers are also employed in the colony to handle a sec tion of the colony’s abundant duties. The spiritual leader’s companion at times is holds the position of a tailor. Therefore, she takes part in customary duties, for example choosing and buying fabrics, cooking, and medical decisions. All the church leadership positions are regarded as elective positions and a number of decisions are presented to a vote prior to their implementation. The decision-making and voting procedure is mostly based on a two-tier arrangement. It comprises a council, which is made up of seven

Foreign Exchange Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Foreign Exchange - Essay Example Looking at Table ll.1(Foreign Exchange Quotations, p.5) I see that the Monday 1-month forward for the Japanese yen, using the Direct Quote, is $0.009048 compared to the spot rate of .009035. The 3-month forward is .009074 and the 6-month forward is .009124. This means that the Japanese currency is expected to progressively appreciate during this period. The indirect quote column (Japanese currency calculated in US dollar terms) confirms the expected trend, showing that gradually it will require more dollars to pay for a fixed amount of Japanese yen. I use the spot rate when I need the currency immediately. I go to a lending institution or a bank to arrange for a forward exchange contract when I need to protect the value of the US dollar against the possibility that the Japanese yen will rise in value (appreciate), and it would require me to spend more money to purchase a product priced or denominated in that currency. In this particular case, if I have to purchase Y100,000 now, at the rate of $0.009035 per yen, the amount I have to pay will be $903.50, which is obtained by multiplying these two numbers. Since the 1-month forward rate is $0.009048, the amount of our contract with the bank will be $904.80, which is higher by $1.30. A month from now, I will obtain from the bank Y100,000 at this price. I can either buy Y100,000 now at the spot market price at the rate of 1 Yen = $0.009035 and hold the currency until a month from now when I need to use it for payment, or I can arrange a forward contract which, at $0.009048, is $1.30 higher. The forward contract will protect me in case the Japanese yen appreciates. For example, if the Japanese yen, contrary to market expectations, rises to $0.009200 (or, conversely, $1 = 108.70, obtained by computing its reciprocal - i.e., 1/.009200), I will need to pay $920.00 a month from now – or $16.50 higher - because I did not hedge my position by using the forward contract. This is also

Journal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 34

Journal - Assignment Example instance, in U.S.A Mendoza brings to light how the government passed laws that prohibit doctors from conducting partial birth abortion despite the dangers of dead fetus (Mendoza 625). Mendoza feels that more should be done to reduce miscarriages and abortion incidences and its consequences. She argues that doctors should be more learned in D &Es in removal of dead fetus from the womb without adding on their patients’ complications, which is through maiming respective organs or infections. In doing some research, seeking friends’ opinions and backing up her argument by citing information from CDC. Mendoza learns that more than 66,000 women in the US ought to encounter utter demoralizing and painful abortion experiences mostly between 13 to 20 weeks while other 4000 miscarry each year yet they do not get proper heath care and treatment (Mendoza 625). Mendoza has not deviated from original content where she talks about health and medicine as well as those we studied during last week. She backs up her argument from varied studies’ data like CDC, American Journal where she tells about complications and problems women go through on or before delivering. Hence she believes that women are at a greater risk of partial birth abortion (Mendoza 626). Therefore looking on how Mendoza has argued in this article, based on her personal experience and citing information from other sources she fits properly on other articles on health and medicine that I have read from the past few

The recruitment process continued Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The recruitment process continued - Coursework Example It first offers the position to its existing employees who are interested to shift to those positions. If they are not interested then the job posting is done on the intranet, so as to welcome internal referrals and the also external candidates are welcomed through advertisements on job portals or Google. The company website is also utilized for job postings (Needham, & Dransfield, 1994, p. 552). A systematic procedure is followed for selecting external candidates, which also includes the online selection procedure. This saves the cost and valuable time of the management and the human resource department. Tesco has a policy to ensure that every candidate gets an opportunity to prove their efficiency and the reasons for being appropriate for the role. Those employees working in Tesco are given the opportunity first to apply for the vacant positions, so as to give them greater exposure and broaden their knowledge. The company also motivates its staffs to progress in their careers throu gh their process called talent planning. There are schemes in which the employees can apply for higher positions through their annual appraisal scheme. The current recruitment procedure of Tesco motives the employees to develop their skills in the field they wish to work in Tesco. The managers assist the employees in developing the competencies, technical skills and behavioral pattern required for such roles. This not only assists the employees, but also helps Tesco to achieve its objectives and the employees achieve their personal objectives. In the company 80 percent of the management positions are filled through internal recruitment. This means that there is high scope of good performance appraisal in Tesco. Recommendations to Senior Leaders In the recruitment process the major role is played by the human resource department and the top management, which also includes the senior leaders of the company, who are dedicated the authority of giving their final verdict regarding the ch oice of the final candidate (Prakashan, 2007, p. 7.6-7.7). So even though Tesco follows a transparent and systematic recruitment procedure, they must keep on experimenting and introducing newer and better processes to make the recruitment process more efficient and should encourage greater diversity for faster growth and development of the firm. Now certain recommendations can be suggested for the senior leaders of Tesco to encourage a smooth recruitment process and highly diversified workforce in the company. A five step planning process would be suggested in such cases: Design a perfect human resource management system: Recruitment process cannot be undertaken without human resource department and well defined human resource system. The human resource goals should be aligned with the organizational goals, then only right recruitment can be done, and this is the task of the senior leaders to monitor that this objectives are being followed or not. Analyzing the Environment: The inte rnal and external environmental factors includes the industry, technology, competitors, regulations of the labor market, sex ratio in the organization and the long-term goals of the company. This is analyzed by the senior leaders first before proceeding for recruitment process. Not only skills but many other factors also need to be kept in mind. Human Resource Demand Forecast: The function of forecasting is done by the senior lea

Effects of the credit crunch in terms of regeneration and redundancies Literature review

Effects of the credit crunch in terms of regeneration and redundancies - Literature review Example This paper endeavors to understand the appropriate meaning of the term credit crunch, prior discussing initiation and implications of the same in the United Kingdom, specifically in Sunderland. Credit crunch is a situation when lenders stop lending, borrowers fail to borrow, builders cease their activities and buyers are forced to exhibit their inability to buy. In specific manner, credit crunch can be defined as a sudden stoppage in availability of credits as well as loans, causing shortage of liquidity in the market. Since 2008, such a situation has resulted in development of a complex set of issues in various countries that is continuously worsening. According to Erkens, Hung and Matos, the present credit crunch was initiated in 2007 in the United States, when lenders were heavily exposed to mortgages worth billion dollars, which turned into bad debts. The authors further added that the viability of the subprime loans related to mortgage has a significant impact on the global fina ncial system. Consequently, banks and other financial systems were no more interested to lend to borrowers, which created a chain reaction reaching national financial system of various nations. By the end of 2008-09, the housing bubble in the United States (US) busted and resulted in collapse of several prominent banks. Interest rates also increased significantly during this period. According to Parkinson, the trend had followed in the property as well as construction industry, bringing about a drastic impact on regeneration.

Multiple topics outlined Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Multiple topics outlined - Essay Example Another approach of usability design or experience design needs a mental attitude and it is commonly known as subjective, post-positivist and experientialist approach. The author focused on the dichotomy of objective and subjective approaches. The book is basically about the emotional designs. This is the fourth book by Norman on the topic about everyday things. The other three books are not related to the theme of this book, but all these are only used to understand the feelings of the author. The book contains the chapter on â€Å"Personal Reflections†; this is called the refresher of book. Cognition is rutted concept with related to emotions. The manifestation of two in the functionality or behavior describes the good product that means the good design of the product with including the effectiveness of the product as well. According to the previous concepts of Norman’s focus was on usability and the behavioral manifestation, and his new changed concepts presented in this book are related to the effectiveness of the product rather than the design. The brief description about three main characteristics of the effective, behavioral and cognitive components are presented here in the paper. Three different aspects related to the design of the product are shown here. The three aspects of products design are named as visceral design, behavioral design and the cognitive or reflective design. The visceral design is about the outer most appearance of the product. This may be in the type of sight, sound, smell or feel etc. The immediate and effective response, emotions about the designed product is the core of this aspect of design. The behavioral aspect is about the pleasure and effectiveness of use. The response from visceral aspect is very important for behavioral aspect. The bad or geed response reflects the performance of the product. The

Pet Wonderland Services (PWS) Essay Example for Free

Pet Wonderland Services (PWS) Essay Introduction to the organization Pet Wonderland Services (PWS) is a new business in pets industry. PWS first shop was at Shah Alam section 13. Although there are several pets shop in Shah Alam, PWS wil brings new services to the animal lovers communities as. Vision To serve the best quality, friendly and effective service and fulfill customer satisfaction. Mission To be one of the top pet shop that brings the most high quality and effective services in the Malaysia. â€Å"Your pets is our responsible too† Objective The main objective of this service is to ease community that they would not have to bring their pet to our shop but we will go to their house and give the services that they wanted to. In our services, we only provide the best pets product and we will consult with the owner about their pets first so that we can use an appropriate an suitable pet’s product to their pets. We want to deliver a quality services so that customer will believe in us. We are not just gaining profit, we are also gaining trust to our customer and love to the animal.

