Online Direct Competition Essay Example for Free

Online Direct Competition Essay The online airline ticket market is rife with cut-throat competition from a number of sources, including travel agencies, wholesalers and Internet travel agents such as Microsofts Expedia.com and CNNs BizTravel.com.  US-Airlines set competition for Priceline.com Six of the key US-Aircarriers have agreed to step up to the competition set by Priceline.com in the segment of consumer-self-pricing. United Airlines, American Airlines, Northwest, Continental, America West and US Airways will be selling their free allotments under www. hotwire.com.  Similar to Priceline.com, travellers will be quoting the rate at which they wish to travel and according to availability can be granted their requested price.  Increasing Competition  Priceline.com, which has patented several of its business models, faces increasing competition on multiple fronts. While companies like Budget Rent A Car have licensed one of priceline.coms business models, Microsoft has launched a name-your-price service for hotel rooms on its Expedia site. Priceline.com has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft.  In addition to worrying about protecting its business model, the consolidation of the online travel market could lead to increased competition for priceline.com. The upcoming merger of Preview Travel and Travelocity.com will create an online travel powerhouse, whose allies include America Online and Yahoo!. Both industry giants will have a stake in the new venture.  Intended as a comeback directed at its competitors, Priceline.com is focusing upon licensing its business models to other companies in other industries. For example, Alliance Mortgage will license the name-your-price business model and team up with priceline.com to launch an online mortgage service known as PricelineMortgage. The chart below shows the sites that customers visit both before and after visiting Priceline.com  All sorts of competing sites figure in the before and after surfing list above. These range from specific airline websites like www.delta.com to competing full-service travel sites like www.orbitz.com and www.expedia.com. A competitive site to note is www.hotwire.com as it figures prominently in both lists and is a site that drives customers to Priceline.com. Although it is compelling to see how competitors figure in the pre and post site visit categories, it is even more interesting to look at a typical Path that visitors take through Priceline.coms site. This path includes visits to off-site destinations. The figure below shows a typical path a visitor takes through the site and the sites they visit that are off-site  According to this path analysis, a visitor visits priceline.com, leaves the site and returns to the site to either continue surfing or make a purchase. Note the abundance of competing sites that visitors travel to: www.skyauction.com, www.expedia.com, www.orbitz.com, www.hotwire.com and also to banks perhaps to verify their account balances before booking their vacation. Legal issues: With the Name Your Own Price services, priceline.com and pricelinemortgage are the leaders in the field of electronic commerce and true innovators in the way people buy the things they need. They are very adamant about keeping customers privacy online. This is represented in their clearly displayed privacy policy and privacy promise.5 The information collected and stored by Priceline.com includes names, addresses, credit card numbers and other personally-identifying information of customers of the Site who make purchase requests. This information is saved in a secure environment and is kept in records to make it easier for customers to use the services on return visits. Priceline.com use cookies technology. Cookies are small bits of code, usually stored on a users computer hard drive, which enable a Web site to personalize itself for each user. They use cookies to reduce the time it takes for customers to submit purchase requests. No third party has access to the information they collect this way. Priceline.com also have a disable cookies button which will turn them off. Information collected by priceline.com or pricelinemortgage is stored in a single, secure database, accessible only by priceline.com and pricelinemortgage. Names, addresss, credit card numbers or any other personally-identifying information are not revealed to any participating seller, manufacturer, retailer, or sponsor of priceline.com. These are collectively referred to as Providers, unless a customer affirmatively respond to the Providers offer and/or the Provider agrees to provide the product or service the customer requested at a specified price.  From time to time, priceline.com or pricelinemortgage also contact customers to request feedback on their experience using the Site, to assist Priceline in improving the Site, or to offer special savings or promotions to customers. Priceline.com also offer an opt-out option on receiving these notices. Customers are also able to access and change any personal information kept by Priceline. To protect customers privacy and security, they verify your identity before granting access or making changes to your personally-identifying information. If you have registered your profile on any of the services available on their Site from priceline.com or pricelinemortgage, your e-mail address and password are required in order to access your profile information. Trade marks A trademark includes any word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination, used, or intended to be used, in commerce to identify and distinguish the goods of one manufacturer or seller from goods manufactured or sold by others, and to indicate the source of the goods. In short, a trademark is a brand name.  Pricelines patent covers its marketing system as embodied in a computer. The claims, which define what the patent covers, recite a method for using a computer to facilitate a transaction between a buyer and seller. The buyer inputs a conditional purchase offer into the computer and a payment identifier, such as a credit card number. The computer outputs the purchase offer to sellers. A seller can then input an acceptance, at which time the payment is made using the payment identifier. There are also claims for an apparatus that can perform the same functions. At a first pass, it appears that much of electronic commerce could fit within Pricelines patent. If so, Priceline could extract a royalty for use of its patent on all commerce over the Internet or over any other computer system including proprietary systems. This patent could severely limit the use of electronic commerce.  Priceline (www.priceline.com) filed its application in 1996, as electronic commerce was just starting to grow. Now, when electronic commerce is more firmly entrenched, the patent is granted, and that award threatens to thwart the growth of electronic commerce.  There are many issues yet to be explored with respect to Pricelines patent. To appreciate them, it helps to understand how the Patent Office could issue a patent on a system that is little more than business relationships communicated using a computer. Until recently such a patent would have been rejected. Priceline.com has had a hard time defending itself within this type of market against possible threats of infringement on there patents or trademarks.  An example of this is major dot-com, Pannell-Christ Inc., an Indiana-based provider of consulting and training services to facing accusations of hijacking intellectual property. Sued by Priceline.com the firm that provides name your own price services for hotels, car-hire and airline tickets. According to the, Pannell-Christ is disputing Pricelines use of the phrases Name Your Price and Name Your Own Price.  Pannell-Christ maintains it used the Name Your Price! trademark as far back as 1997. However, the company had not filed for a trademark on the phrase until several months after priceline.com had begun using the slogan in 1998. The U.S. Trademark Office granted Pannell-Christ federal registration of the mark on February 1, 2000.

