Import And Export Of Pakistan Commerce Essay

Import And Export Of Pakistan Commerce Essay In todays world no matter how much progressive, successive or superpower a country is, no matter how much investment they made, how much modern technology theyre using in their country still theres not even a single a country who is self sufficient in all his needs without any import from the adjacent or neighboring countries. Who is not in a need to export anything from his country to the out world as he doesnt feel any necessity or required anything from the outer source? Hence every country is in need to import and export some of the things from other countries as thats the way to progress, development and success. These activities are the source of globalization and globalization results in welfare of well being along with fruitful results. Not even a single country is capable to produce or manufacture all the things/commodities by itself. So while producing things countries always look for the source/resources in which they are rich and are helpful in producing things with ease and that are advantageous for them. It produces things in which they are efficient and abundant and then either exchange them with other countries against things which they need or export them against cash and utilize that money as they want. The difference in level of production relatively the equipments that are used for this in different countries like production of things according to taste, requirements, technology factors etc have contributed majorly in import and export around the world and has greatly enhance basis of this activity. The countries are importing and exporting according to their needs and level of progress, development nature like countries that are much developed they export mostly good that are industrial and consumer goods and in exchange acquire primary sort of goods from them. On the other hand countries that are developing they export semi finished/unfinished goods, raw materials etc as they are industrialization base and in place of this import labor, finished goods, technology or services from the countries to run their industry. Now what is left at the end are the countries that have low income they are comparatively in a state of loss but it is a fact that a major contribution in the trade, import and export is by these low income countries that play their part in the economic development as well. On the example of low income countries is Pakistan. The promise and pitfalls of exporting While exporting every country faces and reap some of the advantages for which this activity was performed. Thus we can say that exporting promises some benefits to the exporting country but there are also some disadvantages against exporting activity that has to be faces by the country. Thus in short we can say that a country while doing this must has to keep certain things in consideration that if they are going to have some progress and a success in achieving their task then they also have to suffer some problems with this activity. For example if we take USA its market is very global and is very extensive for almost everything, but inspite of this hugeness it still doesnt facilitate few or more of the entrepreneurs. Who are these entrepreneurs? These are the minds who are interested in more growth. They are in search of place where their business can grow more, have more opportunity to growth and success and thus these minds prefer rest of the world as compared to USA. While doing business in import and export you need to go global obviously and thus this activity ensures some opportunities, benefits along with some drawbacks. Lets consider some of the following; In a country like Pakistan export is very much helpful as it increase the lifetime of a product or offerings by looking out for some new markets The dependence on certain markets that we have developed in some countries can be reduced by going global In a business faces situation of instability, impacts the fluctuations in its performance because of external factors like seasonal, environmental or political factors then its better to export things in new markets. This saves the face to loss moment. Gives an exposure, know-how about different things Going global is a source of fame, recognition and making relation that can be use in the hour of need. Enable them to be competitive, learn how to sustain stress situation and compete. Increase and polish growth potential. Aware us with different opportunities on international level that can be achieved. Similarly there are some pitfalls that we have to face while going globally; While going global and practicing export game one needs to have a very effective strategy which is not easy to plan in this aspect thus have to face failures and problems. Poor market analysis also cause huge problems while going global Ignorance of the difference in cultural is another pitfall thats been faced while exporting thus need to be keen in observing this difference Ignorance of host country language While exporting out things one needs to have a very strong and effective distribution chain. Managing the finance is another important factor that needs focus (John E. Cleek) Regulatory Bodies in Pakistan Some of the regulatory bodies for import and export in Pakistan are; TDAP (Trade Development Authority of Pakistan) EPB (Export Promotion Bureau) Improving Export Performance Exporters who are new they can improve their performance by using different techniques and avoiding pitfalls. There are certain ways in which export performance in Pakistan can be improved and are helpful for the exporters. Urge more investment in trade and try to make liberalized policy Try to control the shortfalls of accounts and reduce tax rate on exports. Built suitable tariffs for international trade. Resolve gas and power supply issues with firm policies Stabilized political environment An International Comparison One of the biggest problem in the way of successful exporting is the lack of knowledge about different countries we are going to deal and thats simply because of the reason that we have difference in our cultures, traditions, environments, requirements, time, language and are far apart from each other. We dont have much of the interaction with each other and lacks information about each other thats why most of the organizations in Pakistan seeks to have hesitation in export with other countries. This situation can simply be resolved by attaining information about other countries or countries we are going to deal with. Information Sources The Pakistani firms can increase their knowledge and awareness of export while doing business in various countries by gathering export information about them through various means. Like the organization of international trade centre (ITC) is a very useful source of providing information about export when were doing with different countries as it deals with exporters, the policy designers and institutions of trade support. To understand the foreign culture, trade aspects and other things organizations like this are very helpful to improve the export performance. Besides other organization include SECP, Chamber of Commerce along with some private organizations. Utilizing Export Management Companies This is another source of improving the export. In Pakistan institutions; like this who are working for the support and purpose of providing valuable information to export companies and their management skills playing their part in improvement. The exporters should gain advantage from their services, knowledge and skills. One of the very famous export management companies working in Pakistan is ITC that provides links and information related to policy formers, export management institutions. Exporting Strategy Exporting strategies are helpful to reduce the risks to export. By carefully manipulating and implementing these strategies they can prove beneficial for exporters. There are few guidelines, strategies and points that can be prove advantageous for the exporting businesses in Pakistan. In order to improve the export performance in Pakistan the skills development should be carefully observed. We are living in a era which exhibits rapid innovational techniques everyday in various fields of life, so expose new ideas and fulfill the demands of seekers in a effective and rapid way every day. To overcome the competitiveness in export skills in different aspects