Number of Microorganisms and Level of Spoilage Relationship

Number of Microorganisms and Level of Spoilage Relationship 1.0Â  Materials and Method 1.1Â  Chemicals 50 g of dried powder of curcumin will be extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus with 500 mL of 95% ethanol. The process will be done until the solvent is colourless. The extract then will be filtered and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The dried ethanolic extract will be stored for further usage. A stock solution of curcumin will be prepared by dissolving 10 mg of dried ethanolic extract in 10mL of ethanol (50%) to give a concentration of 1 mg/mL. All chemicals that will be used are reagent grade (will be supplied by Merck, Sigma, of Fluka) and will be used as supplied. 1.2Â  Methods 1.2.1Â  Preparation of Bacterial Cellulose Membrane Acetobacter xylinum culture will be cultivated using a Herstin-Schramm nutrient (HS) medium that consists of glucose (2 w/v%), yeast extract (0.5 w/v%), bacto-pepton (0.5 w/v%), citric acid (0.115 w/v%), Na2HPO4 (0.27 w/v%), MgSO4_7H2O (0.05 w/v%) and ethanol (1 v%) which will be added after the base has been sterilised. The culture will be cultivated in stationary conditions. The HS medium will be filled in 300 cm3 conic flasks. The bacterial breeding process will be conducted in a period of seven days at 30oC, which inoculums will be grafted at approximately 4 w% in relation to the HS medium. Glucose, arabinose, mannose, galactose, xylose and mannitol will be used as carbon sources in the biosynthesis process of bacterial cellulose. The membrane of the bacterial cellulose will be treated with NaOH (approximately 5% concentration) for 60 minutes and a temperature of 100oC so that bacterial cells can be removed and substrate from the inner layers of the bacterial cellulose film. The bacterial cells will then be rinsed with tap water until it achieves a neutral condition at around pH 7.0. To prepare the membrane sheet, 10 g of the bacterial cellulose will be blended until it is homogenous. Then, it will be casted onto the glass plate and pressed. The membrane is to be left overnight for 12 hours, and will be dried at 60 oC. The membrane sheet is to be stored away. 1.2.2Â  Immobilization of Natural Dye on Bacterial Cellulose Membrane The natural dye will be immobilized onto the bacterial cellulose membrane using absorption method. The membrane sheet will be immersed into 10 mL of curcumin stock solution (1 mg/mL) at ambient temperature for 12 hours. Then, the curcumin/cellulose membrane will be rinsed with tap water to ensure that unbound indicator within the membrane will be removed. The curcumin/cellulose membrane will be dried using an electrical drier. Finally, the curcumin/cellulose membrane will be cut into shapes according to the design of on-package sticker sensor (Figure 1). Figure 1:The design of the sticker sensor based on curcumin/cellulose membrane for broiler chicken cuts’ freshness with colour indication for fresh, medium (need to be consumed in hours) and not fresh (spoilage, do not consume). 1.2.3Â  Preparation of Broiler Chicken Cut Samples In this study, a fresh boiler chicken of normal pH (5.5-5.6) will be used. The chicken will be cut into a 100 g and 50 g portions for microbiological and sensory analysis respectively. Each portion will be placed in a low-density polyethylene plastic film (0.9 g/cm3) which will be put on plastic trays. Then, the samples will be stored in a low-temperature incubator (4-0.2 oC) and in room temperature. The temperature of the samples will be observed throughout the entire storage period with electronic temperature recording devices. Four sample packages of the chicken cut product will be taken at appropriate time samples from each storage temperature. They will be analysed for microbial growth, pH and sensory characteristics such as colour and odour. The test will be repeated for three times for each sample to increase the accuracy of the result. This means that 12 determinations in total will be taken per test condition. Then, the average value of the three determinations will be used per sample for the statistical analysis. 1.2.4Â  Microbiological Analysis Samples of chicken cuts will be weighed for 25 g each. Then, they will be added to quarter strength Ringer’s solution (225 mL) and will be homogenized in a stomacher for 60 seconds at room temperature. Decimal serial dilutions in quarter strength Ringer’s solution will then be prepared, 1 mL of 0.1 mL samples of appropriate dilutions will be spread on the surface of appropriate media in petri dishes to count (a) total aerobic viable count (TVC) on plate count agar; incubated at 25oC for 72 hours, and (b) Pseudomonas spp. on cetrimide-fucidin-cephaloridine (CFC) agar; incubated at 25oC for 48 hours. Both plates will be examined to observe typical colony types and morphological characteristics that were associated with each growth medium. Furthermore, the selectivity of each medium will be monitored regularly by Gram staining. Smears that will be prepared from randomly selected colonies from both media will also be examined using microscopic examination 1.2.5Â  Measurement of pH and VA in Broiler Chicken Cut Samples The glass electrode of a pH meter will be immersed in the homogenate of chicken meat to record the pH values at the end of microbiological analysis. Perchloric acid extracts will be taken from the chicken meat samples for analysis of TVBN levels. All the chicken meat samples will be rinsed thoroughly with tap water. The chicken meat will then skinned and minced through a meat grinder with 4 mm holes, three times. 10 g of chicken meat sample will be blended with 90 mL of PCA 6%. 50 mL of the filtrate is to be made alkaline using hydroxide 20% and distilled water for a period of 10 minutes in a 2100 Kjeltec Distillation Unit. The process will be repeated three times. 1.2.6Â  Sensory Analysis Sensory evaluation of chicken cut samples will be performed by a five-member (staff from the laboratory) sensory panel. It will be performed during storage to both chicken cut samples under chiller and room conditions. The same persons will be used in each evaluation session, but they will not know the age and temperature history of the product being tested. The evaluation will be carried out under artificial light, and the temperature of the product will be of the ambient temperature. When evaluating the product, special attention will be given to the colour, texture and odour of the chicken meat. The texture of the chicken meat will be measured by a texture meter while the odour will be judged and recorded in appropriate forms with descriptive terms, showing the organoleptic evolution of quality deterioration. A simple three-point scoring system will be used. Each characteristic will be scored on a continuous 0 to 3 hedonic scale, with 0 being the highest quality score, 1 for the a cceptable product, 2 as the limit of product acceptance or rejection point and 3 is the unacceptable chicken cut sample. 1.2.7Â  Measurement of the Visual Sticker Sensor Response The sticker sensor is made of natural dye of curcumin immobilised on bacterial cellulose and designed as in Figure 1. The sticker sensor will be placed on the packaging of the chicken cut samples, with direct contact to the atmosphere in the package through a hole that attached to the sensor. Then, the chicken cut packages will be stored at chiller and room temperature in order to assess the applicability of the developed sticker sensor to observe the spoilage process of the product. The irreversible colour change of the sensor from the initial yellow to reddish orange will be used as the measurable response of change. The kinetics of colour change of the sticker sensor will be evaluated by a hand-held colorimeter to determine the CIE colour space coordinates. 2.0Â  Expected Results The objectives of this study are to investigate the relationship between the number of microorganisms and level of spoilage, and also to develop an indicator to monitor the freshness of chicken. A few tests will be carried out, including microbiological analysis, pH and TVBN analysis, sensory analysis, as well as the response of the developed sticker sensor. The expected results for this experiment are: When the number of microorganism increase, the level of spoilage is higher. The pH and TVBN levels increase when the level of spoilage is higher. The sensory score will increase as the level of spoilage increase. The developed sticker sensor will remain the original colour yellow when the chicken cuts is fresh, orange when the product should be consumed in a few hours, reddish orange when the product is spoiled. 3.0Â  Abstract A few studies have shown that as the level of microbial growth increase, the level of spoilage also increase. The main objective of this study is to develop a sensor to indicate the level of spoilage that can be seen using our naked eye. The smart packaging that was invented really helped the consumers to judge the freshness of raw materials. There are a few indicator of meat freshness that has been studied, such as colour-based pH indicators and volatile compounds indicator. Examples of indicators are methyl red, natural dye of curcumin and colorimetric sensors array using e-nose. A sticker sensor will be developed using natural dye curcumin immobilized on bacterial cellulose. A few tests will be done, that are microbiological analysis, pH and TVBN analysis, sensory analysis, and the response of the developed sticker sensor to meet the goals of this study. The expected result will be the number of microorganism, pH and TVBN levels and sensory score will increase when the level of sp oilage increase. The sticker sensor will turn colour from yellow, to orange, and finally reddish orange indicating fresh, not really fresh and spoiled respectively.