Person-centred and Non-person-centred Approaches to Dementia

Person-centred and Non-person-centred Approaches to Dementia Quality care is very important especially to the people who suffer from diseases like the elderly. There are several geriatric health conditions that affect the lifestyle, day-to-day living, social and emotional, and spiritual aspects of their lives. Seniors who have dementia are entitled to be treated well. There are different approach that healthcare providers must know for them to become effective caregivers. In the same manner, patients expect to receive an appropriate care from their carers. In this paper, with the best of my knowledge, I will discuss and explain the person-centred and non-person-centred approach to dementia, different techniques, and the impacts of equality, diversity and cultural issues, as well as the effects of legislation and policy on the person-centred approach for people with dementia. Person- centred approach is a philosophy that acknowledges the unique characteristics of each individuals living in a rest home. The employees interact with the patients based on the personality, medical history and their values. Its main objective is to create partnerships between the staff, demented patients and their families which will give the best results and improve the quality of care and life for the unwell persons. This philosophy mainly focuses on the people rather than on the health condition, and on the individual’s abilities and strengths rather than losses. There are eight principles of care involved in this approach, and these are the following: Individuality People working in the rest home must make sure that they know very well, or at least try to scan the previous records of the patients so as to be aware on the client’s interests, preferences, needs and wants. It is also achieve by gathering information to the relatives, visitors and families of the patient. In this way, proper treatment and handling is executed to each residents. Most of the time, sick individual responds to the caregiver on how they are being manage. It develops smooth relationship between the care recipient and healthcare provider if they get along with each other, the work is much easier to perform than the other way around. Rights Demented patients still have the right to live the way they wanted to be even if they are suffering from a disease. Oftentimes, these people are being discriminated and treated differently compared to others. Each rest home has provided set of guidelines and rules for the patients. The government also outlined the legal rights of demented individuals. They still have the right to do their own care especially if they are able to manage themselves. Healthcare providers are there just to guide and support them. The right to perform their daily activities and whatever curricular activities they want to do must be given to them. Additional rights are: the right to information, to proper treatment and access to health and other services, to be respected and the right to choose and individuality, fair treatment, complaints, and the right to proper standards. Choice People who have dementia must not be taken for granted when it comes to making decision. Their condition do not serve as a hindrance in deciding for themselves. They should invariably be asked to what they favour, and still have to be part in decision and plans about their present situation. Simple things such as choosing what to wear, eat, taking medication and even doing activities must always be based on their preferences. Clients are also required to fill out the consent form before admitting to the rest homes or in any service provisions. Most of them signed the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) form in advance since dementia is a progressive disease that no known cure. Residential care home always emphasize that patients have the freedom to act whatever they want but with the support of healthcare providers and other allied health professionals. Privacy Dementia linked to cognitive impairment most likely affects the privacy of sick individual as well as the people surround them. Facility’s procedures and policies can influence the privacy of patients. Personal information and health status of the clients must not be tackled without the consent of the concerned person. When it comes to caring them, caregiver must ensure that the door whether in the toilet or room must be closed, even curtains of the window for patients safety and privacy. It is important to knock on the door before entering in to the room, it also shows respect to them. Independence Most of the rest homes encourage self-reliance to the residents especially if the person still has the capacity to do so, despite of the health status.it is important for them to give the space and assistive equipment specifically inside their bedroom so that they are inspired, and it helps stimulate their self-support. Still, the facility is responsible for their clients, aside from encouragement, they must ensure that safety comes first before anything else. Dignity It is defined as the quality of being worthy of honour or respect. As the illness advances the individuals start to lose their personal identity or sense of self, which is the reason for them to become more reliant on the people around them. Someone must validate to the patients who they are, and what they are doing. It is essential that demented people are being treated extra special and most especially with respect. Care staff must keep in mind that, despite from the health condition of the clients, they are still valuable human being and are unique. The support of family, relatives, friends, and even health care professionals are important in order to help the patients in retaining feelings of self-worth as well as the sense of identity. Respect Everyone is entitled to be respected by other people. Regardless of the status in life, attained education, job, and even health condition. Individuals with illness need special attention and cares, and most of all they must be regarded as important persons too. By doing this, they will not feel neglected and not worthy to the society. Expressing concerns, and helping them in remembering what and who they were in the past will make a big difference. Listening and making conversation with them is essential as well, it helps in uplifting their spiritual, cultural, beliefs and values. Autonomy This simply means self-determination or self-rule. Patients with dementia have the right to make their own decision. Depriving their chance to decide their own destiny or fate will be grounds for the moral right of the clients. An example of this is the paternalistic approach, which define as the intentional restriction of an individual’s liberty. In this theory, it is believed that restricting the person will protect and promote the individual’s interest. That is why person-centred approach is being practiced in most of the residential care homes because its principle is self-determination, in which the patient’s role is more active when it comes to his wellbeing. It requires responsibility for deciding on their own and the ability to handle the consequences of their choices. Non-person-centred approach is different from person-centred approach. The latter deals with patient directly such as staff to client relationship, medication treatment specifically for the person involved and everything that is personalised for a patient. Whilst the previous approach cares for the whole facility, residents, as well as to the employees. The two types of this approach are the following: Institutional perspective In rest homes or hospital, it is always departmentalise like kitchen, laundry, housekeeping, physiotherapy, chaplain, and other services offered depending on the organisation, all have different functions but have the same goal, which is for the benefit of the residents. For instance, in the kitchen, the chef must ensure that patients are getting the right designation of food, whether puree or on a soft diet, and is following dietician’s nutritional plans. Similarly, housekeeping department should always keep the room, lounge, toilets and the whole facility tidy and inviting for the residents and visitors as well. Laundry staff must sort out properly the clothes of each residents, should be clean and presentable enough to wear. The same with the towels, flannels, beddings etc. it should always be washed and cleaned appropriately. Biomedical perspective Dementia syndrome is common to the elderly from 65 years old and beyond, and it is a progressive disease that is incurable. Although there are few younger people experiencing this kind of illness. Most of the populace are scared to have this kind of illness, and because of this the government conducts a lot of public awareness and educational programmes regarding this matter. Patients admitted in the hospital or in a rest homes do not always have dementia, there are also other geriatric health conditions like diabetes, kidney problems, stroke or heart diseases, paralysed individuals, and other cases which come to the end point or there body stops responding to the treatment. Even though they are under palliative care, GP’s still prescribe medications for them just to lessen the pain they have. Residential care depends on the doctors’ orders and to the pharmacists who provide the set of medicines for the residents. Nurses are the ones who give medications to the clients certainly. The treatment plan is sometimes altered if the client refuse from it. Physiotherapist are there to help, assist, and support them like in moving, walking, and other related sessions for patient’s own sake. Activity coordinators prepare mental activities to enhance or at least activate the minds of the residents. Several techniques are available to be able to cope with behaviours of the elderly especially demented individuals. Care staff and families must be aware of the different approach. These are the following: Validation Approach It is a therapy which merely focuses on the emotional feelings of the patient. It is also a way of showing understanding and empathy to the seniors since most of them have experienced unresolved issues in the past which triggers their emotional behaviour. There are sub- techniques in this kind of approach which the care giver must practice to be an effective validation therapist, and these are: Centre Themselves, the staff must put themselves in patient’s shoes. Try to view the client as their own mother or grandparent, relax and think clearly before reacting. Second is try to Reminisce, ask questions about care recipient’s mom or dad, share your personal experience, and let the patient show his loneliness. The third one is to Use Extremes, know if the client misses his mother or grandparent and what are the things that he wants to do again with that loved one. This enables the patient to process the feeling of woe in losing someone. Match and Express the Emotion is nec essary to let the patient know that he is not alone about the sadness, care staff are there to help him. Rephrasing and Use Senses are also important since it reassure the patient that somebody understands what he truly feels. Holistic approach This care addresses the wholeness of a person. It includes the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual of the patients. Its main goal is to enhance the quality of life of a person and still be able to enjoy the remaining years of their life despite of the illness. Utilizing holistic methods is beneficial to both care staff and patients. According to the website keepinmind, there four pillars of holistic approach: Environmental, Communication, Nutritional, and Engaging Activity. Environment can affect the behaviour of a patient. It is important to eliminate negative aspects and keep the place safe in order to achieved holistic care, and minimise the anxiety and agitation of the client. Effective communication play a vital role also since constant talking and convincing the patient is required for them to keep calm. These includes verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Assistive Technology Nowadays technology is becoming a necessity. It is part of a person and it makes life easier and faster. Even though high technology