like labor, services, supply, quality etc should be improved. Pakistan has labor/human force that is young and energetic building their skills will obviously results in improved export performance. Try to reduce the cost of doing business especially when we are exporting. The high cost is usually because of two reasons, Unfavorable business environment Inadequacy of infrastructure Effective policies and strategies should be adopted and framed to overcome these problems. Provide a workable business environment that practices cooperation. Trade should be facilitated through trade supportive policies that urge the exporters to export more and more. As compared to other countries the export time taken by Pakistan is much more that shows the attitude of government policies, support and interest in this aspect. This area should be observed carefully and try to efficient the way of exporting by stating new policies. Export and Import Financing This term has to do a lot with import export as it exhibits the attitude when one businesses with someone who is stranger for him. He has to carry out export or import with him but is in a situation of total dis-trust. It creates lack of trust when doing import export. There are some financial devices used in Pakistan and internationally that has solved this matter and help to ensure the delivery of goods and payments while doing business across the border. It involves the following financing elements like letter of credit (LC), Bill of lading (BL), drafts. Lack of Trust Lack of trust is a huge hurdle in the way of import export. Firms doing business globally most of the time has to trust someone who is unseen and unknown. So it creates a level of lack of trust between both of them. One feels stress about the completion of his job by the other and other has a feeling about the receiving of payment against his services after completion of work that he may or may not receive his charges after accomplishing the task. Thus both the parties are in a state of confusion and this is because of lack of trust. In order to resolve this problem the concept of third party has been introduced and used here which is trusted by both the parties. The third party involved is bank. Letter of Credit Its a import export financing instrument that helps to carry out the international transaction with trust. It is issued by the bank on request of the importer that he will pay a particular amount of money sanctioned by the importer to the exporter on the delivery of the prescribed items or shipment under the conditions specified. This amount is paid to exporter on the presentation of specific legal documents that ensures that the party is eligible for this sum. Most of the time, this transaction is carried out by banks of importer and exporter on their behalf. In Pakistan majorly this instrument is used by the shipping lines to carry out their every day transactions. Like safemarine, Maersk, Rafey internationals etc Draft Draft is also known as bill of exchange. This financing instrument is used in international trade transaction to facilitate the payments with surety and trust. It its written by the exporter to other party importer that include the information to pay a particular amount of sum on a specific time. It can also be written to agent of exporter. It involves two parties Maker: the person or party who initiate the draft, it is usually exporter Drawee: the person or party to whom draft is send, it is usually importer There are two categories of drafts presented Sight Draft: it is payable on presentation to the drawee Time Draft: it is for a delay in payments Bill of Lading Its the third mode of financing import and export use. It is used by the common carrier for transporting merchandising issued by the exporter. It usually supports three purposes; it serves as a receipt, document of title and contract. Receipt show that the merchandise specified on the document has gained/received by the carrier, the term contract states that the carrier/transporter is oblige and bound to deliver services against the service charges, and the document of title is used to receive the payment/written promise before releasing the merchandise to the importer. Export Assistance The export assistance helps exporter to finance their export activities. Through this they are able to get finance help and also export credit insurance. Export assistance is provided by following bodies. Export-Import Bank The basic purpose of export-import banks is to make financially strong the exporters and importers to facilitate their export and import activities and strengthen the rate of exchange of commodities between countries. Recently the ministry of commerce in Pakistan, Islamabad has announced to establish an EXIM bank in the strategic trade policy framework to boost the exporters and make them competitive. According to director general trade policy Safdar Sohail it is the need of hour to establish such institution that support exports if we need Pakistan to boost its trade with international standards. Export Credit Insurance These are the institutions that have been known to serve the exports as collateral to meet their needs. It usually consists of those private commercial institutions who are working under the supervision of import-export banks to facilitate the exporters. If the importer defaults in his payment then it provides the credit insurance. Countertrade Countertrade is a bit different to trade in a meaning in terms of money, as it refers to the process of carry out trade in terms of good/services or commodities instead of money. We can say that when conventional means of payment are difficult like payment in the form of money is not possible or difficult then this way is structured to carry out international sale in terms of other commodities that are used against money. Types of countertrade There are few types of counter trade which are as follows Barter It is an old system of carrying out transactions when there was no money. Good used to be exchange against goods without involvement of cash. Here those goods are exchanges which have equal value. As it was an old technique it has two problems, One of the parties involved in trade end up to finance other if the goods that are traded are not exchanged simultaneously Commodities that are used may not have a re-sale value, they may be un-useable or unwanted. Counterpurchase Its a sort of transaction that includes two separate simultaneous transactions between the two parties that either involves cash or not Offset Here it involves an extensive arrangement in such a way that seller is needed to assist in or have to make arrangements for the marketing of the goods that produced by the purchasing country. Sometimes it also allow the purchasing country that they can produce a portion of the product in their own country Switch trading It occurs when the counterpurchase of a firm is buying by the third party and then sold them to some other firms that can use them effectively. It involves a change in the destination of goods exported with reference to their destined country Compensations or buybacks It involves the repayment in the form of goods/services that are produced by the technology or instruments provided by the seller of those goods. Pros and Cons of Countertrade Countertrade helps a firm to finance its export deal in the absence of other means It helps those countries who lack adequate foreign currency stock/reserves Attractive to huge multinational enterprises Benefits Helpful to make entry possible in difficult markets Source of companies increase sales Reduce currency exchange problems Enhance sales and reduce credit problems Disadvantages Costs increase Risky when involves commodities Time taking Conclusion The overall discussion simply narrated the importance of exports in Pakistan with imports. It shows the problems we are facing and government needs to have strong policies to overcome these issues if they want to attain a sustainable place in international business marketing. To grow our exports strong policies should be designed by the ministry of commerce and other trade supportive organizations. If trade provides benefits then it also brings some issues and problems it is up to the decision and abilities of the government what they want to have. Import and exports of a country plays a vital role in the economic development of a country thus this fields a hell lot of concentration.