A Conjoint Analysis in High Involvement Purchase Decision

A Conjoint Analysis in High Involvement Purchase Decision There was a time when humans hardly cared for the environment around them, they rather saw the environment as a sphere to simply dominate (Merchant, 1989, p.7-9). Human society as a whole has moved miles away from that view point since then. Now, chances are high that even the regular Joe takes a look at the labels of the products he wants to purchase to make sure they are not harmful to the environment. Customers nowadays not only look for an environmentally safe product but also look into the depths of the production process of the said product as well. Factors such as animal testing, child-labor etc. are strong determinants in many consumer purchase decisions (De Pelsmacker, Driesen, Rayp, 2005, p.363; Unruh Ettenson, 2010a, p.96, 98). It is very common today that a regular coffee drinker makes sure that his/her coffee has UTZ Certified  [1]  logo, Rainforest Alliance Certified  [2]  logo, FairtradeCertified  [3]  logo, and Eco-friendly labels on the coffee pack or the at the restaurant menu prior to purchase (Gurskis, 2009). Continuation of this behavior can be seen when consumers pay extra for their airfare to off-set their carbon footprint, purchase a low-energy motion sensitive bulb for home usage, or purchase organic or ecological food products (GGAS, 2011; Soil Association, 2010, p.4-9). Needless to say, these shifts in customer trends have created quiet big impacts for the businesses and their policies around the globe. The emergence of the green consumer has made it absolutely essential for a business enterprise to obtain somewhat detailed information about its potential and/or existing customers (DSouza, Taghian, Lamb, Peretiatkos, 2006, p.144; Ryan, 2006 p.1). With more and more consumers paying more attention to the environmental features of the products and willing to pay more for such sustainable products, marketing (in the sense of transparent communication) of sustainable products to the potential and existing consumers has become more important than ever. Sustainable or eco-friendly product offerings can accelerate business growths, enable innovations, and build, rebuild, or establish brands (Ottman, 2006). From 2007 to 2009, the launch of eco-friendly products has increased by more than 500% across the globe (Unruh Ettenson, 2010a, p.94). Such an influx did not go unnoticed by the executives. Top businesses around the world now understand that being environmentally responsible can pave the way the to both business growth as well as differentiation (Unruh Ettenson, 2010a, p.96). And sustainability for the business enterprise can be achieved by striking a balance between social, environmental, and commercial goals (Unruh Ettenson, 2010b, p.113). The green trend has made its ground in virtually all product and service categories such as water filters to cleaning products to electronics. Today web hosting service providers such as iPage, fatcow, hostgator etc. have gone green  [4]  . The trend is so strong that even cable service providers are trying to come up with ways to go green (Unruh Ettenson, 2010b, p.114). The Green House Effect or global warming have become household phenomena these days. Either way, a change in global climate could result in severe consequences for planet earths vegetation, lifeforms (including human beings), habitable lands in short, the entire planet would be in danger (Held Soden, 2000, p.441-443). This danger warning was the reason behind the formation of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change and devising a global treaty with the aim of stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system (UNFCCC, 2005, p.5). 1.2 The Emergence of Green Cars According to reports by Federation Belge De lIndustrie De Automobile Et Du Cycle or FEBIAC (2008, cited in De Craecker De Wulf, 2009, p.1), annually about 28 tonnes of CO2 is deposited to the atmosphere of which 37% comes from production of energy and 25% from transportation sector. The report also states that 10% of the annual global Carbon Dioxide or CO2 emissions are caused by private automobiles. So, it is no wonder that the automobile sector is one of the prime concerns for the environmental protection activities. The need for green cars or environmentally friendly vehicles was greater than ever. The automobile industry formally stepped into this Green or environment-friendly product category with Toyotas development and mass-marketing of Prius in 1997 (Lake, 2001). Since then Honda and many other leading automakers have followed suit. The list of auto-makers that already have developed and marketed hybrid (green) automobiles or those who are planning to introduce green automobiles is growing rapidly and even includes sports car giants Porsche (Unruh Ettenson, 2010a, p.98). As we have discussed above, the need for green products is growing day by day. About 75% of the European Union citizens are willing to purchase environment-friendly products (European Commission, 2008). Cars are no exception. This European attitude can be justified by the Belgian example, where, between 2003-2008, the sales of eco-friendly cars (with CO2 emissions of less than 140 g/km) has doubled while sales of more polluting cars (with CO2 emissions of 210-250 g/km) has decreased by 50% (FEBIAC, 2008, cited in De Craecker De Wulf, 2009, p6). About 75% of the European citizens are willing to purchase environment-friendly products (European Commission, 2008, p.27). This growing consumer need is one of the reasons for green cars emergence. The governments and regulatory agencies have also put new regulations to curtail emissions from the automobiles as transportation sector remains a major contributor of environmental pollution. The EU has implemented a policy of reducing CO2 emissions by 20% by the year 2020 (Lindfors Roxland, 2010, p.1). So, the member countries are applying various tactics and regulations to meet this goal. For example, Swedens automobile tax is now calculated based on the amount of carbon emissions by the automobile (Lindfors Roxland, 2010) and therefore creating an indirect push on the sales and development of the greener vehicles. The US government, among others, provides income tax credit of upto $7,500 for purchase of an electric car in or after 2010 (US Department of Energy, 2010). UK, China, and France have government programs that provide incentives to motorists who are buying green cars as well (Vaughan, 2011). Many cities (such as Stockholm, London) are exempting green car owners from pa ying congestion tax, driving tax etc (Lindfors Roxland, 2010). 1.2.1 Automobile Industry Initiative As Unruh and Ettenson (2010b, p.110) points out, a race is on in virtually all business industries to produce green products. The automobile industry is no exception. To illustrate the importance of the emergence of the need for green or eco-friendly cars, Fords Chairman William C Ford said in 2003, The automobile business is about to experience the most profound and revolutionary changes its seen since the Model T first hit the streets. (Cited in Office of Technology Policy, 2003, p. 27). Of course, the Model T was the first ever vehicle to be produced. So, according to the chairman of the largest automobile company in the world, the importance of the eco-friendly innovations for the automobile industry has the same magnitude as the invention of the automobile itself. Association des Constructeurs Europà ©ens dAutomobiles (ACEA) states that sustainability is now the key concern of European automobile industry and in the process manufacturers delivered 50 new CO2 reducing technologies (ACEA, 2009, p.10). The automakers are requesting for a à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬40 billion loan fund to develop new technologies to improve the green cars (ACEA, 2009, p11). ACEA entered into a voluntary agreement with the European Commission in 1998 to cut down emissions. As a result, in 2008, the total CO2 emissions of the new cars have been reduced by 20% compared to that of 1998 (ACEA, 2009, p.15). The most significant aspect of this agreement is that the ACEA initiated this even before and legislative restrictions on emissions were put in place. The willingness of the automakers towards developing eco-friendly cars can be clearly understood by this. Moreover, an ongoing initiative by the leading automobile manufacturers to produce even greener vehicles is gaining steady footing. Using bio-plastics for various engine and other components by Ford, Toyota, and Mazda yields proof to this (Guzman, 2010, p.20). Understanding the consumer preferences is one of the most fundamental activities for the businesses as this understanding leads to understanding the consumers needs, and business firms exist to satisfy the consumer needs (Bettman, Luce, Payne, 1998, p.187; Solomon, 2009, p.35). The automobile industry is no exception and is very keen to understanding consumers preferences and answering the needs associated with the resulting needs and demands. For example, a consumer demand for a hybrid car with the plug-in electric option (a switch on option that enables the car to be driven only on electric power to travel a short distance) opted Toyota to develop the Prius PHEV that is due out in 2012 (Vasilash, 2010, p.28-29). Nissan has moved another step further and introduced the Nissan Leaf an electricity fueled car specifically designed for city traveling (Vaughan, 2011). 1.3 Problem Discussion As this study intends to examine the consumer preference of green cars, it falls under the category of consumer behavior or to be more precise green consumer behavior. So, the authors looked into prior works into the fields of green marketing, green consumer behavior, green consumer profiling, and most importantly studies related to green cars. The field of green marketing is relatively new as it was developed during the late 80s and the early 90s (Polonsky, 1994, p.1). So, the number of studies in this field is relatively fewer than other branches of marketing. The approach of identifying and analyzing environment conscious consumers and formulating appropriate marketing strategies has only started over the last two decades (Moon, Florkowski, Brà ¼ckner, and Schonhof, 2002). In case of green consumer profiling, as both the green products and the green consumers are relatively new in this market, the initial studies were not always very conclusive. In studies conducted in the 90s, people were found to be conscious about environment and preferred the green products in general but did not intend to buy green products by themselves (Simmons Market Research Bureau 1991; Roberts 1996). So, the conclusion from these studies suggests that early consumers obtained the green attitude but not the behavior. However, subsequent studies show that the situation is different now. Laroche, Bergeron, Barbaro-Forleo (2001) conducted a study in North America to develop a profile of the green consumers. This study focused on consumers attitude, knowledge, values, demographics, and behavior and their influence on consumers willingness to pay more for environmentally friendly products or services. While the study finds that about 80% consumers are willing to pay more for gree n products, they would refuse to buy products (even green products) from the companies that are known to be polluters (Laroche et. al., 2010, p.519). Although the study by Laroche et. al. (2001) provides evidence of the transformation of consumer attitudes into behavior and successfully develops a profile of potential green consumers; it does not do so in a specific product or service category. That is, the developed profile may be useful to know the state of the green consumers, but it fails to provide us with information regarding a customer profile for a specific product. So, a need for green product or service (such as green or environment-friendly cars) specific consumer profiling exists in the academic arena. The studies relating consumers to green cars are even scarcer as the development of first successful green car dates back to only 1997 and, therefore, even fewer studies are conducted concerning green cars. However, the authors have encountered a few green or environment-friendly car related studies. These studies were conducted in Sweden, The Netherlands, and Taiwan. The first examined environmental-friendly car specific study was conducted in the Netherlands by Rijnsoever, Farla, Dijst (2009). They investigated the consumer preferences and information channels used for car purchases of about 1500 car owners using cluster analysis. Although green car specific, this study only covered existing car owners and did not investigate potential buyers and their preferences. The study was also more investigative of the information channels used prior to the purchase of the current vehicles. The next examined green car related study is by Lindfors Roxland (2010) that looks into the impact of Swedish governments green car rebate program on green cars sales performance. The results of the study showed that although the green car sales increased due to the rebate program, the program might be costing too much in terms of benefit (Lindfors Roxland, 2010, p.38). This study was conducted from the regulators point of view and examined the impact of incentives, regulations, and restrictions on the sales performance of the green cars and did not investigate the consumers or their preferences in any way. Jansson, Marell and Nordlund (2009) used a cluster analytical approach concerning green purchase and curtailment behavior on Swedish car owners as well. The study was conducted on Swedish car owners. There are two major components that have been identified in this research to measure green consumers attitude and behavior. The tendency of green purchasing behavior is to obtain green products and green technologies, while, on the other hand, curtailment behavior is to chop down the use of conventional products (Jansson, Marell and Nordlund, 2009). Value, Belief and Norm(VBN) theory has been taken into account to profile consumers. However, the researchers merely focused on alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and not on other versions of green cars. In addition, the investigation was conducted only on car owners that show the post purchase behavior of car owners. This study did not investigate the potential owners and their preferences. The last examined green car related literature is an International Association for Management of Technologies (IAMOT) conference paper by Li-Hsing, Yi-Chun, Kun-Shiang (2006) presented in Beijing. This paper investigated the consumer preference of potential consumers of green cars in Taiwan. Conjoint analysis was used to identify the preferred attribute sets of the consumers. This study was conducted as green cars were about to enter the Taiwanese market, and although the results identified only 20% of the respondents as potential buyers (Li-Hsing, Yi-Chun, Kun-Shiang, 2006. p.6-8). Although this paper works to develop a consumer profile of green cars in Taiwan, it is incomplete as it could not take into account the post-purchase behavior (as green cars were to be introduced to the market and therefore no existing owners were there) of the consumers. The authors also acknowledge the inability of the study to be representative of Taiwanese market due to online data collection proces s and therefore the lack of reliability of the responses (Li-Hsing et.al., 2006. p.7). From the reviewed studies, we can conclude that a study that represents the potential owners of green automobiles may be of great importance from both business and academic perspective. Now, with the emergence of the Green Cars, consumers have different options in selecting their automobile of choice. So, an understanding of what factors or attributes of a green car can make a consumer tick or turn away can be of great academic interest. And, in light of the prior literature review, the authors believe that a green car specific study focusing on consumer preferences (including both existing car owners and potential car owners) is important to gain further knowledge in the field of green consumer behavior. And to the best of our knowledge, no other previous studies have used conjoint analysis to examine preferences of both potential and existing consumers on green cars rather they used cluster analysis, cross-sectional surveys, or co-variance models. So we believe a study employing Co njoint analysis would enable us to obtain an indirect mapping of the consumer preferences that would be helpful in answering the identified research gap. 1.4 Research Question The research questions that the authors would like to answer through this study is What are the determining attributes of consumers green car choice? How the defined attributes influence the consumer decision concerning green cars? 1.5 Research purpose The authors intend to study the consumer preferences concerning green car purchase. The authors would identify the determining factors in the green (car) purchase decision process. The study would examine both the existing and the potential green car owners to get the measure of the attitude towards the different attributes of green cars. A secondary purpose would be to partially develop a consumer profile of green car consumers. 