is often linked to younger generations, there are useful inventions and gadgets specifically designed for the seniors, especially to those disabled, unwell, and dementia patients. These individuals need assistance whilst maintaining their independency and autonomy. Some of the simple tools available are touch lamps, and automatic calendar clock. High technology devices like satellite navigation systems in which it is use to find missing person. In rest homes, sensor mats are placed to those residents who are prone to falls. Automatic beds and specialised foams or mattress are also available for special case patients. Hearing aids allow the client to be aware of the happenings around them and to be able to communicate with their loved ones and employees. Standing and sling hoist equipment are designed for easy transfer of patients. It promotes safety to both healthcare providers as well as to the patients. Alternative therapies Some people are open-minded and are willing to try traditional treatments. As what others say, there’s no harm in trying. Treatments include acupuncture, aromatherapy, music therapy, bright light therapy, and herbal medicines. Taking herbal medicines, dietary supplements or even vitamins believed to cause delay or it slower the progress of dementia. Although there is no strong evidence about it but there are few researches say that it has positive effects to the patients. The most common herbs are Ginkgo biloba extract, Yizhi capsule (YZC), Kami-Umtam-To (KUT), and Choto-san. Vitamin E might slow the effects of dementia but taking too much has high risk for patient with heart disease. The same effect with Omega- fatty acids and Coenzyme Q10 but still need further studies and research about it. Reminisce techniques Every person reminisce, whether healthy or suffering from a disease. It is a useful tool for everyone especially in times of hardship and stressful events in life. People can divert their feelings through this process, it is inspiring and helps a person to keep moving on and continue to live. This technique is effective to dementia patients, it is a way for them to recall who they were decades ago. In addition, reminiscing or life-review promotes socialization too, since it involves communication with other person. Most of the seniors love to tell stories about their previous experiences to the young ones, and those are useful information that can be applied in the future. Their knowledge, wisdom and skills are very important since those are based on real-life event, not just make-up stories. Moreover, reminisce therapy conveys a lot of benefits for persons with Alzheimer’s. It gives them the sense of belonging, peace and power, existence, importance and value, and gives a positive outlook in life. Furthermore, there are several mediums that can assist in this therapy which is intended to use for different senses as well. Captured memories from the past, paintings, and other valuable objects is utilise for their vision. Old music played in various instruments is used for their sense of hearing, and certain food and smell kits are for their sense of taste well as smell. There are three types of reminisce activities and therapies and these are: Simple, Evaluate, and Occasional reminisce. It is like a level of reminiscing, from their happy and enjoyable to challenging experiences and conflicts, and up to the stressful events and other emotional happenings in life. Involvement and participation of families, friends, relatives, care staff, and other healthcare providers are necessary for this to be an effective therapy. Public health and health promotion The most common dilemma of patients with dementia or any other geriatric health conditions is discrimination. Oftentimes, families and relatives hesitate to seek professional and government help because they are scared to be treated as different from other normal individuals. Promoting public health and awareness is very important to eliminate such stigma. Lack of information to health problem can due to the misunderstanding that dementia is a normal condition of ageing rather than a progressive disease. It can also because of unrecognised or limited information about the signs and symptoms of dementia. Then, lack of understanding about risk factors associated with the disease. Socioeconomic and cultural variables contribute to shaping knowledge and beliefs about dementia. That is why government funded programmes and other organisational campaigns are important in public awareness. It helps the society to fully accept the illness as well as those who have this condition, and proper m anagement and approach will eventually implemented nationwide. By doing this, discrimination will be totally eliminated, fair treatment and smooth life ahead for affected individuals is feasible. Attitudes to health and demand for healthcare The increasing number of people having dementia resulted to high demand of healthcare providers worldwide. Lots of service provisions and other government support services are available to help families in dealing with the disease. Family members send their patients to rest homes and hospitals due to the fact that they cannot handle them at home. They are aware that professional help is necessary to provide the quality care for their unwell seniors. It is important to give the utmost cares when it comes to the patients. Choosing the right facility that suits to the needs of the client must be done. For the care staff, several trainings, programmes and seminars are important to ensure the safety of the stakeholders. In response to the necessities of patients with dementia and other common geriatric health problems, local agencies in New Zealand established rules and regulations for stakeholders, healthcare providers, families, and support organisations as their guidelines. Person-centred approach focuses on the individual which is more applicable and is now followed by any service provisions compared to the traditional one. The principles of care are mainly for the benefits of patients. Their rights as a resident in a rest home are carefully executed, every care and treatment is always based on their preferences. Most of the clients are fully aware about their rights since prior to admission, the management let them sign forms, consent and other important protocols. Basically, the main function of employees is to ensure the safety of the clients, performing cares without offending their right to privacy and independence, support and understand the current situation facing by the patients as well as the families, and most specially giving the best effort for them to enjoy the last chapter of their lives in the world.

The Nature Versus Nurture Debate Psychology Essay

The Nature Versus Nurture Debate Psychology Essay The present studies have come to conclude that nature and nurture are inextricable. Both nature and nurture a reciprocal complement to do all the work of determining development. It is extremely unlikely that there are no human being without genetic material to shape the growth and cell differentiation before conception. This means that genetic effects are not only pervasive but necessary. However, it is hard to describe that all process of genetic modification is dominated by genetic influences. Because, environmental factors are inextricably relative with shaping organization as well as affect organization to survive. Both reciprocal genetic and environmental factors influence on individual heritability as well as cognitive ability (Bouchard McGue, 1998). In human behavioral perspective, multifactorial human traits and psychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia are good evidences to explain the relationship the genetic with the environmental sources. A parent which have undergone disrupt family function are highly prone to their child to have the risk of developing antisocial traits. The reason is that the parents genes bring out environmental risks, and these risks contribute to a child to expose to risky environments either directly or indirectly. In other words, their offspring genes that were genetic-environment correlated may cause a psychological characteristic to rise and a nurtured environment for that characteristic to develop further (Bouchard McGue, 1998). Behavioral scientist can be understand most psychiatric disorders using this approach, but it will require more psychosocial researches that manifest close correlation between both genetic-environment and human traits through the multidisciplinary association and, particularly for geneticists and psychosocial researchers (Bouchard McGue). Recent most psychologists tend to accept the idea that nature and nurture can act mutually and both of them influence on heritability. However, in the beginning of nature-nurture concept, Francis Galton carried his thesis that intellectual ability is largely genetically rather than environmentally determined and that the parents genius transmit their offspring was the result of a natural superiority through his book, Hereditary Genius (1869) (Mcleod, 2007). By an examination of a large group of eminent people in different fields, Galton attempted to survey their relatives in order to reveal their relatives how many of them were superior for enough stars. He calculated the rate of eminent people in various degrees of similarity to the initial famous people. These findings were showed human breeding were able to manipulate to produce superior people as well as eliminating or excluding biologically inferior people were necessary for improve quality of the human race. His thesis has unassailable weaknesses that his findings were overly influenced by the British practice of primogeniture and by his inclusion of People  who can define  Well-thought-of  as geniuses (Rothenberg, 2005).His researches were limited to comparing offspring from different families, largely due to a lack of available data.  Furthermore, his hypothesis of direct hereditary transmission of eminent genius was over interpretation; because that hereditary genius was close not a matter of certainties but possibilities of a judge. Even in the biologically superior society that he hoped for, consequences could not be expected with certainty for individual cases. It is also possible that he had already exposed the lack of accuracy study due to Galtons lack of interest in natural history. Nevertheless, he was a first pioneer who not only defines the modern conception of the nature-nurture dichotomy but established both the theoretical and statistical science foundations of beh avior genetics, and promoted the idea and potential value of intelligence testing (Fancher, 2009). In the present Rothenberg study (2005), he verified the still-influential statistical studies of Frances Galton on the inheritance of genius as well as surveyed the family background factors in order to evaluate empirically the hypothesis  of  hereditary transmission of genius or creativity. He collected family background occupational data from the group of 435 Nobel laureates were engaged in natural science fields such as chemistry, physics, medicine and physiology from 1901 through 2003. These for same parent-offspring occupations were compared with a matching group of 548 eminent people with noncreative occupations and also with 560 outstanding non prize winners for general population occupation. The study revealed that both family back ground genetic and environment factor are less likely to influence Nobel laureates in the natural sciences. Instead of direct inheritance of creativity from their parents, the effort and desires of the parent influences on Nobel laureates motiv ation to achieve creative accomplishment in their science filed (Rothenberg, 2005). The limitation of Rothenbergs study is based on similarity criteria between parent and offspring behavior, of behavioral genetics rather than on a gene-transmission approach. For all that, his thesis is seems to obviously controverts the Galtons idea of direct hereditary transmission of eminent. Rothenbergs study takes into account for derived from a wide cultural and ethnic range as well as from the extended time period of the 20th and 21th centuries, his findings is more reliable then Galtons and weight in an idea that a genius or talent is born when the  