POLYMERS Polymers Are Large Molecules Composed Of Smaller Molecules Ca

POLYMERS Polymers are large molecules composed of smaller molecules called monomers. Monomers are produced and either grow together or are assembled to produce a single polymer. There are synthetic and natural polymers. Some examples of natural polymers would be wood, starches, fingernails, and hair. Synthetic polymers are usually referred to as plastics. Petroleum, is the primary monomer used to produce polymers. An English chemist named Alexander Parkes was the first scientist to produce the first synthetic polymer in 1862. John Wesley Hyatt, an American, was the first person to produce a useable polymer two years later. He named the product celluloid. The prime virtue of polymers is a high strength-to-weight ratio. Industrial-strength polymers surpass titanium in tensile strength. To add strength and improve flexibility, polymers are sometimes fortified with short-fiber additives, mostly fiberglass. This is known as a polymer composite. One particular polymer has three times the strength of tempered steel and is being used in bullet proof vests. Another composite will be used to fasten together the sections proposed space stations. Polymers have also been used in cars, including the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Fiero. New polymers are being created with more strength and flexibility by combing two chemically different polymers and producing a block copolymer. Combinations of block copolymers and composites and intended for use in booster rockets and in materials of Earth-orbiting installations. Most common polymers are usually solid, but a new class of polymers is being introduced in a liquid crystal state. Although these polymers still have the physical characteristics of liquid, they are structured more like solids. Many liquid crystals are transparent at one temperature and colored at another temperature. This makes them suitable for use in liquid crystal displays, such as in digital watches, hand-held calculators, and lap-top computers. A new liquid polymer, consisting of a mixture of iron and nickel, is being used to make metal links that can be used in paper, glass, and on electronic circuit boards. Despite the development and widespread use of polymers, scientific understanding is still sketchy. Polymer development has occurred through trial and error. Scientific shortcomings are becoming more apparent in the search for polymers that can meet the demands for high technology of today. The new study is on the microstructure of polymers while still in a liquid state. The purpose is to learn how the solid-state structure is developed. The ultimate goal is to be able to predict properties from a specific material under a constant set of processing conditions.

Cultural Intelligence by Earley, P. Christopher and Elaine Mosakowski

Cultural Intelligence by Earley, P. Christopher and Elaine Mosakowski From the reading, there is compelling evidence demonstrating that cultural intelligence is defined as an individual’s capability to deal effectively in culturally diverse settings, that culturally intelligent individuals engaged in global assignments understand what constitutes intelligent behaviors in different cultures through their emotional, cognitive, motivational and behavioral cultural intelligence, and that a propensity to suspend judgment or to think before acting is required to achieve cultural intelligence (Earley Mosakowski 139-141).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Cultural Intelligence by Earley, P. Christopher and Elaine Mosakowski specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The authors present a self-assessment tool consisting of three typologies and scores of cultural intelligence, namely cognitive cultural intelligence, physical, cultural intelligence, and emotional/motivational cultural intelligence (E arley Mosakowski 143). Upon completing the self-assessment, it is evident that my level of cultural intelligence is as follows: cognitive cultural intelligence = 4; physical cultural intelligence = 4.5; and emotional/motivational intelligence = 2.25. Consequently, upon reflection, it is clear that efforts need to be undertaken to develop the emotional/motivational cultural intelligence component, especially in having confidence to deal with people from a different culture (score = 2), befriending individuals whose cultural backgrounds are different from mine (score = 2), and having the capacity to adapt to the lifestyle of a different culture with relative ease (score = 2). All the limitations described above are emotional/motivational oriented, hence the need to develop and strengthen the amount of energy that can be proactively directed at cultural learning and adjustment, with the view to improving the confidence to deal with people from a different culture. Additionally, there is need to focus attention to developing intrinsic motivational faculties geared toward engaging in interactions with individuals from a different culture, and also improving the level of emotional competence required to interact effectively in a culturally diverse environment (Earley Mosakowski 140-143). It is believed that emotional/motivational cultural intelligence not only facilitates the possibility of people on international assignments to proactively engage in experiential learning and become more productive but also drives these individuals to internalize further behavioral cultural intelligence, which then facilitates them to act according to culturally accepted rules and actively adjust to culturally diverse environments.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another area of development aimed at enhancing the emotional/motivational cultural intelligence component resides in facilitating the attainment of a propensity to suspend judgment or to think before acting, with the view to using senses to register all the ways that individuals in global contexts may be different from those in home environments yet similar to one another (Earley Mosakowski 140). According to these authors, it is essential to observe the conduct of individuals up until a point whereby the observation begins to settle into patterns to develop anticipatory faculties of how these individuals will react in the next situation, and also draw inferences that will be free of the routine hazards of stereotyping. This way, it would be easier to befriend individuals whose cultural backgrounds are different, have the confidence to deal with them, and also develop the capacity to adapt to the lifestyles of these people. Lastly, in light of the limitations noted, it would be plausible to develop the body, heart, and head, with the view to understanding the impulse behind the observ ed shifts in cross-cultural contexts, facilitating the capacity to alter appearance and emotions as the situation may demand. Enhancing the emotional capability to effectively deal and interact with people whose cultural backgrounds may be different from our very own (Earley Mosakowski 142). The efficient combination of the three components (body, heart, and head), given the authors, is of paramount importance in the development of a well-rounded cultural intelligence capability. Earley, P. Christopher and Elaine Mosakowski. â€Å"Cultural Intelligence.† Harvard Business Review. 83.1 (2004): 139-146. Web.