Prosecuting Argument Essay

Prosecuting Argument Paper In presenting its case against, Mr. Stu Dent involving the deceased victim, Uma Opee, the prosecution intends to show the elements of crime are present in each of the charges lodged against the defendant, Stu Dents. Members of the team will provide a specific law for each charge which may be found in one of the following states; Indiana, Minnesota, and Texas. However, the prosecution team has decided that it will pursue this particular case in the great State of Texas, as it feels that it will receive a greater chance of achieving its goal of the severest punishment in the matter. Argument The prosecution’s argument is that the defendant is not only guilty of the charges brought against him in the matter of State v. Stu Dents but is liable as well because he knowingly and purposefully committed the crimes on the victim, Uma Opee. All three elements, mens rea, actus reus, and concurrence were present at the time. Mr. Dents was very detailed and meticulous in the manner in which he went about, as he penned in fulfilling his destiny in the journal found by officers in his home. This is considered premeditated. Probable cause has been established in connecting the defendant tothe crime through DNA testing. Officers found mor than 300 photographs stapled to a wall in a locked room located in the back of the defendant’s home. Three counts of possession will be sought for the MDMA also known as ecstasy, cocaine, and methamphetamine drugs found in the defendant’s home. Kidnapping as the victim was taken by force from her place of residence. Signs of cuts a nd bruises on the victim’s shows Uma put up a struggle. The victim’s hands and feet were tied with rope; particles of which were found in the victim’s home along with blood spots. The victim’s jewelry, specifically an inscribed ring, was found among the defendant’s possession. Lastly, the defendant intentionally assaulted a law enforcement officer when he punched Officer T. Chur in the face during his apprehension. Homicide Mr. Dents murdered the victim with malice and forethought. During the search of the defendant’s home, a journal was found. In the journal, Mr. Dents gives the details of how he purchased ropes, rags, and a sharp hunting knife. These items were purchased to fulfill the defendant’s destiny. The act of purchasing the supplies is premeditated and warrants the charge of capital murder. Capital murder is found under Sec. 19.03.of the Texas penal code. The part that applies to this case is section 19.02 (b) (1) along with number 2 of section 19.03. Section 19.03 number 2 of the Texas penal code (2011) states, â€Å"the person intentionally commits the murder in the course of committing or attempting to commit kidnapping, burglary, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, arson, obstruction or retaliation, or terroristic threat under Section 22.07(a)(1), (3), (4), (5), or (6).† Mr. Dents committed two of the offenses mentioned – kidnapping and burglary. Assault Moreover, on October 21st at 8:45 p.m., Stu Dents was arrested for numerous charges. One of which is the arrest by Officer T. Chur. Mr. Dents appeared agitated, irrational, and combative in his behavior. Mr. Dents then punched the officer while screaming obscenities. The defendant intentionally, knowingly or recklessly caused bodily injury to the victim. In the State of Minnesota there are no classifications for its felonies; they are instead broken into categories with punishments (StateLaws, n.d.). . In this matter, Mr. Dents assaulted a police officer which is a willful attempt or willful threat to inflict injury on another person. It may also include the act of intentionally frightening another person into fearing immediate bodily harm (Schmalleger, Hall, & Dolatowski, 2010, p.227). The victim was in fact a law enforcement officer on duty at the time of the offense. In the State of Minnesota 609.2231Assaul in the Fourth Degree. Subdivision 1. Peace officers. Whoever physically as saults a peace officer licensed under section 626.845, subdivision 1, when that officer is effecting a lawful arrest or executing any other duty imposed by law is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both. If the assault inflicts demonstrable bodily harm or the person intentionally throws or otherwise transfers bodily fluids or feces at or onto the officer, the person is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years or to payment of a fine of not more than $6,000, or both (Revisor of Statutes, 2012). Stu Dents felt no obligation to be placed in hand cuffs, therefore acted out and inflicted bodily pain towards Officer T. Chur. Kidnapping Mr. Dents has been charged with kidnapping in the crimes committed against the victim, Uma Opee. Indiana Code (IC) 35-42-3-2 Version b Kidnapping Sec. 2 (b) A person who knowingly or intentionally removes another person, by fraud, enticement, force, or threat of force, from one place to another (Indiana Codes, n.d.). This a Class A Felony in the State of Indiana and carries penalty if convicted and a fine of up to $10,000 (Thomas, 2013). Some examples of a Class A felony include the following: Rape, Kidnapping, Child Molesting, Dealing in Cocaine, a Narcotic Drug of Methamphetamine in an amount over three (3) grams, and Armed Robbery resulting in injury. As we know, there was evidence of a struggle, blood spots, and particles from the rope found on the carpeting of the victim’s home. The coroner has determined that Uma bled to death from the stab wounds inflicted. Since, there were signs of bleeding in the victim’s home, yet her body was transported to another place whe re she was later discovered with her hands and feet bound; we are seeking a charge of kidnapping. Burglary Burglary is breaking or entering into a dwelling or structure with the intent to commit a crime. In the case of the State v. Stu Dents two eyewitnesses saw Mr. Stu Dent walks through the Broadway apartments to Ms. Uma Opee’s apartment 156, and goes inside. There were no signs of forced entry or if Mr. Stu Dent had a key. During an investigation of the defendant’s home, jewelry was found belonging to the victim. It was an inscribed ring with the victim’s name. The ring was later identified by coworkers as a ring the victim wore on a daily basis, including the day of her disappearance. The state of Indiana is charging Mr. Stu Dent with Burglary IC 35-43-2-1which is â€Å"a â€Å"class â€Å"B† Felony that carries a penalty upon conviction of a fixed term between six (6) and twenty (20) years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.00 (Thomas, 2013)†. The State of Indiana will prosecute Mr. Stu Dent, because there is enough evidence in the case with the two witnesses and the evidence from the victim apartment to support the fact that Mr. Stu Dent was at the crime scene and involved in the crime. Possession of drugs When arrested, the defendant had no illegal drugs in his system. However, the illegal drugs found in the defendant’s possession are ecstasy, cocaine, and methamphetamine was found in the possessions of the defendant. Cocaine powder residue was found on the defendant’s coffee table in the defendant’s living room. This is a perfect place to bag the product. Ecstasy with a â€Å"thumbs-up† imprint was found under a table in the victim’s living room. The victim had no drugs in her system, and had completed court-ordered rehabilitation two months before her death. There is only one possible conclusion. Mr. Dent was in possession of said drugs. Possession or Delivery of Drug Paraphernalia (using