relationship  between nature with nurture is reciprocal. This concept of interaction between nature and nurture can be adjusted and useful in the daily life. From relationship parents with their problematic children, as change parents idea, they can be found a breakthrough. Parents complain of raising their difficult children who are self-absorbed, rebellious, inattentive, and violent. They could not understand their children as well as struggle to find an effective solution to their problematic children. The parents have tried to find a proper solution for handle their hard to handle children from many researches and books, but they could not find it. The approach  stance on  nature-nurture will suggests a possible solution to parents who have been suffering from their problem children Parents should know why their children are hard to handle before solve the problem. Babies come into world with unique traits in physical makeup. Even in the fetus period, babies can expose individual differences in the workings of their motor systems and in specific sensory perceptions (Inal YÄ ±dÄ ±z, 2012). Some babies are born with overly sensitive and over reactive or under sensitive and under active. When give a stimulus to them, overly sensitive babies may be taking in and decoding information in a certain sense, otherwise, another may have undergone difficulty with comprehending information through that sense (Inal YÄ ±dÄ ±z). If a child with over sensitive receives a fearful stimulus, he or she may rapidly increase rigid traits to become a problem child. Many children who have suffered that experiences can make a vast difference according to their parents how to relative to them. After analysis and understand their childrens natural characteristics, parent are able to solve their problem through three ways. First of all, it is important that their parents have made an effort to read their childrens physical makeup and signals as well as to support them learn new ways to cope. Secondly, Parents give the right sense of security to their children. When their children are aggressive and overwhelmed, parents console them by using gentle gesture and comfortable verbalizing for they will be comfort themselves by their feelings. Lastly, parents gradually show them how to take charge of their own environment. A child with fixed temperamental characteristics can be significantly adjusted his or her behavior and personality by early caregiving experiences (Slatcher Trentacosta, 2012). In a nutshell, when parents are trying to recognize their childrens personality and traits as well as set their behavior for their childrens temper, their children can remove a tag as dif ficult children of themselves. During the second half of the 20th century, there has made steady progress on the effects of nature, nurture, and developmental processes. Therefore, we are able to understand many of the mechanisms of human gene, behavior, multifactorial human traits and psychiatric disorders (Rutter, 2002). Nature and nurture are not only indivisible but also reciprocal each other. Parents natural specific characteristics such as or genius and creative traits can be influence on their offspring. However, environmental factor also need to fulfill a complete condition. In the front head, genetic and psychosocial research are forecasting to find more strong gene-environment correlations and interactions through the multidisciplinary association studies. Similarly, other fields without direct relative of psychological study will be also expected to lead them developing  their research ideas and  also  to help with funding applications.

Karl Gauss: Biography :: essays research papers

Karl Gauss: Biography   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Karl Gauss lived from 1777 to 1855. He was a German mathematician, physician, and astronomer. He was born in Braunschweig, Germany, on April 30th, 1777. His family was poor and uneducated. His father was a gardener and a merchant's assistant.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At a young age, Gauss taught himself how to read and count, and it is said that he spotted a mistake in his father's calculations when he was only three. Throughout the rest of his early schooling, he stood out remarkably from the rest of the students, and his teachers persuaded his father to train him for a profession rather than learn trade.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  His skills were noticed while he was in high school, and at age 14 he was sent to the Duke of Brunswick to demonstrate. The Duke was so impressed by this boy, that he offered him a grant that lasted from then until the Duke's death in 1806.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Karl began to study at the Collegium Carolinum in 1792. He went on to the University of Gottingen, and by 1799 was awarded his doctorate from the University. However, by that time most of his significant mathematical discoveries had been made, and he took up his interest in astronomy in 1801.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By about 1807, Gauss began to gain recognition from countries all over the world. He was invited to work in Leningrad, was made a member of the Royal Society in London, and was invited membership to the Russian and French Academies of Sciences. However, he remained in his hometown in Germany until his death in 1855. Acomplishments   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During his Teen years, Karl Gauss developed many mathematical theories and proofs, but these would not be recognized for decades because of his lack of publicity and publication experience. He discovered what we now call Bode's Law, and the principle of squares, which we use to find the best fitting curve to a group of observations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Having just finished some work in quadratic residues in 1795, Karl Gauss moved to the University to access the works of previous mathematicians. He quickly began work on a book about the theory of numbers, which is seen as his greatest accomplishment. This book was a summary of the work that had been established up to the time, and contained questions that are still relevant today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  While at the University in 1796, he discovered that a 17-sided polygon could be inscribed in a circle with only the tools of a compass and a ruler. This marked the first discovery of Euclidean geometry that had been found in 2000 years.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1799, Gauss found and proved a theorem of Algebra that fundamental Karl Gauss: Biography :: essays research papers Karl Gauss: Biography   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Karl Gauss lived from 1777 to 1855. He was a German mathematician, physician, and astronomer. He was born in Braunschweig, Germany, on April 30th, 1777. His family was poor and uneducated. His father was a gardener and a merchant's assistant.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At a young age, Gauss taught himself how to read and count, and it is said that he spotted a mistake in his father's calculations when he was only three. Throughout the rest of his early schooling, he stood out remarkably from the rest of the students, and his teachers persuaded his father to train him for a profession rather than learn trade.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  His skills were noticed while he was in high school, and at age 14 he was sent to the Duke of Brunswick to demonstrate. The Duke was so impressed by this boy, that he offered him a grant that lasted from then until the Duke's death in 1806.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Karl began to study at the Collegium Carolinum in 1792. He went on to the University of Gottingen, and by 1799 was awarded his doctorate from the University. However, by that time most of his significant mathematical discoveries had been made, and he took up his interest in astronomy in 1801.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By about 1807, Gauss began to gain recognition from countries all over the world. He was invited to work in Leningrad, was made a member of the Royal Society in London, and was invited membership to the Russian and French Academies of Sciences. However, he remained in his hometown in Germany until his death in 1855. Acomplishments   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During his Teen years, Karl Gauss developed many mathematical theories and proofs, but these would not be recognized for decades because of his lack of publicity and publication experience. He discovered what we now call Bode's Law, and the principle of squares, which we use to find the best fitting curve to a group of observations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Having just finished some work in quadratic residues in 1795, Karl Gauss moved to the University to access the works of previous mathematicians. He quickly began work on a book about the theory of numbers, which is seen as his greatest accomplishment. This book was a summary of the work that had been established up to the time, and contained questions that are still relevant today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  While at the University in 1796, he discovered that a 17-sided polygon could be inscribed in a circle with only the tools of a compass and a ruler. This marked the first discovery of Euclidean geometry that had been found in 2000 years.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1799, Gauss found and proved a theorem of Algebra that fundamental

Sexual Reproduction of Spiders Essay -- Biology Animal Insect Sex Mati

One of the largest issues in animal sexual reproduction is the conflict of interests between the female and the male of the species. For example, multiple mating has been shown to greatly increase the fertilization rate for the male, but recent studies have shown that multiple mating also benefits the female. The demonstrated benefit to the female is â€Å"sequential female choice;† that is, the ability (on the part of the female) to allow the fertilization of her egg clutch with more viable offspring. However, this presents an inherent conflict of interest in that sperm competition may lower the fertilization success rates of the species. Sexual cannibalism (when the female consumes the male near the time of copulation) is a striking manifestation of a sexual conflict of interest. If the female consumes the male prior to insemination, she gains the nutritional benefits but the male loses his ability to reproduce. However, if the female consumes the male after insemination, the costs and benefits to each party are not so clear. It is beneficial to both the male and female to increase the fecundity of the female, increasing the reproductive chances of the male as well, but if the female mates again the male loses any apparent benefit. Some spiders seem to have resolved this problem in favor of both sexes such as the redback spider, Latrodectus hasselti. Experiments involving polygamy in this species revealed that cannibalized males had greater fertilization success because these males mated longer and the cannibalistic females tended not to mate again. This shows that a compromise is struck between the two sexes. The female gains the benefit of the nutrition from the stoma of the male while the male limits the competition fro... ...or her offspring. Sexual cannibalism is found to greatly benefit fertilization. That is, if after copulation, the female eats the male, the amount of clutch sired becomes twice as much as in the cases when he survives. Finally, males who are cannibalized by females have a higher share of paternity. However, the probability of being cannibalized makes most males willing to sometimes avoid copulation, which greatly reduces sexual competition. The conflict of sexes remains unsolved, as female prefer to cannibalize males for benefits of the progeny, males always try to escape in order to fertilize more eggs of other females. Bibliography: Elgar, Mark A. and Schneider, Jutta M.. "Sexual cannibalism and sperm competition in the golden orb-web spider Nephila plumipes (Araneoidea): female and male perspectives." Behavioral Ecology, Vol. 12, No. 5, 2001. 547-552.

