What is a Hero Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

What is a Hero - Essay Example But a question arises that whether this definition can be used in modern times where heroes are ordinary people that in time of crisis and need perform exceptionally and for the greater good. The meaning of the word hero has changed over the years and this word has been used in different contexts. One act of heroism represents a new definition of a hero. Whenever a hero is pictured, a strong, powerful individual is imagined who is not only experienced but also mature. But when Carlos, a seven year old boy’s home was invaded by burglars, not only did he show nerves of steel but also called the police and urged them to send help. Hiding in the bathroom with his sister, Carlos told the police everything that was happening in their house and explained the situation with poise and calmness that many adults fail to show in these circumstances. Even though the suspects have not been caught yet, but Carlos will be awarded the Kids Medal of Honor and he has been labeled as a hero. Though Carlos was a young boy and did not fulfill the image of a hero but his act of bravery serves to imply the use of the word hero for him (Fremd & Seigel 2010). One of the most deadly terrorist attacks that took place in today’s world was no doubt the World Trade Center attack. These attacks not only left thousands of citizens dead but also witnessed many acts of courage and bravery by the New York Fire Department and the policemen who even though were put on alert since the building could collapse anytime but still continued with the rescue efforts. These men and women showed strength and bravery while knowing completely well that they would not survive if the building that was already on the verge of collapse, fell down. This is again an example of heroism and these people who worked selflessly were marked as heroes. Thus a hero may be defined as an individual who works for helping people without

War and the Integration of Ethical Principles under the Golden Rule Essay Example for Free

War and the Integration of Ethical Principles under the Golden Rule Essay In today’s moral climate, where the sanctity of life is unappreciated, it is fair to say that the adoption of a comprehensive ethical approach to human interaction should be based on the golden rule principle adopted by Thiroux. Many wars have been fought throughout the history of time, and the taking of human life is almost universally a part of such conflicts. The Golden Rule appears to be a catch-all principle that has the power to reduce the total amount of harm done to humanity for almost any reason that such harmful actions might be considered. The Golden Rule seems inherently utilitarian, as it accords benefits (or the utilitarian â€Å"good†) to those whose rights are observed, as well as to those whose sense of morality is satisfied in having acted according to this rule (by observing these rights). In fact, it is arguable that all other rules and principles that are cited by Thiroux hinge upon this particular rule, which (if observed) seems to be one that has the ability to improve the quality of life of all humans on the earth. Perhaps the most shameful of all human conflict ends in war, and such conflicts are usually based on rivalries that involve land, retribution, or perceived threats to national security. These problems stem from such vices as greed or hubris, which are in direct conflict with the principles taught by the golden rule. In living one’s life according to a rule that prevents one from performing actions that are likely to make another feel uncomfortable, several of these vices can be avoided. Greed, for example, involves the perpetual desire for and gathering of a particular commodity regardless of the resulting availability and accessibility to others. A person who abides by the golden rule would consider tempering such desires once it appears that such a desire might impinge upon the resource’s availability to others. Not only is this kind, but it is also fair. The principle of justice offers a similar view, which seeks to give to all persons what they are due. If individuals consider themselves as being worthy of such rights as â€Å"life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,† then those who live by the golden rule also consider this right to belong to others. Fairness and justice would therefore grant these persons are right to their fair share of the resources available here on the earth. The justice inherent in the Golden Rule therefore demonstrates how it acts as parent to the principle of justice. This Golden Rule can be applied to the greed that is evinced when wars break out because of one country’s desire for more land space. This has been evident in many historical events. Thousands of years ago, the Trojan War demonstrated the Greeks’ desire to take over the territory controlled by Troy; Assyrians raided Middle Eastern tribes and countries in order to gain more territory; the European settlers drove Native American’s from their lands in order to expand their own claims. The wars that resulted from these conflicts led to the death of many, and the displacement of many more. However, the application of the Golden Rule would have led to the raiders’ placing themselves in the shoes of their victims, and they would have come to understand the unpleasant nature of the victims’ suffering. The wars and deaths could on that ground have been avoided. Here it becomes obvious that the Golden Rule also contains the essence of the Principle of Goodness. This rule states that the promotion of goodness goes hand in hand with refraining from doing harm to others. When one places oneself in the shoes of others (according to the Golden Rule) it becomes abundantly clear whenever actions tend to do harm to others because of the discomfort one feels when considering the same action being performed upon oneself. When the reasons for which wars are fought are scrutinized, it is evident that the Principle of Goodness is being ignored, and this happens because people refrain from placing themselves in the shoes of others. The Golden Rule’s built-in principle of justice would help alleviate the problem of war. The Value of Life principle advocated by Thiroux can also be seen as an inherent concept existing within the Golden rule, and the application of this principle to war would also help alleviate this burden. The self-centeredness often perceived in humans might be considered a natural trait, when one reflects that the life of every individual revolves inevitably around him-/herself. People consider their lives very important and worth doing almost anything to save. In other words, people generally value their own lives. If the Golden Rule is observed, then not only would people value their own lives, but they would also value the lives of others. This Value of Life principle, shown now to be inherent in the Gold Rule is in complete opposition to the numerous wars that have been (and continue to be) fought on this planet. When people begin to observe the right of others to have life, they are in effect granting to those others a right that they deem extended to themselves. Such a right disallows fighting, malice, and killing for any reason. The Golden Rule also demonstrates its opposition to war in its observation of the Principle of Individual Freedom. In the most literal sense, it opposes the regular practice of war that involves taking prisoners or even enslaving others. Capturing persons against their will directly impinges upon their freedom, as it restricts their movement and their performance of everyday actions such as bathing, eating, sleeping and conversing. If a person inclined to wage war operates by the Golden Rule, he or she will be inclined to refrain from capture, as he/she would not like to be captured in return. In addition to this literal aspect, war also impinges upon individual freedoms to live in the way they prefer. Living in a war zone restricts both movement and thought. Such persons are constantly worried about whether or not they might be caught in the violence that surrounds them. This constant war imposed upon them forces them to constantly think of troubling things rather than on the pleasant or interesting thoughts that they would most prefer to have in mind, such as family, friends, aesthetics or love. These restrictions imposed by war encroach upon Individual Freedom, and are created by persons who do not consider these privileges (granted to them) as rights that should also be extended to other. Of course, war is a complex matter, and it is often the case that the persons who end up performing many of the unsavoury acts are those who are fighting against a previous (or current) threat/invasion. In this case, however, it can still be seen that the initial conflict is caused by those who neglect the principles of the Golden Rule. While at times people are actually forced into murderous or warlike actions that appear to conflict the Golden Rule, careful analysis will usually demonstrate that some disregard of the well-being of others lies at the root of these age-old conflicts.