or possessing with intent to use) [Tex. Health & Safety Code  § 481.125(a), (d)]. In the State of Texas it depends on the amount, weight and classification of the drugs in determining the sentence. Conclusion The prosecution is prepared to produce all the evidence in this case to show the jury that in the case of the State v. Stu Dent that Mr. Stu Dent is guilty of homicide, assault of a police officer, kidnapping, burglary, and crimes related to drugs. The prosecution will take this case step by step to show the jury all the elements are present for a conviction in this case. The actus reus shows in the evidence that Ms. Uma Opee the victim was repeatedly stabbed 13 times and tied up. The mens rea shows that there was a guilty mind and a criminal intent, because Mr. Stu Dent wall was completely covered with photographs of the victim in various locations and situations. It did not appear that the victim knew her picture was being taken. The police found over 300 photographs of the victim stapled to his wall. Insomuch, his journal detailed his first meeting with the victim up to the night she was murdered. The entries discussed purchasing rope, rags, and a sharp hunting knife. The prosecut ion will also show that Mr. Stu Dent assaulted a police officer, kidnapped, burglarized, and drugs were found in his apartment. We are seeking justice not only for the victim Ms. Uma Opee, but also her family. Mr. Stu Dent is being charged with five crimes and we are asking the jury to find him guilty on all counts. References Minnesota Statutes (2012). The Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Retrieved from: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=609.2231 Penal Code Title 5, (2011) Offenses against the Person, Chapter 19; Criminal Homicide, Retrieved from: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PE/htm/PE.19.htm on 9/11/2013 Punishment Range (2012) Penal Code Offenses. Retrieved from: https://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/pdfs/penalcode.pdf on 9/11/2013 Thomas, R. G. (2013). Classes of offenses in Indiana. Retrieved from: http://www.defenselawyerindiana.com/levels.html Schmalleger, F., Hall, D. E., & Dolatowski, J. J. (2010). Criminal Law Today (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall State laws. Retrieved from: http://statelaws.net/Minnesota-Felony.php http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title35/ar42/ch3.html

Ragtime Essay examples - 850 Words

Ragtime was a very influential part of the development of jazz. Ragtime became very popular in the late 1800’s. Ragtime’s distinct style set it apart from the other genres. Syncopation is what defines this art form. This is when the loud accents fall in between the beats. Anything that is syncopated is basically ragtime. One of the most important ragtime composers was Scott Joplin. Like all great artists, Joplin did not restrict himself to this favored art form. Both before the advent of ragtime and after, Joplin composed marches and waltzes, including the syncopated waltzes. Theres more to ragtime than syncopation, while some very good ragtime is not of the classic form. But the lines are often blurred. Ragtimes influence on other†¦show more content†¦Other developments led to the ``trumpet-piano style of Earl Hines and Teddy Weatherford and to the swing style of Duke Ellington. Some Historians consider ragtime to be the very first jazz style. Although it cann ot actually be classified as jazz, ragtime is definitely a very influential part of jazz. In Louisiana at this time there was music everywhere. Ragtime bands and marching bands were joining together. Mexican bands were also and influence especially in the way the trumpets and horns were played. All this merging of different band sounds was important in the creation of jazz. Eventually the instruments used in marching bands crossed over into jazz instruments. The drums and clarinet filled in for the marching band instruments. New Orleans was such a melting pot for music and culture but it was also a party town. This party scene was also a part of how jazz was molded. The demand for fresh new music was high, which caused musicians to alter and elongate their styles. All the new creations and variations on the music in the end fused into jazz. 2. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The blues first emerged as a distinct type of music in the late-1800s. Spirituals, work songs, seculars, field hollers and arhoolies all had some form of influence on the blues. Early blues were a curious mixture of African cross-rhythms and vocal techniques, Anglo-American melodies and thematic material from fables and folktales, and tales of personal experience onShow MoreRelatedRagtime by E.L. Doctorow1502 Words   |  6 Pagesspeed.† E.L. Doctorow’s novel Ragtime, which has been adapted into a stage production as well, stands as an example of precisely this sort of text. There is the question of the association of the cultural, historical, and fictional characteristics of Ragtime that critic Brian Roberts has called the â€Å"central metaphor† of the novel. 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Doctorow doesn#8217;t hold back anything, providing detailed examples of human cruelty and sacrifice, and the evolution of American societyRead MoreIntertextuality In Ragtime1466 Words   |  6 Pagesreferences, It use can be implemented to reflect a period of history. This study aims to reveal and present the intertextual relations that Ragtime presents to America’s history during the early 20th century. The aim of this segment will be to show the use of intertextuality to reveal Doctorow’s intention in citing historical characters and events history within Ragtime, juxtaposing them with the fictitious world of the story. First and foremost, Ragtime’s intertextual material and connections are placedRead More Scott Joplin Essay1053 Words   |  5 Pages Scott Joplin (1868-1917) Scott Joplin, commonly known as the quot;King of Ragtimequot; music, was born on November 24, 1868, in Bowie County, Texas near Linden. Joplin came from a large musical family. His father, Giles Joplin was a musician who had fiddled dance music while serving as a slave at his masters parties. His mother, Florence Givens Joplin, born free and out of slavery, sang and played the banjo, and four of his brothers and sisters either sang or played strings. Joplins talentRead MoreAnalysis Of The Of Ragtime 1734 Words   |  7 PagesSocialism in America E3 Argumentative essay Sonia Rani 3/17/2017 Ragtime is an interesting depiction of cultural and political change. It can be argued that the story is not just a reflection of the events in the 20th Century but the novel reflects the events that continue to happen until today in socialism. For instance, the novel gives a glimpse of the kind of life experienced by many African Americans. They were victimized by the society and the persons in authority refuse to help them. Even

Social Work As A Profession - 1869 Words