Post War New Zealand :: essays papers

Post War New Zealand During World War II New Zealand greatly depended upon Britain and her Royal Navy to provide New Zealand with security and protection throughout the Pacific region. But after a while New Zealand and Australia as neighbouring countries began to provide their own defence for the Pacific. So when Britain began to build Naval Bases in Singapore, both Australia and New Zealand contributed to its cost. Also the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Royal New Zealand Navy were established in order to provide more protection. Even though New Zealand was becoming more independent in providing most of their security, she still depended a lot upon Britain and this trust and dependence broke when the Pearl Harbour was attacked sinking two of Britain^s battleships ^Prince of Wales^ and ^Repulse^ and the fall of Singapore did contribute to New Zealand drift from Britain for security. So New Zealand turned to the United Stated of America for security in the Pacific. Now New Zealand began to take responsibility for foreign affairs and had her own for! eign policies. Since WWII New Zealand had close relations with Australia considering that they are neighbouring countries. So in 1944 New Zealand and Australia signed the Canberra Pact. After the war the two countries agreed to set up a ^regional zone of defence^ in the South West and South Pacific including Australia and New Zealand and the islands north and north west of Australia across to Western Samoa and the Cook Islands. Through the Canberra Pact the governments of the two countries agreedthat on matters of common interest they will consult each other before expressing their views to others. The two governments also agreed to establish an advisory regional organisation, which could be called the South Seas Regional Commission, on which there might be representatives of Australia, New Zealand, Britain, France and USA. New Zealand now looked upon to the United Nations for security for she too believed in maintaining world peace through collective security. New Zealand joined the fifteen specialised agenises of the UN which aimed at raising living, health and educational facilities to backward countries to prevent causes of war and international bitterness. Also she supported formations of economic and social council, contributed to the annual budget and took responsibility for Western Samoa. New Zealand also tried to establish security through the Commonwealth. There are Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM) every two years where all the heads of states from all forty nine countries in the Commonwealth come and discuss their activities and plans for the future.

The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 32. Company

The Cullens' enormous house was more crowded with guests than anyone would assume could possibly be comfortable. It only worked out because none of the visitors slept. Mealtimes were dicey, though. Our company cooperated as best they could. They gave Forks and La Push a wide berth, only hunting out of state; Edward was a gracious host, lending out his cars as needed without so much as a wince. The compromise made me very uncomfortable, though I tried to tell myself that they'd all be hunting somewhere in the world, regardless. Jacob was even more upset. The werewolves existed to prevent the loss of human life, and here was rampant murder being condoned barely outside the packs' borders. But under these circumstances, with Renesmee in acute danger, he kept his mouth shut and glared at the floor rather than the vampires. I was amazed at the easy acceptance the visiting vampires had for Jacob; the problems Edward had anticipated had never materialized. Jacob seemed more or less invisible to them, not quite a person, but also not food, either. They treated him the way people who are not animal-lovers treat the pets of their friends. Leah, Seth, Quil, and Embry were assigned to run with Sam for now, and Jacob would have happily joined them, except that he couldn't stand to be away from Renesmee, and Renesmee was busy fascinating the strange collection of Carlisle's friends. We'd replayed the scene of Renesmee's introduction to the Denali coven a half dozen times. First for Peter and Charlotte, whom Alice and Jasper had sent our way without giving them any explanation at all; like most people who knew Alice, they trusted her instructions despite the lack of information. Alice had told them nothing about which direction she and Jasper were heading. She'd made no promise to ever see them again in the future. Neither Peter nor Charlotte had ever seen an immortal child. Though they knew the rule, their negative reaction was not as powerful as the Denali vampires' had been at first. Curiosity had driven them to allow Renesmee's â€Å"explanation.† And that was it. Now they were as committed to witnessing as Tanya's family. Carlisle had sent friends from Ireland and Egypt. The Irish clan arrived first, and they were surprisingly easy to convince. Siobhan – a woman of immense presence whose huge body was both beautiful and mesmerizing as it moved in smooth undulations – was the leader, but she and her hard-faced mate, Liam, were long used to trusting the judgment of their newest coven member. Little Maggie, with her bouncy red curls, was not physically imposing like the other two, but she had a gift for knowing when she was being lied to, and her verdicts were never contested. Maggie declared that Edward spoke the truth, and so Siobhan and Liam accepted our story absolutely before even touching Renesmee. Amun and the other Egyptian vampires were another story. Even after two younger members of his coven, Benjamin and Tia, had been convinced by Renesmee's explanation, Amun refused to touch her and ordered his coven to leave. Benjamin – an oddly cheerful vampire who looked barely older than a boy and seemed both utterly confident and utterly careless at the same time – persuaded Amun to stay with a few subtle threats about disbanding their alliance. Amun stayed, but continued to refuse to touch Renesmee, and would not allow his mate, Kebi, to touch her, either. It seemed an unlikely grouping – though the Egyptians all looked so alike, with their midnight hair and olive-toned pallor, that they easily could have passed for a biological family. Amun was the senior member and the outspoken leader. Kebi never strayed farther away from Amun than his shadow, and I never heard her speak a single word. Tia, Benjamin's mate, was a quiet woman as well, though when she did spe ak there was great insight and gravity to everything she said. Still, it was Benjamin whom they all seemed to revolve around, as if he had some invisible magnetism the others depended upon for their balance. I saw Eleazar staring at the boy with wide eyes and assumed Benjamin had a talent that drew the others to him. â€Å"It's not that,† Edward told me when we were alone that night. â€Å"His gift is so singular that Amun is terrified of losing him. Much like we had planned to keep Renesmee from Aro's knowledge† – he sighed – â€Å"Amun has been keeping Benjamin from Aro's attention. Amun created Benjamin, knowing he would be special.† â€Å"What can he do?† â€Å"Something Eleazar's never seen before. Something I've never heard of. Something that even your shield would do nothing against.† He grinned his crooked smile at me. â€Å"He can actually influence the elements – earth, wind, water, and fire. True physical manipulation, no illusion of the mind. Benjamin's still experimenting with it, and Amun tries to mold him into a weapon. But you see how independent Benjamin is. He won't be used.† â€Å"You like him,† I surmised from the tone of his voice. â€Å"He has a very clear sense of right and wrong. I like his attitude.