1.6 Limitations of the Study This study will be conducted in Sweden and therefore only the Swedish definition of Green car will be taken into account. We understand that doing so, a global generalization may be inappropriate and unachievable. We conducted our study based on respondents from Umeà ¥ and Stockholm only. Although we tried to study the Swedish consumers attitude towards green cars, a study based on only two cities may not be entirely representative of entire Sweden. While our study relates to the marketing field of Green Consumer Behavior, we have only focused on the automobile sector. A study incorporating other aspects of green consumer behavior might have yielded a better understanding. This study will examine the consumer preferences related to the specifications available to existing green cars only. The developments in the pipeline are not considered. So, upon the arrival of such developments, a similar study might be conducted. We understand that the green market is evolving fast. This study aims to examine the current green consumers. Further evolution to the green consumer behavior may yield a need to study many different aspects of the consumer preferences apart from the ones we will examine in this study. 1.7 Disposition ** Text will be added here. CHAPTER-TWO (Work is in progress) 2. Theoretical Framework 2.1 Defining Green Car The exact definition of green cars differs from one country to another. However, we may start by stating the conventional perception of green cars. Any car that pollutes less (in reality, emits less CO2 or other pollutants into the atmosphere) may be considered to be environment friendly or green. There are many versions of green cars available in the market. These include, Alternative Fuel Vehicle or AFV, Patrol-Electricity Hybrid, Diesel-Electricity Hybrid, Bio-Fuel vehicle, and Electric vehicles. The AFVs run on non-fossil fuel such as Ethanol (alcohol), while the Hybrids use traditional fossil fuel along with an electric motor for reduced emission and increased efficiency. Bio-fuel vehicles use fuels produced from renewable organic sources such as Bio-diesel. These vehicles produce less emissions than traditional vehicles. Electric vehicles do not use any fuel at all and run on rechargeable battery-powered engines. These vehicles produce zero or no emissions, however, they have fairly short driving range. 2.1.1 Green Car in Swedish Context Both the authors are currently residing in Sweden and therefore would like to conduct this study on Swedish consumers of green cars. So, the specific Swedish definition of green cars would be appropriate here. According to Svensk fà ¶rfattningssamling (SFS 2007, cited by Lindfors Roxland, 2010, p.4), the Swedish definition of Environment-friendly Vehicles or Green Cars depends on the amount of carbon emissions and/or fuel consumption by a vehicle. For AFVs, if their consumption lies below the energy equivalent of 9.2 liters of gasoline/100 km, or 8.4 liters of diesel/100 km or 9.7 m3 of gas/100 km, they would be considered as green cars. Electric cars are considered green if the consumption lies below 37 kWh/100 km. For traditional or fossil-fuel powered vehicles, if their carbon dioxide emissions lie below 120 g/km, they would be considered to be green. Diesel powered cars must also have a particle emission of less than 5 mg/km meaning that they need to have a particle filter fitted to be green. 2.2 Green Consumer Behavior Green consumer behavior may refer to the consumers attitude towards environment friendly products (Roozen De Pelsmacker, 1998, p.23). From this simple definition we can derive that when the consumer attitude towards purchasing (or not) a product is influenced by the green or environment friendly features of the product, we may call that green behavior. Aside from just purchasing, green behavior also includes performing other environmentally responsible activities as well, such as recycling, working in environmental organizations, taking part in environmental-friendly movements etc. (Haanpà ¤Ãƒ ¤, 2007, p.478). In terms of purchasing green, Young, Hwang, McDonalds, Oates (2010) state that consumers purchase green products for everyday use fairly easily but search for information extensively when it comes to high-technology products. They also say that in case of high-technology products, consumers are willing to pay extra and buy green product if it has credible environmental labelling, such as European Commission or EC Energy Label (Young, Hwang, McDonalds, Oates, 2010, p.23). So, having a reliable certification is an important aspect for green consumers. As mentioned earlier, green consumer behavior is not only concerned with purchase of product(s), it also involves not purchasing as well. As Laroche et.al. (2001) point out, majority of the consumers would not purchase products of polluting companins, Young et.al. (2010) find that brand boycotting over environmental concerns has become a regular occurrence as well (De Pelsmacker et.al., 2005, p.364; Young et.al., 2010, p.23). 2.2.1 Determinants of Green Consumer Behavior The determining factors for green consumer purchases tend to be consumers strong green value, prior purchase experience, available time for information search concerning the product(s), knowledge about product relevant environmental issues, availability of the product, and of course, affordability of the said product (Young et.al., 2010, p.29). So, an absence or weakened presence of any of these factors may adversely effect green consumer behavior. This can be justified by the finding of De Pelsmacker et.al. (2005). In that study, the key causes of not performing green stems from unavailability or limited availability of green products, lack of credibility of green label issuer, and lack of accessibility of green product information (De Pelsmacker et.al., 2005, p.383). 2.2.2 Consumer Preference towards Green Consumer preference is the basic groundwork to measure consumer demand and how they act in terms of buying a product. In economic and cognitive psychology traditions, consumer behavior is assumed as rational and consistent. Consumers act consistently on the basis of their preferences and beliefs (Rokka and Uusitalo, 2008,p.517). This is the subjective experience of an individual through which one can measure product attributes from various bundles of goods. As heightened rise of environmental issues consumers are well aware of their environmental product selection. In terms of auto mobility, studies have been found that consumers are highly aware about negative impacts of auto mobility but can not be referred to the changes in car use and purchase behavior. Although attitude and corresponding behavior are interrelated but in practice they find it hard to translate these values of attitude into behavior (Young et. al. 2010, p.20; Rijnsoever et.al. 2009,p.335). 2.3 Consumer Decision-Making Process Consumer behavior is an intermingle of more than one academic disciplines. It blends with psychology, sociology, economics, business and anthropology (Jansson, 2009, p.17). But the relationship of consumer behavior with marketing is inseparable. However, consumer behavior is a vast area of subject that starts with problem recognition and ends up with post-purchase behavior and evaluation (Jansson, 2009, p.17). In order to understand green consumer behavior, we must start from our understanding of the consumer decision making process. This decision making is the outcome of a consumers behavior (be it positive or negative) towards a certain product or service 2.3.1 The Five Stage Consumer Decision making Process In order to understand green consumer behavior completely, we must start from our understanding of the consumer decision making process. This decision making is the outcome of a consumers behavior (be it positive or negative) towards a certain product or service. A consumer goes through five stages during the decision making process. These stages are, Problem Recognition, Information Search, Evaluation of Alternatives, Product Choice or Purchase Decision, and Outcomes or Purchase Evaluation (Solomon, 2009, page 350-352). Figure:01 Stages of Consumer Decision Making Process Image source: Solomon, 2010, p.351 A consumer, recognizing the need searches for information available for satisfying that specific need. The information search may have various sources, such as friends, family, product commercials, internet search etc. Upon receiving sufficient information, the consumer evaluates or compares available alternative products or services that would meet his/her needs. Upon completion of this comparison process, the consumer then decides on which product or service to obtain, and after completing the purchase, the consumer evaluates the purchased product or service against the original need. If there is a gap between the product performance and the need, the consumer starts over these stages by initiating further information search and so on. 1. Need Recognition This is the initial stage in the consumer decision process. A consumer recognizes or realizes his/her need to solve a problem or fulfill a deficiency at this point. The need could be as simple as need for food, or as complex as need for enjoying a movie in a THX certified surround sound system. 2. Information Search Now the consumer begins acquiring information concerning the solution to his/her problem or need. For low-involvement purchases, this stage tends to be short while for the high-involvement purchases information search is almost always extensive (Jobber, 2004, p79). 3. Evaluation of Alternatives Upon collecting sufficient information, the consumer evaluates and compares among the available alternatives that would serve the need. Usually for the higher costing and/or technical products, this step is very extensive as the consumer usually wants the alternative list to be exhaustive (Jobber, 2004, p.79) 4. Purchase Decision This step is the outcome of the alternative evaluation step. Here the consumer chooses the alternative that would satisfy his/her need. The consumers decision of not selecting any alternatives (as none of the available alternatives may be suitable for the need) is also taken in this stage. Upon deciding, the consumer makes the purchase. 5. Purchase Evaluation This perhaps is the most important step for the business enterprise in the consumer decision making process. Here, the consumer evaluates his/her purchase decision and measures his/her satisfaction. If a high degree of satisfaction is attained, likelihood of repeat purchases would be greater, while dissatisfaction would not only eliminate the chance of a repeat purchase but also result in negative marketing of the product/service by the concerned consumer. This is a very basic and simple approach that we as consumers take almost everyday while selecting products to shop. This process implies that a product or service is a solution to a problem and we respond to that problem by researching, deciding, and finally acquiring the product/service that answers the said problem. The above mentioned five stages are not always equally important. For example, the decision process for purchasing hand soap and a TV would be different. While a consumer might rely on prior experience during a hand soap purchase and get it done in minutes without even comparing between alternatives, s/he might spend days in the information search stage and in comparison stage before finally deciding and making a TV purchase. As we mentioned earlier that automobile purchase falls under the high involvement product purchase category, some further understanding is required aside from this simple five stage process. As the green car is not merely the solution to a problem but is an effort to answer the growing consumer awareness of the environment, we need to examine the product decision process in a different and detailed way. 2.3.2 High Involvement Purchase Decision Making: The Cognitive Consumers The decision making process is comparatively complex in terms of high involvement purchase process. Consumers undertake more extensive pre-purchase information search in high involvement purchase (Foxall, Goldsmith, and Brown, 1998, p.28). The central point of this study is environment friendly cars. So, the framework has drawn on high involvement green car purchase decision process. Consumers seek information willingly in terms of extensive problem solving situation (Peter and Olson, 2005, p.188). According to Foxall, et.al. (1998, p.28-29) there are three major steps of high involvement decision making process: stimulus (receiving environmental stimuli- attentional and perceptual filter), organism (interpretation, formation and evaluation), and response (developing, acting, re-evaluating, storing). The S-[O]-R psychology is based on cognitive science. The three steps decision process can be simplified as inputs, central processing and outputs. The process primarily generated from social, business, cultural, political and economic environment (Foxall, et. al. 1998, p.29). Figure: 02 Consumer Choice Process Model Source: Adapted from Foxall, Goldsmith, and Brown, 1998,p.29 According to, Rijnsoever, Farla, and Dijst (2009, p. 335) consumers form an attitude before they get involved into purchasing a new car that lead them towards the probability of possessing a new car. 2.3.3 Multi-Attribute Attitude Model A car is a product that can be seen as a bundle of attributes. So, we need to consider choice behaviors as an automobile purchase involves a choice among two or more options (Ajzen, 2008, p.526). The Multi-At