Personal Statement Cutley S. Thadison Purpose of social work choice of social work as a profession. Social Work is a powerful, selfless profession. We as a profession enable persons within a community achieve positive and beneficial goals. We speak for those who can’t speak for themselves while teaching them how to speak for themselves. The profession of social work is about putting the needs of others before self. I have decided to pursue social work as a profession due to my desire of wanting to help others to set and accomplish their own personal beneficial goals. The profession is all about making a difference for me as the worker and leaving a lasting impact on the lives of my clients. From my experience and studies I have learned social work is a profession that provides a variety of services for clients, families, groups, communities, and society. I want to be able to help clients learn how to help themselves, which requires me as their social worker to be capable of recognizing the issues at hand and also be knowledgeable enough to carry out the duties that would be necessary to help that client progress in life. I feel that social work is a profession that should not be taking lightly. This field of work is about enhancing the quality of life and leaving the situation you encounter in a better state than when you as the worker made first contact. A person in this field has to be able to handle stress and also be committed to performing a task at their highestShow MoreRelatedSocial Work As a Profession685 Words   |  3 PagesChoosing social work as my future profession was a decision I made after much reflection, considering the fact that more than just a profession, social work is a vocation that I must commit to, professionally and personally. 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Positives And Negatives Of Technology - 1037 Words

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The Lost Symbol Chapter 37-39 Free Essays

string(35) " her whole head under the ethanol\." CHAPTER 37 Mal’akh had seen some eerie spaces in his life, but few rivaled the unearthly world of Pod 3. Wet Pod. The massive room looked as if a mad scientist had taken over a Walmart and packed every aisle and shelf with specimen jars of all shapes and sizes. We will write a custom essay sample on The Lost Symbol Chapter 37-39 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Lit like a photographic darkroom, the space was bathed in a reddish haze of â€Å"safelight† that emanated from beneath the shelves, filtering upward and illuminating the ethanol-filled containers. The clinical smell of preservative chemicals was nauseating. â€Å"This pod houses over twenty thousand species,† the chubby girl was saying. â€Å"Fish, rodents, mammals, reptiles.† â€Å"All dead, I hope?† Mal’akh asked, making a show of sounding nervous. The girl laughed. â€Å"Yes, yes. All very much dead. I’ll admit, I didn’t dare come in for at least six months after I started work.† Mal’akh could understand why. Everywhere he looked there were specimen jars of dead life- forms–salamanders, jellyfish, rats, bugs, birds, and other things he could not begin to identify. As if this collection were not unsettling enough on its own, the hazy red safelights that protected these photosensitive specimens from long-term light exposure gave the visitor the feeling he was standing inside a giant aquarium, where lifeless creatures were somehow congregating to watch from the shadows. â€Å"That’s a coelacanth,† the girl said, pointing to a big Plexiglas container that held the ugliest fish Mal’akh had ever seen. â€Å"They were thought to be extinct with the dinosaurs, but this was caught off Africa a few years back and donated to the Smithsonian.† Lucky you, Mal’akh thought, barely listening. He was busy scanning the walls for security cameras. He saw only one–trained on the entry door–not surprising, considering that entrance was probably the only way in. â€Å"And here is what you wanted to see . . .† she said, leading him to the giant tank he had seen from the window. â€Å"Our longest specimen.† She swept her arm out over the vile creature like a game-show host displaying a new car. â€Å"Architeuthis.† The squid tank looked like a series of glass phone booths had been laid on their sides and fused end to end. Within the long, clear Plexiglas coffin hovered a sickeningly pale and amorphous shape. Mal’akh gazed down at the bulbous, saclike head and its basketball-size eyes. â€Å"Almost makes your coelacanth look handsome,† he said. â€Å"Wait till you see her lit.† Trish flipped back the long lid of the tank. Ethanol fumes wafted out as she reached down into the tank and flipped a switch just above the liquid line. A string of fluorescent lights flickered to life along the entire base of the tank. Architeuthis was now shining in all her glory–a colossal head attached to a slithery mass of decaying tentacles and razor-sharp suckers. She began talking about how Architeuthis could beat a sperm whale in a fight. Mal’akh heard only empty prattling. The time had come. Trish Dunne always felt a bit uneasy in Pod 3, but the chill that had just run through her felt different. Visceral. Primal. She tried to ignore it, but it grew quickly now, clawing deeply at her. Although Trish could not seem to place the source of her anxiety, her gut was clearly telling her it was time to leave. â€Å"Anyhow, that’s the squid,† she said, reaching into the tank and turning off the display light. â€Å"We should probably get back to Katherine’s–â€Å" A broad palm clamped hard over her mouth, yanking her head back. Instantly, a powerful arm was wrapped around her torso, pinning her against a rock-hard chest. For a split second, Trish went numb with shock. Then came the terror. The man groped across her chest, grabbing her key card and yanking down hard. The cord burned the back of her neck before snapping. The key card fell on the floor at their feet. She fought, trying to twist away, but she was no match for the man’s size and strength. She tried to scream, but his hand remained tightly across her mouth. He leaned down and placed his mouth next to her ear, whispering, â€Å"When I take my hand off your mouth, you will not scream, is that clear?† She nodded vigorously, her lungs burning for air. I can’t breathe! The man removed his hand from her mouth, and Trish gasped, inhaling deeply. â€Å"Let me go!† she demanded, breathless. â€Å"What the hell are you doing?† â€Å"Tell me your PIN number,† the man said. Trish felt totally at a loss. Katherine! Help! Who is this man?! â€Å"Security can see you!† she said, knowing full well they were out of range of the cameras. And nobody is watching anyway. â€Å"Your PIN number,† the man repeated. â€Å"The one that matches your key card.† An icy fear churned in her gut, and Trish spun violently, wriggling an arm free and twisting around, clawing at the man’s eyes. Her fingers hit flesh and raked down one cheek. Four dark gashes opened on his flesh where she scratched him. Then she realized the dark stripes on his flesh were not blood. The man was wearing makeup, which she had just scratched off, revealing dark tattoos hidden underneath. Who is this monster?! With seemingly superhuman strength, the man spun her around and hoisted her up, pushing her out over the open squid tank, her face now over the ethanol. The fumes burned her nostrils. â€Å"What is your PIN number?† he repeated. Her eyes burned, and she could see the pale flesh of the squid submerged beneath her face. â€Å"Tell me,† he said, pushing her face closer to the surface. â€Å"What is it?† Her throat was burning now. â€Å"Zero-eight-zero-four!† she blurted, barely able to breathe. â€Å"Let me go! Zero-eight-zero-four!† â€Å"If you’re lying,† he said, pushing down farther, her hair in the ethanol now. â€Å"I’m not lying!† she said, coughing. â€Å"August 4! It’s my birthday!† â€Å"Thank you, Trish.