† Amun's attitude was something else, and he and Kebi kept to themselves, though Benjamin and Tia were well on their way to being fast friends with both the Denali and the Irish covens. We hoped that Carlisle's return would ease the remaining tension with Amun. Emmett and Rose sent individuals – any nomad friends of Carlisle's that they could track down. Garrett came first – a tall, rangy vampire with eager ruby eyes and long sandy hair he kept tied back with a leather thong – and it was apparent immediately that he was an adventurer. I imagined that we could have presented him with any challenge and he would have accepted, just to test himself. He fell in quickly with the Denali sisters, asking endless questions about their unusual lifestyle. I wondered if vegetarianism was another challenge he would try, just to see if he could do it. Mary and Randall also came – friends already, though they did not travel together. They listened to Renesmee's story and stayed to witness like the others. Like the Denalis, they considered what they would do if the Volturi did not pause for explanations. All three of the nomads toyed with the idea of standing with us. Of course, Jacob got more surly with each new addition. He kept his distance when he could, and when he couldn't he grumbled to Renesmee that someone was going to have to provide an index if anyone expected him to keep all the new bloodsuckers1names straight. Carlisle and Esme returned a week after they had gone, Emmett and Rosalie just a few days later, and all of us felt better when they were home. Carlisle brought one more friend home with him, though friend might have been the wrong term. Alistair was a misanthropic English vampire who counted Carlisle as his closest acquaintance, though he could hardly stand a visit more than once a century. Alistair very much preferred to wander alone, and Carlisle had called in a lot of favors to get him here. He shunned all company, and it was clear he didn't have any admirers in the gathered covens. The brooding dark-haired vampire took Carlisle at his word about Renesmee's origins, refusing, like Amun, to touch her. Edward told Carlisle, Esme, and me that Alistair was afraid to be here, but more afraid of not knowing the outcome. He was deeply suspicious of all authority, and therefore naturally suspicious of the Volturi. What was happening now seemed to confirm all his fears. â€Å"Of course, now they'll know i was here,† we heard him grumble to himself in the attic – his preferred spot to sulk. â€Å"No way to keep it from Aro at this point. Centuries on the run, that's what this will mean. Everyone Carlisle's talked to in the last decade will be on their list. I can't believe I got myself sucked into this mess. What a fine way to treat your friends.† But if he was right about having to run from the Volturi, at least he had more hope of doing that than the rest of us. Alistair was a tracker, though not nearly as precise and efficient as Demetri. Alistair just felt an elusive pull toward whatever he was seeking. But that pull would be enough to tell him which direction to run – the opposite direction from Demetri. And then another pair of unexpected friends arrived – unexpected, because neither Carlisle nor Rosalie had been able to contact the Amazons. â€Å"Carlisle,† the taller of the two very tall feline women greeted him when they arrived. Both of them seemed as if they'd been stretched – long arms and legs, long fingers, long black braids, and long faces with long noses. They wore nothing but animal skins – hide vests and tight-fitting pants that laced on the sides with leather ties. It wasn't just their eccentric clothes that made them seem wild but everything about them, from their restless crimson eyes to their sudden, darting movements. I'd never met any vampires less civilized. But Alice had sent them, and that was interesting news, to put it mildly. Why was Alice in South America? Just because she'd seen that no one else would be able to get in touch with the Amazons? â€Å"Zafrina and Senna! But Where's Kachiri?† Carlisle asked. Tve never seen you three apart.† â€Å"Alice told us we needed to separate,† Zafrina answered in the rough, deep voice that matched her wild appearance. â€Å"It's uncomfortable to be away from each other, but Alice assured us that you needed us here, while she very much needed Kachiri somewhere else. That's all she would tell us, except that there was a great hurry†¦ ?† Zafrina's statement trailed off into a question, and – with the tremor of nerves that never went away no matter how often I did this – I brought Renesmee out to meet them. Despite their fierce appearance, they listened very calmly to our story, and then allowed Renesmee to prove the point. They were every bit as taken with Renesmee as any of the other vampires, but I couldn't help worrying as I watched their swift, jerky movements so close beside her. Senna was always near Zafrina, never speaking, but it wasn't the same as Amun and Kebi. Kebi's manner seemed obedient; Senna and Zafrina were more like two limbs of one organism – Zafrina just happened to be the mouthpiece. The news about Alice was oddly comforting. Clearly, she was on some obscure mission of her own as she avoided whatever Aro had planned for her. Edward was thrilled to have the Amazons with us, because Zafrina was enormously talented; her gift could make a very dangerous offensive weapon. Not that Edward was asking for Zafrina to side with us in the battle, but if the Volturi did not pause when they saw our witnesses, perhaps they would pause for a different kind of scene. â€Å"It's a very straightforward illusion,† Edward explained when it turned out that I couldn't see anything, as usual. Zafrina was intrigued and amused by my immunity – something she'd never encountered before – and she hovered restlessly while Edward described what I was missing. Edward's eyes unfocused slightly as he continued. â€Å"She can make most people see whatever she wants them to see – see that, and nothing else. For example, right now I would appear to be alone in the middle of a rain forest. It's so clear I might possibly believe it, except for the fact that I can still feel you in my arms.† Zafrina's lips twitched into her hard version of a smile. A second later, Edward's eyes focused again, and he grinned back. â€Å"Impressive,† he said. Renesmee was fascinated with the conversation, and she reached out fearlessly toward Zafrina. â€Å"Can I see?† she asked. â€Å"What would you like to see?† Zafrina asked. â€Å"What you showed Daddy.† Zafrina nodded, and I watched anxiously as Renesmee's eyes stared blankly into space. A second later, Renesmee's dazzling smile lit up her face. â€Å"More,† she commanded. After that, it was hard to keep Renesmee away from Zafrina and her pretty pictures. I worried, because I was quite sure that Zafrina was able to create images that were not pretty at all. But through Renesmee's thoughts I could see Zafrina's visions for myself – they were as clear as any of Renesmee's own memories, like they were real – and thus judge for myself whether they were appropriate or not. Though I didn't give her up easily, I had to admit it was a good thing Zafrina was keeping Renesmee entertained. I needed my hands. I had so much to learn, both physically and mentally, and the time was so short. My first attempt at learning to fight did not go well. Edward had me pinned in about two seconds. But instead of letting me wrestle my way free – which I absolutely could have – he'd leaped up and away from me. I knew immediately that something was wrong; he was still as stone, staring across the meadow we were practicing in. Tm sorry, Bella,† he said. â€Å"No, I'm fine,† I said. â€Å"Let's go again.† â€Å"I can't.† â€Å"What do you mean, you can't? We just started.† He didn't answer. â€Å"Look, I know I'm no good at this, but I can't get better if you don't help me.† He said nothing. Playfully, I sprang at him. He made no defense at all, and we both fell to the ground. He was motionless as I pressed my lips to his jugular. â€Å"I win,† I announced. His eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. â€Å"Edward? What's wrong? Why won't you teach me?† A full minute passed before he spoke again. â€Å"I just can't†¦ bear it. Emmett and Rosalie know as much as I do. Tanya and Eleazar probably know more. Ask someone else.† â€Å"That's not fair! You're good at this. You helped Jasper before – you fought with him and all the others, too. Why not me? What did I do wrong?† He sighed, exasperated. His eyes were dark, barely any gold to lighten the black. â€Å"Looking at you that way, analyzing you as a target. Seeing all the ways I can kill you .. .† He flinched. â€Å"It just makes it too real for me. We don't have so much time that it will really make a difference who your teacher is. Anyone can teach you the fundamentals.† I scowled. He touched my pouting lower lip and smiled. â€Å"Besides, it's unnecessary. The Volturi will stop. They will be made to understand.† â€Å"But if they don't! I need to learn this.† â€Å"Find another teacher.