childcare :: essays research papers

recent changes in federal governmental priorities have seen a reduction in financial support for parents who use childcare. This is occuring at a time when there is incerasing social and financial pressure on parents, particularly mothers, to work. The issue of childcare and working mothers has been the subject of dispute for some time. many argue that the best place for children is always in their own homes with their own parents. However, it is my contention that there are many advantages to be bad from using childcare and the government should provide more financial assistance who do so. Ã ½t has been argued that children who attend childcare centres at an early age miss out an important earlylearning that occurs in parent-child interaction.these children, so this argument goes,may be educationally disadvantaged later in life. however,childcare centres may actually assist children in their early learning. they give children an opprtunity to mix with others and to develop social skills at an early age. Ã ½ndeed, a whole range of learning occurs in childcare centres. another argument against the use of childcare facilities is that children can be emotionally deprieved in these facilities compared to the home. this argument assumes that the best place for children is to be at their parents, especially mothers side for twnty-four hours a day. it claims that childrens emotional development can be damaged when they are left in childcare facilities. However parents and children need to spend some time apart.children became less dependent on their parentsand parents themselves are less stressed and more effective care-givers when there are peiods of seperation. Ã ½t could be further be asserted that the government and the economy as a whole cannot afford the enormous cost involved in supporting childcare for working parents.