† His powerful hands clasped her head tighter, and a crushing force rammed her downward, plunging her face into the tank. Searing pain burned her eyes. The man pressed down harder, driving her whole head under the ethanol. You read "The Lost Symbol Chapter 37-39" in category "Essay examples" Trish felt her face pressing into the fleshy head of the squid. Summoning all of her strength, she bucked violently, arching backward, trying to pull her head out of the tank. But the powerful hands did not budge. I have to breathe! She remained submerged, straining not to open her eyes or mouth. Her lungs burned as she fought the powerful urge to breathe in. No! Don’t! But Trish’s inhalation reflex finally took over. Her mouth flew open, and her lungs expanded violently, attempting to suck in the oxygen that her body craved. In a searing rush, a wave of ethanol poured into her mouth. As the chemicals gushed down her throat into her lungs, Trish felt a pain like nothing she had ever imagined possible. Mercifully, it lasted only a few seconds before her world went black. Mal’akh stood beside the tank, catching his breath and surveying the damage. The lifeless woman lay slumped over the rim of the tank, her face still submerged in ethanol. Seeing her there, Mal’akh flashed on the only other woman he had ever killed. Isabel Solomon. Long ago. Another life. Mal’akh gazed down now at the woman’s flaccid corpse. He grabbed her ample hips and lifted with his legs, hoisting her up, pushing forward, until she began to slide over the rim of the squid tank. Trish Dunne slithered headfirst down into the ethanol. The rest of her body followed, sloshing down. Gradually, the ripples subsided, leaving the woman hovering limp over the huge sea creature. As her clothing got heavier, she began to sink, slipping into the darkness. Bit by bit, Trish Dunne’s body settled on top of the great beast. Mal’akh wiped his hands and replaced the Plexiglas lid, sealing the tank. Wet Pod has a new specimen. He retrieved Trish’s key card from the floor and slipped it in his pocket: 0804. When Mal’akh had first seen Trish in the lobby, he’d seen a liability. Then he’d realized her key card and password were his insurance. If Katherine’s data-storage room was as secure as Peter had implied, then Mal’akh was anticipating some challenges persuading Katherine to unlock it for him. I now have my own set of keys. He was pleased to know he would no longer have to waste time bending Katherine to his will. As Mal’akh stood up straight, he saw his own reflection in the window and could tell his makeup was badly mangled. It didn’t matter anymore. By the time Katherine put it all together, it would be too late. CHAPTER 38 â€Å"This room is Masonic?† Sato demanded, turning from the skull and staring at Langdon in the darkness. Langdon nodded calmly. â€Å"It’s called a Chamber of Reflection. These rooms are designed as cold, austere places in which a Mason can reflect on his own mortality. By meditating on the inevitability of death, a Mason gains a valuable perspective on the fleeting nature of life.† Sato looked around the eerie space, apparently not convinced. â€Å"This is some kind of meditation room?† â€Å"Essentially, yes. These chambers always incorporate the same symbols–skull and crossed bones, scythe, hourglass, sulfur, salt, blank paper, a candle, et cetera. The symbols of death inspire Masons to ponder how better to lead their lives while on this earth.† â€Å"It looks like a death shrine,† Anderson said. That’s kind of the point. â€Å"Most of my symbology students have the same reaction at first.† Langdon often assigned them Symbols of Freemasonry by Beresniak, which contained beautiful photos of Chambers of Reflection. â€Å"And your students,† Sato demanded, â€Å"don’t find it unnerving that Masons meditate with skulls and scythes?† â€Å"No more unnerving than Christians praying at the feet of a man nailed to a cross, or Hindus chanting in front of a four-armed elephant named Ganesh. Misunderstanding a culture’s symbols is a common root of prejudice.† Sato turned away, apparently in no mood for a lecture. She moved toward the table of artifacts. Anderson tried to light her way with the flashlight, but the beam was beginning to dim. He tapped the heel of the light and coaxed it to burn a little brighter. As the threesome moved deeper into the narrow space, the pungent tang of sulfur filled Langdon’s nostrils. The subbasement was damp, and the humidity in the air was activating the sulfur in the bowl. Sato arrived at the table and stared down at the skull and accompanying objects. Anderson joined her, doing his best to light the desk with the weakening beam of his flashlight. Sato examined everything on the table and then placed her hands on her hips, sighing. â€Å"What is all this junk?† The artifacts in this room, Langdon knew, were carefully selected and arranged. â€Å"Symbols of transformation,† he told her, feeling confined as he inched forward and joined them at the table. â€Å"The skull, or caput mortuum, represents man’s final transformation through decay; it’s a reminder that we all shed our mortal flesh one day. The sulfur and salt are alchemical catalysts that facilitate transformation. The hourglass represents the transformational power of time.† He motioned to the unlit candle. â€Å"And this candle represents the formative primordial fire and the awakening of man from his ignorant slumber–transformation through illumination.† â€Å"And . . . that?† Sato asked, pointing into the corner. Anderson swung his dimming flashlight beam to the giant scythe that leaned against the back wall. â€Å"Not a death symbol, as most assume,† Langdon said. â€Å"The scythe is actually a symbol of the transformative nourishment of nature–the reaping of nature’s gifts.† Sato and Anderson fell silent, apparently trying to process their bizarre surroundings. Langdon wanted nothing more than to get out of the place. â€Å"I realize this room may seem unusual,† he told them, â€Å"but there’s nothing to see here; it’s really quite normal. A lot of Masonic lodges have chambers exactly like this one.† â€Å"But this is not a Masonic lodge!†Anderson declared. â€Å"It’s the U.S. Capitol, and I’d like to know what the hell this room is doing in my building.† â€Å"Sometimes Masons set aside rooms like this in their offices or private homes as meditation spaces. It is not uncommon.† Langdon knew a heart surgeon in Boston who had converted a closet in his office into a Masonic Chamber of Reflection so he could ponder mortality before going into surgery. Sato looked troubled. â€Å"You’re saying Peter Solomon comes down here to reflect on death?† â€Å"I really don’t know,† Langdon said sincerely. â€Å"Maybe he created it as a sanctuary for his Masonic brothers who work in the building, giving them a spiritual sanctuary away from the chaos of the material world . . . a place for a powerful lawmaker to reflect before making decisions that affect his fellow man.† â€Å"Lovely sentiment,† Sato said, her tone sarcastic, â€Å"but I have a feeling Americans might have a problem with their leaders praying in closets with scythes and skulls.† Well, they shouldn’t, Langdon thought, imagining how different a world it might be if more leaders took time to ponder the finality of death before racing off to war. Sato pursed her lips and carefully surveyed all four corners of the candle lit chamber. â€Å"There must be something in here besides human bones and bowls of chemicals, Professor. Someone transported you all the way from your home in Cambridge to be in this precise room.† Langdon clutched his daybag to his side, still unable to imagine how the package he carried might relate to this chamber. â€Å"Ma’am, I’m sorry, but I don’t see anything out of the ordinary here.† Langdon hoped that now at last they could get to the business of trying to find Peter. Anderson’s light flickered again, and Sato spun on him, her temper starting to show. â€Å"For Christ’s sake, is it too much to ask?