† That was not our last conversation on the subject, but I never swayed him an inch from his decision. Emmett was more than willing to help, though his teaching felt to me a lot like revenge for all the lost arm-wrestling matches. If I could still bruise, I would have been purple from head to toe. Rose, Tanya, and Eleazar all were patient and supportive. Their lessons reminded me of Jasper's fighting instructions to the others last June, though those memories were fuzzy and indistinct. Some of the visitors found my education entertaining, and some even offered assistance. The nomad Garrett took a few turns – he was a surprisingly good teacher; he interacted so easily with others in general that I wondered how he'd never found a coven. I even fought once with Zafrina while Renesmee watched from Jacob's arms. I learned several tricks, but I never asked for her help again. In truth, though I liked Zafrina very much and I knew she wouldn't really hurt me, the wild woman scared me to death. I learned many things from my teachers, but I had the sense that my knowledge was still impossibly basic. I had no idea how many seconds I would last against Alec and Jane. I only prayed that it would be long enough to help. Every minute of the day that I wasn't with Renesmee or learning to fight, I was in the backyard working with Kate, trying to push my internal shield outside of my own brain to protect someone else. Edward encouraged me in this training. I knew he hoped I would find a way of contributing that satisfied me while also keeping me out of the line of fire. It was just so hard. There was nothing to get a hold of, nothing solid to work with. I had only my raging desire to be of use, to be able to keep Edward, Renesmee, and as much of my family as possible safe with me. Over and over I tried to force the nebulous shield outside of myself, with only faint, sporadic success. It felt like I was wrestling to stretch an invisible rubber band – a band that would change from concrete tangibility into insubstantial smoke at any random moment. Only Edward was willing to be our guinea pig – to receive shock after shock from Kate while I grappled incompetently with the insides of my head. We worked for hours at a time, and I felt like I should be covered in sweat from the exertion, but of course my perfect body didn't betray me that way. My weariness was all mental. It killed me that it was Edward who had to suffer, my arms wrapped uselessly around him while he winced over and over from Kate's low† setting. I tried as hard as I could to push my shield around us both; every now and then I would get it, and then it would slip away again. I hated this practice, and I wished that Zafrina would help instead of Kate. Then all Edward would have to do was look at Zafrina's illusions until I could stop him from seeing them. But Kate insisted that I needed better motivation – by which she meant my hatred of watching Edward's pain. I was beginning to doubt her assertion from the first day we'd met – that she wasn't sadistic about the use of her gift. She seemed to be enjoying herself to me. â€Å"Hey,† Edward said cheerfully, trying to hide any evidence of distress in his voice. Anything to keep me from fighting practice. â€Å"That one barely stung. Good job, Bella.† I took a deep breath, trying to grasp exactly what I'd done right, i tested the elastic band, struggling to force it to remain solid as I stretched it away from me. â€Å"Again, Kate,† I grunted through my clenched teeth. Kate pressed her palm to Edward's shoulder. He sighed in relief. â€Å"Nothing that time.† She raised an eyebrow. â€Å"That wasn't low, either.† â€Å"Good,† I huffed. â€Å"Get ready,† she told me, and reached out to Edward again. This time he shuddered, and a low breath hissed between his teeth. â€Å"Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!† I chanted, biting my lip. Why couldn't I get this right? â€Å"You're doing an amazing job, Bella,† Edward said, pulling me tight against him. â€Å"You've really only been working at this for a few days and you're already projecting sporadically. Kate, tell her how well she's doing.† Kate pursed her lips. â€Å"I don't know. She's obviously got tremendous ability, and we're only beginning to touch it. She can do better, I'm sure. She's just lacking incentive.† I stared at her in disbelief, my lips automatically curling back from my teeth. How could she think I lacked motivation with her shocking Edward right here in front of me? I heard murmurs from the audience that had grown steadily as I practiced – only Eleazar, Carmen, and Tanya at first, but then Garrett had wandered over, then Benjamin and Tia, Siobhan and Maggie, and now even Alistair was peering down from a window on the third story. The spectators agreed with Edward; they thought I was already doing well. â€Å"Kate†¦,† Edward said in a warning voice as some new course of action occurred to her, but she was already in motion. She darted along the curve of the river to where Zafrina, Senna, and Renesmee were walking slowly, Renesmee's hand in Zafrina's as they traded pictures back and forth. Jacob shadowed them from a few feet behind. â€Å"Nessie,† Kate said – the newcomers had quickly picked up the irritating nickname, â€Å"would you like to come help your mother?† â€Å"No,† I half-snarled. Edward hugged me reassuringly. I shook him off just as Renesmee flitted across the yard to me, with Kate, Zafrina, and Senna right behind her. â€Å"Absolutely not, Kate,† I hissed. Renesmee reached for me, and I opened my arms automatically. She curled into me, pressing her head into the hollow beneath my shoulder. â€Å"But Momma, I want to help,† she said in a determined voice. Her hand rested against my neck, reinforcing her desire with images of the two of us together, a team. â€Å"No,† I said, quickly backing away. Kate had taken a deliberate step in my direction, her hand stretched toward us. â€Å"Stay away from us, Kate,† I warned her. â€Å"No.† She began stalking forward. She smiled like a hunter cornering her prey. I shifted Renesmee so that she was clinging to my back, still backing away at a pace that matched Kate's. Now my hands were free, and if Kate wanted to keep her hands attached to her wrists, she'd better keep her distance. Kate probably didn't understand, never having known for herself the passion of a mother for her child. She must not have realized just how far past too far she'd already gone. I was so furious that my vision took on a strange reddish tint, and my tongue tasted like burning metal. The strength I usually worked to keep restrained flowed through my muscles, and I knew I could crush her into diamond-hard rubble if she pushed me to it. The rage brought every aspect of my being into sharper focus. I could even feel the elasticity of my shield more exactly now – feel that it was not a band so much as a layer, a thin film that covered me from head to toe. With the anger rippling through my body, I had a better sense of it, a tighter hold on it. I stretched it around myself, out from myself, swaddling Renesmee completely inside it, just in case Kate got past my guard. Kate took another calculated step forward, and a vicious snarl ripped up my throat and through my clenched teeth. â€Å"Be careful, Kate,† Edward cautioned. Kate took another step, and then made a mistake even someone as inexpert as I could recognize. Just a short leap away from me, she looked away, turning her attention from me to Edward. Renesmee was secure on my back; I coiled to spring. â€Å"Can you hear anything from Nessie?† Kate asked him, her voice calm and easy. Edward darted into the space between us, blocking my line to Kate. â€Å"No, nothing at all,† he answered. â€Å"Now give Bella some space to calm down, Kate. You shouldn't goad her like that. I know she doesn't seem her age, but she's only a few months old.† â€Å"We don't have time to do this gently, Edward. We're going to have to push her. We only have a few weeks, and she's got the potential to – â€Å" â€Å"Back off for a minute, Kate.† Kate frowned but took Edward's warning more seriously than she'd taken mine. Renesmee's hand was on my neck; she was remembering Kate's attack, showing me that no harm was meant, that Daddy was in on it†¦. This did not pacify me. The spectrum of light I saw still seemed tainted with crimson. But I was in better control of myself, and I could see the wisdom of Kate's words. The anger helped me. I would learn faster under pressure. That didn't mean I liked it. â€Å"Kate,† I growled. I rested my hand on the small of Edward's back. I could still feel my shield like a strong, flexible sheet around Renesmee and me. I pushed it farther, forcing it around Edward. There was no sign of a flaw in the stretchy fabric, no threat of a tear. I panted with the effort, and my words came out sounding breathless rather than furious. â€Å"Again,† I said to Kate. â€Å"Edward only.† She rolled her eyes but flitted forward and pressed her palm to Edward's shoulder. â€Å"Nothing,† Edward said. I heard the smile in his voice. â€Å"And now?† Kate asked. â€Å"Stillnothing.† â€Å"And now?† This time, there was the sound of strain in her voice. â€Å"Nothing at all.† Kate grunted and stepped away. â€Å"Can you see this?† Zafrina asked in her deep, wild voice, staring intently at the three of us. Her English was strangely accented, her words pulling up in unexpected places. â€Å"I don't see anything I shouldn't,† Edward said. â€Å"And you, Renesmee?† Zafrina asked. Renesmee smiled at Zafrina and shook her head. My fury had almost entirely ebbed, and I clenched my teeth together, panting faster as I pushed out against the elastic shield; it felt like it was getting heavier the longer I held it. It pulled back, dragging inward. â€Å"No one panic,† Zafrina warned the little group watching me. â€Å"I want to see how far she can extend.