College Admissions Essay -- essays papers

College Admissions Essay If someone asked me where I am going to be in ten years, this would be my answer. I will have a great, high-paying job, and beautiful wife and family, and a nice sports car parked in front of my lovely house. When I look into the future, I see myself being successful and happy. Even though I always pictured myself this way, I never worried too much about how I would get there. I feel the Suffolk University can lay the groundwork for making these dreams into reality. Regretfully, when I entered high school I did not realize how hard I had to work to get what I wanted. I went to my classes, did my work, but never really pushed myself to my full abilities. I thought that as long as I graduated with decent grades I would be able to get into college and really focus then. But as high school quickly came to an end I realized that I was not as well prepared for college, as I would have liked. By the time I was a senior I began concentrating more on my studies, and less on other things. Once I started applying myself, my grades improved, and so did my attitude about my education. Senior year flew by before I knew it, and I still had to take my SAT's. I was sick with bronchitis, but had to take them because it was the last available date. I struggled through them, knowing that if I had only not waited until the last minute, I could have redone them when I was healthy. It was too late though, so I was stuck with a score that I was not pleased with. Aft...

When Modernist Tools Go PoMo Essay -- Internet Style Essays

When Modernist Tools Go PoMo Since the internet is a tool largely founded in modernist thought it possesses the ability to eradicate social and historical diversity of style in composition. However, due to the shift of thought entailed in Postmodernism, and the fact that making a website grows easier every day, the shift towards global uniformity of style might be slowing or even reversing. A variety of examples support the argument that the internet is, in fact, not restricting or reducing the development of diversity within composition, but rather is promoting diversity and enforcing the Postmodernist concept of a convoluted reality that defies attempts at classification. To fully understand the assertions made it is important to understand the differences between Modernist and Postmodernist thought, and to know what is meant by cultural and historical diversity of style in composition. Simply put, Modernist theory states that the ideal form is that of a machine. To Modernists, everything is seen in terms of the machine; everything can be observed within the extent of means for conversion of an input or stimulus to an output or reaction. Once viewed this way, the essence of all objects lies in their utilitarian function, and once utilitarianism is the standard by which all things are measured the need for diversity is non-existent. Then, when the assertion is made and substantiated that the internet is in essence a product of this mindset , it can be seen how it can be considered a tool facilitating standardization and the formation of a single universal style for composition. The purpose of this destruction of diversity is for utilitarian efficiency and common understanding. Postmodernism is best understood as ... ...ons. The goal of these sites is stated to be the opposite of what is considered the correct or standard style of composition, and so they fall under the concept of taboo sites that do not conform to standards. Ultimately, the internet is different from the previous forms of mass communication because it exists in a different social context. Thus, it is evident that the internet is considerably more Postmodernist in nature, despite the fact that it is steeped in Modernist foundations of organization and intent. Due to the internet’s origins in Modernist thought it definitely possesses the capabilities to further the Modernist concept of an absolute standardization of style in composition. But as long as the internet remains easily accessible to the general public and open as a forum for international interaction the possibilities for diversity of style are endless.

Abortion Is Not the Answer :: The Right to Life, Pro-Life Essays

Abortion is removing of an unborn child from its mother?s womb before its birth. As a pro-life advocate, I believe that abortion is morally and ethically wrong and should be stopped. Having an abortion is not the answer and is in fact worsening the problem. Victims can suffer serious consequences either physically or psychologically. Some victims who have abortion suffer life threatening complications such as heavy bleeding, fever and infection. It can also lead to problems in a future pregnancy, such as miscarriages, premature births, and children born with handicaps, because any problem or change in a woman's reproductive organs may affect the development of her children. Other victims suffer from depression because of overwhelming feelings of regret or guilt after the abortion. To cope with this they might become an alcoholic or drug addict, others commit suicide. In our society today abortion becomes the solution to carelessness. I believe that it has nothing to do with helping the rape victims. Instead abortion encourages the victims to use their unborn babies as a scapegoat for their anger. We should encourage the victims that childbirth can be a victory. And by choosing childbirth over abortion they can be triumphant by not letting rape destroy their life. Accidental, unplanned pregnancy is another problem that people chose to have an abortion. Being pregnant is scary for teenagers mostly because of fear that their parents would not support or would disown them. Abortion is not the answer again. Instead, telling their parents so they can be supported by them. And if it?s impossible to talk to their parents let?s encourage them to talk to a trusted adult such as a relative or a friend. We should also let them know that there are more options to their dilemma other than abortion. I know it?s not easy for someone to get pregnant against her will, but the unborn child has also the right to live. If the mother does not want to keep her baby, she can give it for adoption. There are couples that have been trying to have a baby with no luck and always consider adopting a child and giving them a better life.