Mean World Syndrome Essay

â€Å"Mean World Syndrome† In the film, â€Å"The Mean World Syndrome†, George Gerbner argues that people who watch a large amount of television tended to think of the world as an intimidating and unforgiving place. Gerbner researched the effects of television on society. He focused on the commercial media system that thrived on violence, stereotypes, and the cultivation of anxiety. The film argues that the more television people watch, the more likely they are to be insecure and afraid of others. Is it the media that makes us more violent or do we become more scared of violence happening to us? Mass media made viewers believe that the world was more dangerous than it actually was. The film showed how these media-induced fears and anxieties provided grounds for intolerance, extremism, and a paranoid style of politics that threatened basic democratic values. He talked about the government’s power over the mass media that leaves Americans in a state of perpetual fear. The result was a fascinating and exposed introduction to debates about media violence and media effects. Yet across the board, on issue after issue, studies have repeatedly shown that the very things that scare Americans the most have little to no basis in fact. Media violence inundated every home with choreographed brutality. It was and still is a relentless exposure to violence. All of the information that he provided was astonishing and really opened my eyes. A few statistics that he talked about where that children see on average 8,000 murders by the end of elementary school and 200,000 acts of violence by age 18. This is absolutely ridiculous. It makes me think twice about letting my children someday television. There is even â€Å"happy violence,’’ meaning that most fairytales, artistic shows, or journalistic features lead to a happy ending. It’s simply sugar coated with humor or â€Å"happy violence.† Now really thinking about it, it is so true. We don’t even realize it but mass media messages have a direct influence on the audience. As I am writing this paper I have the news on and 80% of the news seems to be negative. It is all about killings, stabbings, robberies, fires, or some sort of crime in the area. In the film they stated that 61% of all stories on the news are crime, violence, deaths or fires. This Mean World causes us  to magnify our fears. In a violent and threatening world we are readier to fear ‘others’. We mistrust more, and retract into our groups in pursuit of the protection. A Mean World is a more divided world, less able to achieve compromise and progress. A Mean World makes us more prone to the ill effects of chronic stress. And as Gerbner put it â€Å"†¦a society in which most people or many people already expect a higher degree of victimization, sooner or later they are going to get it.† Media doe project violence every day into our homes and lives. A world that feels more violent and threatening than it is makes us all more worried than we need to be. For me this film has opened my eyes about what I read and what I watch on the television. I think Gerbner did a great job of bringing awareness to this issue. Now with all the mass killings that have gone one, we really have to look at what our young children are watching and listening to these days. If the mass media is pumping this violence into our homes and lives then maybe it really does have a long term affect on our culture. â€Å"[Viewers] integrate and absorb a sense of danger, of mistrust, of meanness in the world – it is what we call the Mean World Syndrome.† – George Gerbner