† There was a shocked gasp from everyone there – Eleazar, Carmen, Tanya, Garrett, Benjamin, Tia, Siobhan, Maggie – everyone but Senna, who seemed prepared for whatever Zafrina was doing. The others' eyes were blank, their expressions anxious. â€Å"Raise your hand when you get your sight back,† Zafrina instructed. â€Å"Now, Bella. See how many you can shield.† My breath came out in a huff. Kate was the closest person to me besides Edward and Renesmee, but even she was about ten feet away. I locked my jaw and shoved, trying to heave the resisting, resilient safeguard farther from myself. Inch by inch I drove it toward Kate, fighting the reaction that fought back with every fraction that I gained. I only watched Kate's anxious expression while I worked, and I groaned quietly with relief when her eyes blinked and focused. She raised her hand. â€Å"Fascinating!† Edward murmured under his breath. â€Å"It's like one-way glass. I can read everything they're thinking, but they can't reach me behind it. And I can hear Renesmee, though I couldn't when I was on the outside. I'll bet Kate could shock me now, because she's underneath the umbrella. I still can't hear you†¦ hmmm. How does that work? I wonder if†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He continued to mumble to himself, but I couldn't listen to the words. I ground my teeth together, struggling to force the shield out to Garrett, who was closest to Kate. His hand came up. â€Å"Very good,† Zafrina complimented me. â€Å"Now – â€Å" But she'd spoken too soon; with a sharp gasp, I felt my shield recoil like a rubber band stretched too far, snapping back into its original shape. Renesmee, experiencing for the first time the blindness Zafrina had conjured for the others, trembled against my back. Wearily, I fought back against the elastic pull, forcing the shield to include her again. â€Å"Can I have a minute?† I panted. Since I'd become a vampire, I hadn't felt the need to rest even once before this moment. It was unnerving to feel so drained and yet so strong at the same time. â€Å"Of course,† Zafrina said, and the spectators relaxed as she let them see again. â€Å"Kate,† Garrett called as the others murmured and drifted slightly away, disturbed by the moment of blindness; vampires were not used to feeling vulnerable. The tall, sandy-haired Garrett was the only non-gifted immortal who seemed drawn to my practice sessions. I wondered what the lure was for the adventurer. â€Å"I wouldn't, Garrett,† Edward cautioned. Garrett continued toward Kate despite the warning, his lips pursed in speculation. â€Å"They say you can put a vampire flat on his back.† â€Å"Yes,† she agreed. Then, with a sly smile, she wiggled her fingers playfully at him. â€Å"Curious?† Garrett shrugged. â€Å"That's something I've never seen. Seems like it might be a bit of an exaggeration___† â€Å"Maybe,† Kate said, her face suddenly serious. â€Å"Maybe it only works on the weak or the young. I'm not sure. You look strong, though. Perhaps you could withstand my gift.† She stretched her hand out to him, palm up – a clear invitation. Her lips twitched, and I was pretty sure her grave expression was an attempt to hustle him. Garrett grinned at the challenge. Very confidently, he touched her palm with his index finger. And then, with a loud gasp, his knees buckled and he keeled over backward. His head hit a piece of granite with a sharp cracking noise. It was shocking to watch. My instincts recoiled against seeing an immortal incapacitated that way; it was profoundly wrong. â€Å"I told you so,† Edward muttered. Garrett's eyelids trembled for a few seconds, and then his eyes opened wide. He stared up at the smirking Kate, and a wondering smile lit his face. â€Å"Wow,† he said. â€Å"Did you enjoy that?† she asked skeptically. â€Å"I'm not crazy,† he laughed, shaking his head as he got slowly to his knees, â€Å"but that was sure something!† â€Å"That's what I hear.† Edward rolled his eyes. And then there was a low commotion from the front yard. I heard Carlisle speaking over a babble of surprised voices. â€Å"Did Alice send you?† he asked someone, his voice unsure, slightly upset. Another unexpected guest? Edward darted into the house and most of the others imitated him. I followed more slowly, Renesmee still perched on my back. I would give Carlisle a moment. Let him warm up the new guest, prepare him or her or them for the idea of what was coming. I pulled Renesmee into my arms as I walked cautiously around the house to enter through the kitchen door, listening to what I couldn't see. â€Å"No one sent us,† a deep whispery voice answered Carlisle's question. I was immediately reminded of the ancient voices of Aro and Caius, and I froze just inside the kitchen. I knew the front room was crowded – almost everyone had gone in to see the newest visitors – but there was barely any noise. Shallow breathing, that was all. Carlisle's voice was wary as he responded. â€Å"Then what brings you here now?† â€Å"Word travels,† a different voice answered, just as feathery as the first. â€Å"We heard hints that Volturi were moving against you. There were whispers that you would not stand alone. Obviously, the whispers were true. This is an impressive gathering.† â€Å"We are not challenging the Volturi,† Carlisle answered in a strained tone. â€Å"There has been a misunderstanding, that is all. A very serious misunderstanding, to be sure, but one we're hoping to clear up. What yousee are witnesses. We just need the Volturi to listen. We didn't – â€Å" â€Å"We don't care what they say you did,† the first voice interrupted. â€Å"And we don't care if you broke the law.† â€Å"No matter how egregiously,† the second inserted. â€Å"We've been waiting a millennium and a half for the Italian scum to be challenged,† said the first. â€Å"If there is any chance theywill fall, we will be here to see it.† â€Å"Or even to help defeat them,† the second added. They spoke ina smooth tandem, their voices so similar that less sensitive ears would assume there was only one speaker. â€Å"If we think you havea chance of success.† â€Å"Bella?†Edward called to me ina hard voice. â€Å"Bring Renesmee here, please. Maybe we should test our Romanian visitors' claims.† It helped to know that probably half of the vampires in the other room would come to Renesmee's defense if these Romanians were upset by her. I didn't like the sound of their voices, or the dark menace in their words. As I walked into the room, I could see that I was not alone in that assessment. Most of the motionless vampires glared with hostile eyes, anda few – Carmen, Tanya, Zafrina, and Senna – repositioned themselves subtly into defensive poses between the newcomers and Renesmee. The vampires at the door were both slight and short, one dark-haired and the other with hair so ashy blond that it looked pale gray. They had the same powdery look to their skin as the Volturi, though I thought it was not so pronounced. I couldn't be sure about that, as I had never seen the Volturi except with human eyes; I could not make a perfect comparison. Their sharp, narrow eyes were dark burgundy, with no milky film. They wore very simple black clothes that could pass as modern but hinted at older designs. The dark one grinned when I came into view. â€Å"Well, well, Carlisle. You have been naughty, haven't you?† â€Å"She's not what you think, Stefan.† â€Å"And we don't care either way,† the blonde responded. â€Å"As we said before.† â€Å"Then you're welcome to observe, Vladimir, but it is definitely not our plan to challenge the Volturi, as we said before.† â€Å"Then we'lljust cross our fingers,† Stefan began. â€Å"And hope we get lucky,† finished Vladimir. In the end, we had pulled together seventeen witnesses – the Irish, Siobhan, Liam, and Maggie; the Egyptians, Amun, Kebi, Benjamin, and Tia; the Amazons, Zafrina and Senna; the Romanians, Vladimir and Stefan; and the nomads, Charlotte and Peter, Garrett, Alistair, Mary, and Randall – to supplement our family of eleven. Tanya, Kate, Eleazar, and Carmen insisted on being counted as part of our family. Aside from the Volturi, it was probably the largest friendly gathering of mature vampires in immortal history. We all were beginning to be a little bit hopeful. Even I couldn't help it.Renesmee had won over so many in such a brief time.The Volturi only had to listen for just the tiniest second. The lasttwo surviving Romanians – focused only on their bitter resentment of the ones who had overthrown their empire fifteen hundred years earlier – took everything in stride. They would not touch Renesmee, but they showed no aversion to her. They seemed mysteriously delighted by our alliance with the werewolves.They watched me practice my shield with Zafrina and Kate, watched Edward answer unspoken questions, watched Benjaminpull geysers of water from the river or sharp gusts of wind from the still air with just his mind, and their eyes glowed with their fierce hope that the Volturi had finally met their match. We did not hope for the same things, but we all hoped.