Understanding Poetry

Understanding and Appreciating Poetry 1 Note to Teachers Set Poems 2012-2014 Teachers have been speaking about the lack of critical material on some of the literature set pieces (particularly the poems) selected for study at the Caribbean O’Level. Diverse interpretations make an exploration of literary material interesting and expansive. This guide to the study of ‘set’ poems is a response to those who wish to be expansive in their analysis and appreciation. It is not intended to be a model commentary but an analysis or interpretation that will stimulate further discussion and analysis. Some poems are treated with questions.This approach helps to elucidate the central themes or ideas in the poems. This is a cost free publication offered to teachers. Prepared by Clifford Narinesingh co – author of A Comprehensive English Course , Books 1-3 and CXC English A. and author of Developing Language Skills Books 1,2,3, and CSEC Exam Book 4 A Royards Publishing Compa ny Project This is a free publication and not intended for resale 2 Understanding and Appreciating Poetry UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATING POETRY DULCE et DECORUM EST Theme: The theme of the poem is the subject with which the poet deals. It is the central idea around which the event or experiences revolve.In this poem, the central idea is the â€Å"horrors of war†. The ghastly image of war, the torture to which soldiers are subjected, reflect the theme – â€Å"the haunting flares†, â€Å"gas shells dropping† â€Å"froth corrupted lungs† are evidence of the atrocities of war. INTENTION OF THE POET What does the poet hope to achieve? The poet here, wishes to convey a universal message to the reader, that one should not believe that it is noble to die for one’s country, because of the untold miseries which soldiers experience. To the poet, neither fame nor glory can compensate for the immense suffering that war inflicts on humanity.MOOD The mood conveyed in the poem is one of anger, revulsion and disgust. The impact of the incident in which the soldier is caught in an explosion and the agony he suffers is one of loathing and revulsion. â€Å"I saw him drowning† â€Å"guttering, choking, drowning† shows the immense suffering of a dying soldier. This is a free publication and not intended for resale Understanding and Appreciating Poetry THE MAIN INCIDENT The traumatic experience of a soldier who is caught in a sudden explosion while returning to his camp. 3 IMAGERY The poet achieves his purpose or intention through his use of intense language and vivid imagery.These are the similes used by the poet to make the images interesting and meaningful. 1. â€Å"Bent double, like old beggars under sacks. † Here the soldiers returning from the battle field look like old beggars, bent with age and exhaustion, carrying their sacks on their backs. The comparison is appropriate as it appeals to the visual sense and bri ngs the readers face to face with the exhausted soldiers. 2. â€Å"knock-kneed, coughing like hags† The image of the knock-kneed soldiers coughing like hags, shows the terrible effect of the smell of gun powder, and gun shots.It appeals to the auditory sense and reminds the reader of the sounds of old people coughing. 3. â€Å"And floundering like a man in fire or lime† The image presents the soldier in a state of panic, unable to move in any fixed direction as he is trapped in the fire. The reader can see the movements of the soldier, like a blind man floundering and fumbling to find his way. 4. His hanging face, like a devil’s sick of sin† The comparison vividly describes the look of the soldier in agony and pain during the final moments of his death.LANGUAGE OF THE POEM These are some examples of the poet’s use of emotive and intense language â€Å"We cursed through sludge† â€Å"limped on blood-shod This is a free publication and not int ended for resale 4 Understanding and Appreciating Poetry â€Å"Drunk with fatigue† â€Å"He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning† â€Å"White eyes writhing in his face† â€Å"Froth-corrupted lungs† The language used is both appropriate and effective and evokes the sympathy of the reader. THIS IS THE DARK TIME, MY LOVE The theme of this poem is about a people whose dreams of a better life have been threatened by the destructive power of the ‘strange invader’.The atmosphere of the poem is one of tension, fear, anxiety. â€Å"Everywhere the faces of men are strained and anxious. † This is because of the presence of soldiers: â€Å"all around the land brown beetles crawl about. † Even nature is sympathetic to the cause of the people as expressed in the line â€Å"red flowers bend their heads in awful sorrow. † The poet’s mood is one of lamentation for the misery of his people, the instability and sorrow brought about by the strange invader. Imagery: The images appeal to the sense of sight and sound.They present visual pictures that are striking. The picture of the soldiers, â€Å"all around the land brown beetles crawl about†, in their thick armoury, the hard covering on their backs is like beetles. Here you hear the tramping of soldiers â€Å"whose boots of steel tramp down the slender grass†. You can also see the slender grass trampled upon and looking withered. This is a free publication and not intended for resale Understanding and Appreciating Poetry Figurative Language Metaphor: All around the land brown beetles crawl about. † 5 The soldiers are compared to brown beetles.Personification: â€Å"Red flowers bend their heads in awful sorrow. † The poet gives the flower qualities of a human being – the emotion of sorrow. Irony: â€Å"It is the festival of guns, the carnival of misery. † The words â€Å"festival† and â€Å"carnival† a re indicative of joyous celebrations but what the country is really experiencing is sorrow, not joy. The Woman Speaks to the Man who has employed Her Son In this poem, a mother expresses her deep affection for her son. She reflects on the unfortunate circumstances of her life as a single parent. She is now concerned about the welfare of her son.This woman is seen as one, whose deep devotion and dedication to her son make her transcend her difficulties. Her responsibility to her son takes priority. But what shatters her now, is the fact that her son is employed by someone who appears to be engaged in shady activities. To her, the gun he carries is a symbol of destructiveness and criminal activities. The conversational style of the poem makes the reader empathize with the thoughts and feelings of the mother. The reader discerns in the mother, fortitude, resilience and spiritual strength which inform her actions. 1. What is the theme of the poem? . The mood of the poem is one of (a) di sgust and anger (b) optimism and hope (c) sadness and despair This is a free publication and not intended for resale 6 Understanding and Appreciating Poetry 3. Which of these words describe the tone of the poem? formal, conversational, angry, serious? 4. What do the lines â€Å"a metallic tide, rising in her mouth each morning† suggest about the mother? 5. â€Å"He treated all his children With equal and unbiased indifference. † What do the above lines suggest about the father? 6. Why do you think that the mother is upset about the job her son has taken? 7.What do the â€Å"black cloth† and â€Å"veiled hat† symbolize? 8. Select the line which expresses the mother’s helplessness. 9. Why does she allude to the â€Å"thief on the left side of the cross†? 10. How do you feel as you read the poem? GOD’S GRANDEUR The poem is expressive of God’s presence in the natural world even though man’s exploits have served to destroy na ture and its freshness and purity. To the poet, God’s grandeur is ever pervasive, revealing itself like ‘flame from shook foil’. The word ‘flame’ is significant as it conveys the brilliance of God as the shining light the foil gives off.The poet employs the image of an electric charge, which develops into a flame or a light suggesting the power of His greatness. God’s light assumes a richness like the ‘ooze of oil crushed’ or pressed to it finest quality. As the oil gathers strength to richness so too does God’s greatness. The images are all interwoven and expanded to express the grandeur of God. In stanza 2, though man is aware of God’s greatness, he still exploits it through commerce and industrialization, blemishing the earth and destroying the freshness of nature.The repetition, ‘generations have trod, have trod, have trod’ conveys man’s persistence in his ruthless exploitation. The persistent repetition of the words ‘have trod’ leading to ‘smeared and bleared’, tells of the poet’s resentment and This is a free publication and not intended for resale Understanding and Appreciating Poetry disgust at man’s actions. ‘Man’s smudge’ and ‘smell’ are expressive of a polluted and squalid environment, all due to man’s uncaring attitude. Unthinking man cares not about the destruction he leaves; he seems not aware of what he has done to nature as expressed in the words ‘nor can foot feel being shod. The natural sensation of walking barefooted is lost. The language of stanza one (1) lines 5-8, reveals a protest against man’s ruthlessness. The poet reacts to man’s inhumanity and indignity with reasoned calmness, a protest without rage or anger for he is consoled by nature’s presence as described in stanza two (2). In stanza two(2), the poet tells that God’s presence or po wer through nature is renewable and invigorating in spite of man’s destructive nature. Nature is described as indestructible or inexhaustible. â€Å"For all this, nature is never spent There lives a dearest freshness deep down things. The poem ends on a positive note, an assurance that springs from the poet’s faith as he is convinced of the Holy Ghost’s presence with vitality and life and all that is luminous, â€Å"warm breath and bright wings† 7 GOD’S GRANDEUR 1. Using your own words, express in about two to three lines the theme of the poem. 2. State the central contrast which this poem presents between God and man. Explain it fully with reference to specific details. 3. Select one metaphor used in the poem and show how it is expanded. 4. Explain in your own words the meaning of the following lines. (a) Why do men now not reck his rod? b) And for all this, nature is never spent. 