Stress Essays

Stress Essays Stress Essay Stress Essay Stress is the loading applied   Ã‚  on the material while strain is the deformation that results due to application of load or stress. By this definition, it is obvious that stress and strain are related and that relationship can best be explained by considering a stress-strain curve (Figure 1). Building materials have their own corresponding stress-strain curve which can be obtained by recording the amount of deformation (strain) upon application of tensile or compressive loading. Curve results reveal the behavior or properties of materials when load (weight) is applied.Figure1. Stress-Strain curveConsider the Stress-Strain curve of building materials in Figure 1. For concrete materials, its curve is almost a straight line and ends rather abruptly. This means that concretes easily fractures or fails (brittle material). Likewise, the resulting curve for cast iron is straight indicating that it too is brittle. However, as the graph indicates it can withstand higher stress before failure than concretes do. Nevertheless, both of these materials will fail or fracture with little warning once their limits (maximum loading) are exceeded. Mild steel on the other hand, has a gentle curving at the top. This means that mild steel has different properties than cast iron or concrete. The gentle curving signifies that after certain point mild steel will continue to strain (in the case of tension, to stretch) as the stress (the loading) remains more or less constant. This indicates a high ductility. However, at certain point, or maximum bearable loading, the material will not continue to stretch but will ultimately fail.Stress can be applied to building materials in two ways: by compression or stretching (tensile).     Ã‚  Compressive strength is the maximum stress that a material will bear when it is subjected to a load that pushes it together. Tensile strength is the maximum stress a material will bear when it is subjected to a stretching load (Luebkeman 1997).ReferenceLuebkeman, Chris H. and Donald Peting. (1997). Stress-Strain Curves. Retrieved 12 October 2007 from http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~struct/courseware/461/461_lectures/ /461_lecture24/461_lecture24.html Stress Essays Stress Essay Stress Essay Over the years, stress has been studied by members of the medical, psychological, business, and even academic professions. The reason for this is that the problem occurs on a very wide scale. The scope of the problem even extends to the definition, as even this has been the cause of several stressful debates. There are also three kinds of stress: acute, episodic acute, and chronic stress (APA, 2004). Despite the disagreement about its definition, however, many have accepted that credited to Richard S. Lazarus: â€Å"a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize† (Mindtools). Although stress often derives from a person’s feeling about a situation or problem (specifically, that it might be too great for him or her alone to handle), it also has considerable physical implications. It affects several of the major systems of the body, including the digestive, immune, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. Evidence of this can be seen in the form of diarrhea, increased cardiovascular activity, and increased susceptibility to diseases (MayoClinic, 2005). Since stress can cause damage to the vital systems of the body, it is often crucial to recognize it early and takes steps to control it. There are several ways to reduce stress without the help of medication, and these have mainly to do with attitude and lifestyle. According to the article â€Å"How can I manage stress?† by the American Heart Association, ways to reduce stress include changing one’s response to difficult situations and learning to decline offers. These are indeed psychological solutions to a problem that affects people on a physical level, but it is not to be forgotten that stress often is as a result of psychological issues. Therefore, though stress is a health hazard, it is both preventable and curable. However, one has to have the mind to do it. (Consultation with one’s doctor is recommended, especially for people with a family history of heart disease or strokes.) The causes of stress are variable and its effects are often damaging, both psychologically and physically. However, as its causes are mainly psychological, the effects can often be reduced by a â€Å"simple† change in lifestyle. When signs and symptoms of stress are perceived, action should be taken immediately to avoid its numerous health risks. Support from family and friends might be of great help in a stressful time, and any help offered should be promptly accepted. References â€Å"Different kinds of stress, the† (2004) APA Help Center 8. Nov. 2005 [Online], Available: apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=21 How can I manage stress? (2004) American Heart Association. 8 Nov. 2005 [Online], Available: americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/110167971464923%20HowCanIManageStress.pdf Stress management Mindtools 8 Nov. 2005. [Online], Available: mindtools.com/stress/UnderstandStress/StressDefinition.htm Stress: Why you have it and how it hurts your health. (2005, September 7) MayoClinic.Com [Online], Available: mayoclinic.com/health/stress/SR00001 nbsp;

What to Wear to a Job Interview

What to Wear to a Job Interview When you head off to a job interview, in whatever guise, what you wear is just as important as what you say. Look at it this way – your clothes and the way you present yourself are a reflection of who you are, your personality, how seriously you take yourself and life, and in the end, how seriously you would take the job you’re being interviewed for. It’s for this reason that you need to pay serious attention to what you wear to your upcoming interview. We know that interviews themselves are scary things, but you can put yourself ahead of the competition if you present yourself in the right way. Of course, you could be attending an interview in a variety of different circumstances, be it for a part time job on top of your studies, in order to earn a little extra cash, or it could be that you’re looking to start your career on a full-time basis, and you’re being interviewed for your first job. Whichever of these you fall into, or somewhere in the middle, check out these suggestions for what to wear to power you to success. Research the company It’s not just about what to say or write in cover letter when you are interviewed in terms of the company and its ethos, but also about what their dress code is. You need to fit in with this as soon as possible, and that starts at the interview. Google is your friend here, so do a little investigating and put yourself ahead of the game. This shows initiative and will stand you in good stead. Some companies have a more relaxed dress code for work, but that doesn’t mean you should adopt this for your interview, simply try and incorporate it, whilst still being smart and well turned out. Which leads us onto †¦. being smart and well turned out Clothes should be in good condition, no rips or tears, and they should be ironed to get rid of any creases. If ripped jeans are in, don’t wear them – think smart and you won’t go far wrong. Basically, your appearance has to reflect your work ethic, but also hint at your own personality too, in a subtle but clear way. It’s a fine line, but one which when done correctly, works very well indeed. For instance, if you’re going for a part time job on top of your studies in a coffee house and you’re being interviewed for a barista job, power dressing won’t be the way forward; instead, you need to think about being smart, but also showing that you are an individual yourself and you can connect with the people you will be working with. It’s hard to give suggestions, because everyone’s personality is different, but a pair of black trousers with a brightly coloured shirt could show personality, however don’t go for neon because that doesn’t look good on anyone! Laid back but smart would be the way forward here, perhaps a patterned scarf would hint at your quirky nature. Don’t be inappropriate Flashing the flesh will not win you any fans, and it will probably turn your interviewers right off. Whilst you might be under the (rather false) impression that a cleavage on show might get you remembered, bear in mind that you will be remembered for the wrong reasons. Think classy and sophisticated, rather than trashy. As we hinted at before, you can express your personality, but tone it down! Nobody said you had to totally avoid showing your personality in your dress, but don’t be too ‘out there’ because it may not translate the same meaning as you intend. Clothing needs to be age appropriate, as well as appropriate for the situation. For instance, if you’re going for an interview for a law internship, you need to stick to the very professional and smart rules, such as a suit, tie, and dress shoes for the men, and a trouser suit, skirt, or dress to the knee or below for the girls. On the other hand, if you’re heading off for an interview in a funky art gallery, being too smart might not win you the right look. Grooming is just as important What you wear is imperative, but your general upkeep is too! Of course, we are talking about personal hygiene, having clean, tidy hair, having a shave for the boys amongst you, and generally smelling fresh and flowery, rather than as though you have just pulled a study all-nighter. Don’t forget this important step! Dressing for your interview is about knowing what kind of job you’re going for and tailoring what you wear accordingly. Do your research, show your personality a little, but always be smart. Good luck!