† She plunged her hand into her pocket and yanked out a cigarette lighter. Striking her thumb on the flint, she held out the flame and lit the desk’s lone candle. The wick sputtered and then caught, spreading a ghostly luminescence throughout the constricted space. Long shadows raked the stone walls. As the flame grew brighter, an unexpected sight materialized before them. â€Å"Look!† Anderson said, pointing. In the candlelight, they could now see a faded patch of graffiti–seven capital letters scrawled across the rear wall. VITRIOL â€Å"An odd choice of word,† Sato said as the candlelight cast a frightening skull-shaped silhouette across the letters. â€Å"Actually, it’s an acronym,† Langdon said. â€Å"It’s written on the rear wall of most chambers like this as a shorthand for the Masonic meditative mantra: Visita interiora terrae, rectificando invenies occultum lapidem.† Sato eyed him, looking almost impressed. â€Å"Meaning?† â€Å"Visit the interior of the earth, and by rectifying, you will find the hidden stone.† Sato’s gaze sharpened. â€Å"Does the hidden stone have any connection to a hidden pyramid?† Langdon shrugged, not wanting to encourage the comparison. â€Å"Those who enjoy fantasizing about hidden pyramids in Washington would tell you that occultum lapidem refers to the stone pyramid, yes. Others will tell you it’s a reference to the Philosopher’s Stone–a substance alchemists believed could bring them everlasting life or turn lead into gold. Others claim it’s a reference to the Holy of Holies, a hidden stone chamber at the core of the Great Temple. Some say it’s a Christian reference to the hidden teachings of Saint Peter–the Rock. Every esoteric tradition interprets `the stone’ in its own way, but invariably the occultum lapidem is a source of power and enlightenment.† Anderson cleared his throat. â€Å"Is it possible Solomon lied to this guy? Maybe he told him there was something down here . . . and there really isn’t.† Langdon was having similar thoughts. Without warning, the candle flame flickered, as if caught by a draft. It dimmed for a moment and then recovered, burning brightly again. â€Å"That’s odd,† Anderson said. â€Å"I hope no one closed the door upstairs.† He strode out of the chamber into the darkness of the hallway. â€Å"Hello?† Langdon barely noticed him leave. His gaze had been drawn suddenly to the rear wall. What just happened? â€Å"Did you see that?† Sato asked, also staring with alarm at the wall. Langdon nodded, his pulse quickening. What did I just see? A moment earlier, the rear wall seemed to have shimmered, as if a ripple of energy had passed through it. Anderson now strode back into the room. â€Å"No one’s out there.† As he entered, the wall shimmered again. â€Å"Holy shit!† he exclaimed, jumping back. All three stood mute for a long moment, staring in unison at the back wall. Langdon felt another chill run through him as he realized what they were seeing. He reached out tentatively, until his fingertips touched the rear surface of the chamber. â€Å"It’s not a wall,† he said. Anderson and Sato stepped closer, peering intently. â€Å"It’s a canvas,† Langdon said. â€Å"But it billowed,† Sato said quickly. Yes, in a very strange way. Langdon examined the surface more closely. The sheen on the canvas had refracted the candlelight in a startling manner because the canvas had just billowed away from the room . . . fluttering backward through the plane of the rear wall. Langdon extended his outstretched fingers very gently, pressing the canvas backward. Startled, he yanked his hand back. There’s an opening! â€Å"Pull it aside,† Sato ordered. Langdon’s heart pounded wildly now. He reached up and clutched the edge of the canvas banner, slowly pulling the fabric to one side. He stared in disbelief at what lay hidden behind it. My God. Sato and Anderson stood in stunned silence as they looked through the opening in the rear wall. Finally, Sato spoke. â€Å"It appears we’ve just found our pyramid.† CHAPTER 39 Robert Langdon stared at the opening in the rear wall of the chamber. Hidden behind the canvas banner, a perfectly square hole had been hollowed out of the wall. The opening, about three feet across, appeared to have been created by removing a series of bricks. For a moment, in the darkness, Langdon thought the hole was a window to a room beyond. Now he saw it was not. The opening extended only a few feet into the wall before terminating. Like a rough-hewn cubbyhole, the recessed niche reminded Langdon of a museum alcove designed to hold a statuette. Fittingly, this niche displayed one small object. About nine inches tall, it was a piece of carved, solid granite. The surface was elegant and smooth with four polished sides that shone in the candlelight. Langdon could not fathom what it was doing here. A stone pyramid? â€Å"From your look of surprise,† Sato said, sounding self-satisfied, â€Å"I take it this object is not typical within a Chamber of Reflection?† Langdon shook his head. â€Å"Then perhaps you would like to reassess your previous claims regarding the legend of a Masonic Pyramid hidden in Washington?† Her tone now was almost smug. â€Å"Director,† Langdon replied instantly, â€Å"this little pyramid is not the Masonic Pyramid.† â€Å"So it is merely coincidence that we found a pyramid hidden at the heart of the U.S. Capitol in a secret chamber belonging to a Masonic leader?† Langdon rubbed his eyes and tried to think clearly. â€Å"Ma’am, this pyramid doesn’t resemble the myth in any way. The Masonic Pyramid is described as enormous, with a tip forged of solid gold.† Moreover, Langdon knew, this little pyramid–with its flat top–was not even a true pyramid. Without its tip, this was another symbol entirely. Known as an Unfinished Pyramid, it was a symbolic reminder that man’s ascent to his full human potential was always a work in progress. Though few realized it, this symbol was the most widely published symbol on earth. Over twenty billion in print. Adorning every one-dollar bill in circulation, the Unfinished Pyramid waited patiently for its shining capstone, which hovered above it as a reminder of America’s yet- unfulfilled destiny and the work yet to be done, both as a country and as individuals. â€Å"Lift it down,† Sato said to Anderson, motioning to the pyramid. â€Å"I want a closer look.† She began making room on the desk by shoving the skull and crossed bones to one side with no reverence whatsoever. Langdon was starting to feel like they were common grave robbers, desecrating a personal shrine. Anderson maneuvered past Langdon, reached into the niche, and clamped his large palms on either side of the pyramid. Then, barely able to lift at this awkward angle, he slid the pyramid toward him and lowered it with a hard thud onto the wooden desk. He stepped back to give Sato room. The director repositioned the candle close to the pyramid and studied its polished surface. Slowly, she ran her tiny fingers over it, examining every inch of the flat top, and then the sides. She wrapped her hands around to feel the back, then frowned in apparent disappointment. â€Å"Professor, earlier you said the Masonic Pyramid was constructed to protect secret information.† â€Å"That’s the legend, yes.† â€Å"So, hypothetically speaking, if Peter’s captor believed this was the Masonic Pyramid, he would believe it contained powerful information.† Langdon nodded, exasperated. â€Å"Yes, although even if he found this information, he probably would not be able to read it. According to legend, the contents of the pyramid are encoded, making them indecipherable . . . except to the most worthy.† â€Å"I beg your pardon?† Despite Langdon’s growing impatience, he replied with an even tone. â€Å"Mythological treasures are always protected by tests of worthiness. As you may recall, in the legend of the Sword in the Stone, the stone refuses to give up the sword except to Arthur, who was spiritually prepared to wield the sword’s awesome power. The Masonic Pyramid is based on the same idea. In this case, the information is the treasure, and it is said to be written in an encoded language–a mystical tongue of lost words–legible only to the worthy.† A faint smile crossed Sato’s lips. â€Å"That may explain why you were summoned here tonight.† â€Å"I’m sorry?† Calmly, Sato rotated the pyramid in place, turning it a full 180 degrees. The pyramid’s fourth side now shone in the candlelight. Robert Langdon stared at it with surprise. â€Å"It appears,† Sato said, â€Å"that someone believes you’re worthy.† How to cite The Lost Symbol Chapter 37-39, Essay examples