5. The poet uses the following devices. Select one example of each and comment on its effectiveness: (a) simile (b) alliteration (c) compression (d) repetition This is a free publication and not intended for resale 8 Understanding and Appreciating Poetry ORCHIDS In this poem, the writer is about to relocate and is sending her material belongings â€Å"to fill the empty spaces of her future life†. One thing that cannot be boxed is the sentiment she feels for the orchids. The orchids belong to her emotional and spiritual world. The purple colour is a symbol of the blood of Christ on the Cross.What is evident in the poem is that some experiences in life can never be forgotten. Even though you may wish to suppress them, like a stubborn orchid, they bloom and blossom. For the poet, the orchid is an inspiration to the creative instinct. It sends a message, tells a story that reaches poetic dimensions. Even though the pressed orchids become â€Å"thin and dried transparency†, she believes that they still are a stimulus for poetic thought. I n the poem, the material world is pitted against the world of nature. The world of nature is constant and eternal. 1. What is the theme of the poem? a) relocating to a new home (b) nurturing a spray of orchids (c) the poet’s impression of the orchids 2. What is the mood of the poem? 3. From where did the poet get the orchids? 4. What effect have the purple petals on the poet? 6. What was peculiar about the orchids? 7. (a) Explain the meaning of â€Å"their thin dried transparency†. (b) Of what value is the â€Å"thin dried transparency† to the poet? This is a free publication and not intended for resale Understanding and Appreciating Poetry 9 SOUTH Motivated by a deep sense of longing to return to the islands, the poet recaptures in his memory delightful scenes of his native land.He recalls the bright beaches, the fishermen’s houses and the sound of the sea which heralded his birth. The poet has journeyed from the islands to distant lands where his experi ences have been different from those in the islands. He has visited stormy cities, felt the sharp slanting sleet and hail and the oppressive shadows of the forest. These are opposed to the warmth of the islands, and the salty brine of the sea. To the poet, the ocean that surrounds the islands is a symbol of adventure, the freedom of the spirit and the limitless possibilities which reside in its vastness.In his view, the rivers that form part of his present environs remind him of a life that lacks purpose – he feels resentment for the rivers. He recalls the refreshing memories of the sea which reflect the harmony between man and nature. He sees the shells, the fishermen’s houses, the pebbled path, the fish and the gulls and the white sails. These are the treasures of the islands which he recaptures in the poem. These are the treasures which make him forget the pains, the sorrows and the hatred. 1. 2. 3. State briefly what the poem is about. Where is the experience takin g place?Select two images in the poem. To which sense does each appeal? 4. 5. Select those expressions which show the poet’s experiences of hardship. Which literary device does the poet use in each of the following? ‘bright beaches blue’ ‘sharp slanting sleet’ ‘their flowing runs on like our longing’ ‘splash’ ‘white sails slanted seaward’ 6. What is the mood or feeling of the poet? This is a free publication and not intended for resale 10 Understanding and Appreciating Poetry EPITAPH, DREAMING BLACK BOY, THEME for ENGLISH B. The poems ‘Epitaph’, ‘Dreaming Black Boy’ and ‘Theme for English B’ have similar themes.They express discrimination and intolerance in human relationships and reflect the denial of the basic human rights of recognition, justice, equality and freedom. The three poems are treated differently. You will observe that in the poem â€Å"Epitaph† the ima ge is vivid, stark and gruesome. Amidst the beauty of the â€Å"falling sunlight† and the swaying cane†, the dead body of the slave hung. The image evokes in the reader anger against human brutality and compassion for the fate of the slave. Through the sad tale, the poet achieves his intention of giving the reader insights into the brutality meted out to slaves in their days of enslavement.The poem is a tribute to the dead slave, and is melancholic in mood and tone. Epitaph 1. Describe the image presented in stanza one of the poem. 2. Which of the following best defines the feelings evoked by the image? (a) elation and despair (b) compassion and anger (c) hatred and defeat (d) disappointment and disbelief 3. Identify words and expressions which describe the morning’s atmosphere. 4. The poet compares the swinging body to â€Å"a black apostrophe to pain†, most likely because â€Å"the swung body† (a) resembled an apostrophe mark. (b) was prominently positioned as a mark symbolizing pain. c) was at the heart of two elements. (d) was the cause of much agony and pain. This is a free publication and not intended for resale Understanding and Appreciating Poetry 5. Explain the meaning of each of the following expressions: (a) punctuate our island tale (b) brutal sentences (c) anger pauses till they pass away 6. Do you think that the title of the poem is appropriate? Give a reason to support your answer. 7. Which of the following best expresses the theme of the poem? (a) a sorrowful tale (b) man’s inhumanity to man (c) victory and defeat (d) a blot on our history 8.What is the mood experienced throughout the poem? 11 Dreaming Black Boy In the poem ‘Dreaming Black Boy’, the boy expresses his thoughts and emotions in abstract images. He dreams and wishes for the rights that should be accorded to all human beings – recognition and love, and the freedom of movement and speech. These images appeal to the emotions and the reader empathizes with the boy who is being denied these rights. The poem is written in blank verse. This makes the tone of the poem conversational. 1. What is the theme of the poem? (a) disappointment (b) relationships (c) alienation (d) injustice . Why do you think the â€Å"black boy† has dreams and wishes? 3. What does the boy wish according to stanza one (1) of the poem? (a) opportunity to compete (b) recognition and warmth This is a free publication and not intended for resale 12 Understanding and Appreciating Poetry (c) freedom to play (d) to forget his ancestors 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Why does the boy wish for an opportunity to be educated? Identify two pieces of evidence which show the boy’s feeling of rejection. Identify the lines in which the boy feels that his freedom of movement and speech have been suppressed.Who are the â€Å"torch throwers† and the â€Å"plotters in pyjamas† alluded to in stanza four (4)? What do you think is the tone of the poem? (a) What terrible burden does the boy suffer? (b) What is his attitude to suffering? Theme for English B In the poem â€Å"Theme for English B† the poet deals with a student’s feeling of frustration and disappointment in the society. The thoughts which he expresses on the â€Å"page† echo the issues that confront him in an environment of whites. The mind of the student is confused. Though he was born and bred in a society of white people, and educated in a school among whites, yet he feels a sense of alienation.In the page that he writes, he is justifying his right to acceptance and equality, on the basis that all people share a common natural heritage of instincts, emotions and tastes. He firmly believes that each race impacts on the other and learns from each other. Perhaps he is questioning whether discrimination should give way to harmony among the races. 1. What does the word â€Å"true† in line four (4) -â€Å"Then, it will be trueâ₠¬ , imply? (a) authenticity 2. (b) reality (c) credibility (d) integrity Identify the aspects of the student’s life which seem to make the assignment difficult. This is a free publication and not intended for resaleUnderstanding and Appreciating Poetry 3. The student’s page would be based on (a) life at the college (b) his instincts and emotions (c) a resolution of the conflicts in his mind (d) the Harlem experience 4. What does the student wish to say by listing the things he likes? 5. What makes the student and the instructor part of each other? 6. According to the student’s page, which of the following statements are True? (a) The page on which the student writes is coloured. (b) Feelings, natural instincts and tastes are manifested by all people. (c) Sometimes whites and coloured cannot tolerate each other. d) All people are not born equal. (e) Each race impacts on the other and learns from each other. 7. Which words best describe the character of the stude nt? impulsive, rational, obstinate, compromising, intelligent, outspoken, unbalanced. The poem is written in Blank Verse form. What does this lend to the style and tone of the poem? 13 8. Test Match Sabina Park 1. What is the theme of the poem? (a) Fall from glory (b) An exciting cricket match (c) Reflections of a spectator (d) Failed batsmen 2. Which line in the poem tells that the crowd lacked the spirited response to the match? 3. The speaker is critical of the English batting.This is a free publication and not intended for resale 14 Understanding and Appreciating Poetry Quote the lines in support of the criticism. 4. Why is the poet’s rationale for a dull game not convincing even to himself? 5. What is the â€Å"tarnished rosette† which the writer mentions in the last stanza? Why is it tarnished? 6. The tone of the poem is (a) sarcastic (b) formal (c) conversational (d) harsh 7. What does the native language of the folk lend to the poem? 8. In this poem you hear tw o voices. Whose voices are they? 9. What is meant by the line â€Å"Proudly wearing the rosette of my skin†? 0. What insights do you get of the relationship between the English and the native folk from the expression, â€Å"Eh white bwoy†? Ol’ Higue and Le Loupgarou Many stories of strange supernatural characters derive from the cultural tradition of the folk. These characters form an important part of the folklore brought by the Africans to the West Indies. Some of these have been preserved in narratives and poems. The character to which this poem ‘Ol’ Higue’ alludes is the ‘Soucouyant’ whose mission is to draw blood from human beings. Read the poem. Discuss the following questions. 1.What image of Ol’ Higue does the poet present in stanza one (1)? 2. What complaint does Ol’ Higue make in stanza one (1)? Quote the expressions which support your answer. This is a free publication and not intended for resale Understa nding and Appreciating Poetry 3. (a) Why would Ol’ Higue be â€Å"Burning like cane fire†? (b) Why does she have to count a thousand grains? 4. Why is the blood of babies attractive to Ol’ Higue? 5. How and when does she perform her â€Å"blood-sucking† task? 6. Give one reason why Ol’ Higue would love women giving birth. 7. Do you consider Ol’ Higue a mysterious character? . What feeling does Ol’ Higue evoke in you as you read the poem? 15 Le loupgarou Read the poem and discuss the following questions based on it. 1. (a) (b) What is the â€Å"curious talk† alluded to in line one (1) of the poem? What does the word â€Å"curious† suggest? 2. Who are the â€Å"greying women†? 3. Why, do you think, Le Brun was â€Å"greeted by slowly shutting jalousies†? 4. Which word describes Le Brun’s dress? 5. What, do you think, is the bargain Le Brun made with the fiends? 6. What was responsible for Le Brunâ€⠄¢s ruin? 7. How did people know that le Brun had changed himself into a dog? 8.What literary device is used in line one(1)? â€Å"A curious tale that threaded through the town†. 9. .How do you feel as you read the last two lines of the poem? You will observe that both poems deal with the supernatural. The Soucouyant is the counterpart of the Le Loupgarou. They both make a pact with the devil to engage in mysterious and fiendish dealings. This is a free publication and not intended for resale 16 Understanding and Appreciating Poetry They both are greedy and are ruined through their greed. They both evoke fear in the people around them. Once upon a Time Read the poem and discuss the questions based on it. . What do you think is the theme of the poem? (a) Behavioural patterns in human relationships. (b) Attitudes of people in a modern age. (c) Loss of culture founded on love, sincerity and goodwill. (d) How people lived long ago. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. What difference is there in how p eople laughed long ago and how they laugh now? Give one piece of evidence that shows how people deceive others. Why, do you think, that the poet wears different faces in different contexts? Provide evidence to show that the poet is influenced by the behaviour and attitudes of the new age. Does the poet like the changes in behaviour?Give reasons to support your answer. 7. Which of the following best expresses the mood of the poet? (a) melancholy (b) disappointment (c) anger (d) reflection 8. 9. What can you infer about the character of the poet? Which of the following lessons can one learn from this poem? (a) Pattern your lives to please others (b) Appearances are often deceptive This is a free publication and not intended for resale Understanding and Appreciating Poetry (c) Values should change to suit modern living. (d) Be yourself at all times. (e) Honesty, love and consideration should guide your actions. 7 Forgive my Guilt 1. What is the theme of the poem? a) An accident b) A pl ea for forgiveness c) Two injured birds d) A confused mind 2. 3. 4. 5. What incident is the poet recalling? Where and when did the incident take place? Identify two contrasting images of the birds, before and after the incident occurred. Select images that appeal to the sense of (a) sight (b) sound Explain each and say whether it is appropriate or not. 6. Identify two similes in the poem. Explain each and say whether it is appropriate or not. 7. 8. 9. What mood does the poem evoke in the reader?What are your feelings towards the poet? State the qualities of the poet which you discern in the poem. To An Athlete Dying Young 1. 2. What is the theme of the poem? What is the intention of the poet? This is a free publication and not intended for resale 18 Understanding and Appreciating Poetry 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Find two expressions in stanza one (1) which indicate the spectator’s response to the athlete’s victory. What does the line â€Å"Townsman of a stiller town† sugge st about the athlete? Quote two expressions in stanza three (3) which show the poet’s view on â€Å"glory and laurels†.Why would â€Å"silence† and â€Å"cheers sound the same to the dying athlete? Write T next to the statements that are true. By dying young the athlete’s glory a. died with him. b. is unchallenged on the field. c. does not gain wide acclaim. d. is not worn down by time. e. is suppressed by other runners. 8. The poem best exemplifies a. reflections on the transience of fame and glory. b. a tribute on the demise of a young successful athlete. c. ovation on the victory of a young adult. d. thoughts on life after death. It is the Constant Image of Your Face In this poem, the poet experiences a deep feeling of guilt and remorse.The poet has framed an image of his beloved whose face is constantly before him, while he is engrossed in a world of his own; a world in which thoughts are like knives, hurling accusations at him. These accusations cut deeply into the poet’s consciousness and remind him of his treachery to his native country. Apparently, the poet has left his native home, having been captivated by the beauty and assurances of his beloved. However, deep in his heart he knows that no other love can lay claim to his loyalty but his homeland which is above This is a free publication and not intended for resaleUnderstanding and Appreciating Poetry all other loves. Feelings of remorse and guilt plague the thoughts of the poet. To him, leaving his country is like an act of treason and treachery. Although he prizes his beloved, he pleads for forgiveness from his country whose tenderness matches or surpasses that of the beloved. 1. What do you think is the theme of the poem? (a) The guilt and remorse of a poet (b) Alienation from one’s own country (c) The poet’s love and loyalty for his native country 2. Describe the mood which the poet experiences throughout the poem. Give suitable quotations in supp ort of your answer. a) Select one image in the poem. (b) To which sense does it appeal? (c) Explain its importance in the poem. 4. (a) What is the meaning of â€Å"my world of knives†? (b) What effect does this world have on the poet? 5. 6. Quote two expressions which show that the poet’s love for his country surpasses all other loves. What qualities of the poet’s character are revealed in the poem? 19 3. West Indies, U. S. A. In this poem, the poet records his impressions of the Islands from a view, thirty thousand feet above. He sees some of the islands as more prominent than others.Some are more culturally and economically developed as can be seen in his impression of Puerto Rico, with â€Å"silver linings in the clouds† and the glitter of San Juan. But to him, each country has its own distinctive features and characteristics, which are highlighted at its terminal. Against these islands, the poet sees the influence of the United States on Puerto Rico: he sees Puerto Rico as a representation of the United States – â€Å"America’s backyard†. Stringent laws are enforced at its terminal to prevent passengers This is a free publication and not intended for resale 20Understanding and Appreciating Poetry from entering without legal documentation. The fear of foreigners who sneak into the island and tarnish the image of the land is well noted by the poet. He notes the influence of American culture and lifestyle in Puerto Rico. The glitter of the cities pulsating with life is well captured in the â€Å"polished Cadillacs† and â€Å"Micro chips†. 1. What is the theme of the poem? 2. (a) Select the simile in the first two lines of the poem. (b) Explain why the poet makes the comparison, (c) Do you find it interesting and original? Why? 3. What is the distinctive feature of each of the following terminals? a) Port au Prince (b) Piarco (c) Vere Bird 4. Why are all passengers other than those embarking at San Juan, required to stay on the plane? 5. What do you think is â€Å"that vaunted sanctuary†? Why is it considered a vaunted sanctuary? 6. Select three pieces of evidence which show America’s influence on the lifestyle of Puerto Rico. 7. What do you think is the mood of the poem? 8. What is the tone of the poet? Composed Upon Westminster Bridge The poet records his impressions of the scene at early dawn when no mechanized activity is going on and the air is clean and devoid of smoke.He is touched by the beauty and splendour of the city. Only those whose souls are dull would not be touched by the awe-inspiring scene; the greatness is majestic. All objects natural or otherwise are now visible because of the glitter of the morning sun which spreads over the landscape. Never before has the poet witnessed such beauty which the splendour of the sun radiates over valley, rock or hills. Not only is the beauty enchanting, but also the peace and calm which the scene has on the mi nd of the poet: In such an atmosphere even the houses seem asleep and all is still.In the scene there is no activity. The air is smokeless because the truckers have This is a free publication and not intended for resale Understanding and Appreciating Poetry not started to pour their emissions into the atmosphere. The poet is deeply impressed and stunned at the calm and beauty of the morning. His exclamation, â€Å"Dear God! † tells us that his response has reached spiritual and divine dimension. 21 1. What is the theme of the poem? 2. Where and when is the experience taking place? 3. What is the mood of the poet? 4. Select the figure of speech in the first five lines of the poem.With what does the poet compare the city? 5. Why is the air smokeless? 6. Select lines which show that there is an absence of noise in the scene. 7. What does the poet mean by â€Å"the very houses seem asleep†? 8. From the poet’s impressions of the scene, what can you tell of his charac ter? 9. Do you like the poem? Give reasons to support your answer. A Contemplation Upon Flowers The poet sees in the flowers a calm and willing acceptance of death – brave and harmless, humble and modest, the flowers are born of the earth and to the earth they return with no resistance.Unlike the poet, the flowers subject themselves to the natural order and pattern of the universe. They bloom in a particular season and then fall to earth. The poet wishes his life to be perpetually in spring for he fears the winter, the harbinger of death. His pride, vanity and fear make him unwilling to succumb to death. However, the poet longs to be like the flowers, to smile and look cheerfully at death. He needs to accept death without fear and to make peace with the inevitable. The wreaths of flowers brighten and sweeten the atmosphere in times of death.The poet wishes to be like the flowers, that his breath will sweeten and perfume his death. Enslaved by pride, vanity and fear, the poet struggles to come to terms with the experience of death. This is a free publication and not intended for resale 22 Understanding and Appreciating Poetry The poet represents humanity in his fear of death. The flowers represent Nature and its willing acceptance of death. 1. What do you think is the theme of the poem? 1. Select the qualities in the flowers that the poet admires. 3. What does the expression â€Å"that I could gallant it like you† mean? . â€Å"Embroidered garments† suggest (a) the flowers are very beautiful (b) even the most beautiful are subject to death (c) Nature produces colorful things (d) the petals of the flowers are adorned with a pattern 5. Why does the poet wish his life would be always spring? 6. What two lessons can the flowers teach the poet? 7. What makes it difficult for the poet to accept death? 8. The word which best describes the mood of the poet is (a) joyful (b) sorrowful (c) pensive (d) angry This is a free publication and not intended for resale