Comprehension Passage free essay sample

Comprehension Passage 1 No longer is asthma considered a condition with isolated, acute episodes of bronchospasm. Rather, asthma is now understood to be a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways†that is, inflammation makes the airways chronically sensitive. When these hyper-responsive airways are irritated, airflow is limited, and attacks of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and breathing difficulty occur. Asthma involves complex interactions among inflammatory cells, mediators, and the cells and tissues in the airways. The interactions result in airflow limitation from acute roncho-constriction, swelling of the airway wall, increased mucus secretion, and airway remodeling. The inflammation also causes an increase in airway responsiveness. During an asthma attack, the patient attempts to compensate by breathing at a higher lung volume in order to keep the air flowing through the constricted airways, and the greater the airway limitation, the higher the lung volume must be to keep airways open. The morphologic changes that occur in asthma include bronchial infiltration by inflammatory cells. Key effector cells in the inflammatory response are the mast cells, T lymphocytes, and eosinophils. Mast cells and eosinophils are also significant participants in allergic responses, hence the similarities between allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Other changes include mucus plugging of the airways, interstitial edema, and microvascular leakage. Destruction of bronchial epithelium and thickening of the subbasement membrane is also characteristic. In addition, there may be hypertrophy and hyperplasia of airway smooth muscle, increase in goblet cell number, and enlargement of sub-mucous glands. Although causes of the initial tendency toward inflammation in the airways of atients with asthma are not yet certain, to date the strongest identified risk factor is atopy. This inherited familial tendency to have allergic reactions includes increased sensitivity to allergens that are risk factors for developing asthma. Some of these allergens include domestic dust mites, animals with fur, cockroaches, pollens, and molds. Additionally, asthma may be triggered by viral respiratory infections, especially in children. By avoiding these allergens and triggers, a person with asthma lowers his or her risk of irritating sensitive airways. A few avoidance techniques nclude: keeping the home clean and well ventilated, using an air conditioner in the summer months when pollen and mold counts are high, and getting an annual influenza vaccination. Of course, asthma sufferers should avoid tobacco smoke altogether. Cigar, cigarette, or pipe smoke is a trigger whether the patient smokes or inhales the smoke from others. Smoke increases the risk of allergic sensitization in children, increases the severity of symptoms, and may be fatal in children who already have asthma. Many of the risk factors for developing asthma may also rovoke asthma attacks, and people with asthma may have one or more triggers, which vary from individual to individual. The risk can be further reduced by taking medications that decrease airway inflammation. Most exacerbations can be prevented by the combination of avoiding triggers and taking anti-inflammatory medications. An exception is physical activity, which is a common trigger ot exacerbations in asthma patients However, asthma patients should not necessarily avoid all physical exertion, because some types of activity have been proven to reduce symptoms. Rather, they should work in conjunction with a doctor to design a proper training regimen, which includes the use of medication. In order to diagnose asthma, a healthcare professional must appreciate the underlying disorder that leads to asthma symptoms and understand how to recognize the condition through information gathered from the patients history, physical examination, measurements of lung function, and allergic status. Because asthma symptoms vary throughout the day, the respiratory system may appear normal during physical examination. Clinical signs are more likely to be present when a patient is xperiencing symptoms; however, the absence of symptoms upon examination does not exclude the diagnosis of asthma. 1 . According to the passage, what is the name for the familial inclination to have hypersensitivity to certain allergens? a. interstitial edema b. hyperplasia c. hypertrophy d. atopy 2. Why does a person suffering from an asthma attack attempt to inhale more air? a. to prevent the loss of consciousness b. to keep air flowing through shrunken air passageways c. to prevent hyperplasia d. to compensate for weakened mast cells, T lymphocytes, and eosinophils 3. The passage suggests that in the past, asthma was regarded as which of the following? a. a result of the overuse of tobacco products b. a hysterical condition c. mysterious, unrelated attacks affecting the lungs d. a chronic condition 4. Which of the following would be the best replacement for the underlined wordexacerbations in this passage? a. allergies b. attacks c. triggers d. allergens 5. The passage mentions all of the following bodily changes during an asthma attack except a. severe cramping in the chest. b. heavy breathing. c. airways blocked by fluids. d. constricted airways. 6. Although it is surprising, which of the following triggers is mentioned in the passage as possibly reducing the symptoms of asthma in some patients? a. using a fan instead of an air conditioner in summer months b. exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke c. the love ofa family pet d. performing physical exercise 7. Why might a patient with asthma have an apparently normal respiratory system during an examination by a doctor? a. Asthma symptoms come and go throughout the day. b. Severe asthma occurs only after strenuous physical exertion. c. Doctors offices are smoke free and very clean. d. The pollen and mold count may be low that day. 8. Who might be the most logical audience for this passage? a. researchers studying the respiratory system b. healthcare professionals c. a mother whose child has been diagnosed with asthma d. an antismoking activist 9. What is the reason given in this article for why passive smoke should be avoided by children? a. A smoke-filled room is a breeding ground for viral respiratory infections. b. Smoke can stunt an asthmatic childs growth. c. Smoke can heighten the intensity of asthma symptoms. d. Breathing smoke can lead to a fatal asthma attack.