Homosexuality from a Sociological Perspective Essay

I understand that we do not see eye to eye on most of the issues I brought up in my previous letter. I also understand how you wish for me to convey that I understand what we have discussed in class over the past couple months from a sociological perspective. I would like to go ahead and explain that now and then perhaps further explain where I was coming from originally. There are two basic ways to view the reality of homosexuality: through the essentialist model and through the social constructionist model. The essentialist argues that homosexuality is a â€Å"natural, universal category that exists independent of culture, time, or situation†. (David Greenberg) They regard the fundamental reality of homosexuality as residing in sexual orientation. Sexual behavior is secondary in nature. Concisely their goal in life is to find out what causes someone to prefer same-sex partners. Social constructionists however believe that homosexuality is not a concrete reality, but instead â€Å"a phenomenon that exists because of the way it is defined socially, culturally, and situationally†. (David Greenberg) They are interested in the recognition of separate categories of humanity based on sexual orientation, as well as treatment based on that fact. They think that being a homosexual is experienced differently between different people, according to the social context within which it takes place, and that what it means to be a homosexual can vary across the board. From what you’ve taught us this semester so far I’ve come to the understanding that there is no single infallible measure of homosexuality. I mean what actually defines a homosexual. Just the thought or desire to be with someone of the same sex, or is it perhaps a kiss with Madonna on MTV. Does one actually have to commit a sexual act behind closed doors with someone of the same sex to be labeled a homosexual? These are some of the questions we have discussed in class, which have led me to the conclusion that homosexual sex is multidimensional. Throughout my readings in the Reader, I have learned that male and female  homosexual expression are very different in nature. They have dramatically different homosexual styles. For example, males tend to act on homosexual desires more so than women do, while women tend to have their feelings and desires about homosexual behavior brew longer before they act upon them. I’ve learned that many homosexuals claim that they have no more choice in becoming gay than heterosexuals did in being straight. I’ve learned that a gene or set of genes could predispose men to becoming homosexual from the on start of their life. Which of course begs the question of whether or not this gene can be â€Å"fixed† before a child is born, to allow the child to leave a â€Å"normal† life. I brought up the gene issue to my good friend Ryll and asked about her brother, who is a homosexual, and asked her if it were possible did she think her brother would choose to have his gene altered in order to make him â€Å"straight†? She answered no, because that was the life he was used to, and to change it now would be more detrimental to him then just staying the way he was. Bottom line is homosexuality is a form of deviant behavior simply because most members of our society do not approve of it, and because this disapproval takes the form of condemnation and punishment of homosexuals and strained, difficult relations betweens straights and gays. I would like to clear up one issue if you have time†¦ the difference between deviance and sin as I see it. Not all deviant behavior falls under the category of sin. However, all sin is deviant in my opinion. I do not believe sin to be socially constructed as deviance is. I believe people interchange the words more often than they should. I still hold true to my personal semi-absolutist perspective of sin. I believe that there is a sense of wrong that is not tied in to culture or society; I believe that this sense of wrong is because there is indeed an absolute when it comes to right and wrong. I further believe that we, as a human race, never achieve at keeping any standard of right and wrong, much less the absolute standard that I’ve referred to. Sin is anything that we do that does not please God. This is not due to an arbitrary set of rules that we follow, instead it is indicative of the character of God. I know I have done many things wrong; I have sinned. How do I know this? I feel a conviction in my heart when I do something that I know is wrong. It pains me when I sin. However, even if I have become calloused to the wrong that I do, it does not mean that the things I do are no longer wrong. So the most important indication of sin is judging against the character of God. Where can the character of God be found? In the Bible of course. 😉 I’ll stop there because I doubt you want to be preached to in this letter. I simply wanted to attempt to show you how I see sin as not being socially constructed at all, but at the same time showing that I understand how deviance is socially constructed. I do hope this short explanation of what I have learned thus far in your class will be sufficient for this assignment. I will continue, of course, with new material when the next â€Å"letter† is due.

Organelles essays

Organelles essays The cell membrane is an extremely important part of the cell. The animal and plant cells are held together by the cell membrane. The cell membrane is a lipid bilayer containing proteins, cholesterol, and oligosaccharides. The cell membrane functions as a selective barrier for entry and exit of substances. Without the cell membrane then the cell would fall apart and there would be no more cells. Vacuoles are also important to a cell. Most mature plant cells have a central vacuole, which often takes up more than 90% of the cell. Without a vacuole than a cell would be a lot smaller than they are now, even though they are really small now. Vacuoles in plants can store waste products and break them down so the waste doesnt harm the cell. The vacuoles also store different molecules a cell needs to survive. The vacuoles contain foods and oil. In a plant, when the vacuoles are full of water, then the plant stands straight up. When the plants vacuoles dont contain a lot of water then the plant will wilt, because the cell wall is the only thing holding up the plant. Without the vacuoles then the cell could possibly burst from having too much water, or the cell could not get enough energy, because there would be no extra stored food. Plants would always be wilted, because there would be no vacuole full of water to hold the plant up straight. White blood cells consume bacterium and destroy it. When this takes place the white blood cells lysosomes do most of the work. They combine with the vesicle of engulfed material and release digestive enzymes to break up the material. Just like when a cell takes in molecules of food, the lysosomes break the food down into smaller and simpler products that the cell can use. If the lysosomes pick up a really bad intruder then they will eat it up and eject what is left of it out of the cell. Lysosomes are able to do this because they are filled with enz ...

Left-Handed U.S. Presidents

Left-Handed U.S. Presidents There have been eight left-handed presidents that we know of. However, this number is not necessarily accurate because in the past left-handedness was actively discouraged. Many individuals who would have grown up left-handed were in fact forced  to learn how to write with their right hand. If recent history is any indication, left-handedness seems to be far more common among U.S. presidents than it is among the general population. Naturally, this apparent phenomenon has led to many speculations.   Left-Handed Presidents James Garfield  (March-September 1881) is considered by many to be the first president who was  left-handed. Anecdotes indicate  that he was ambidextrous and  could write with both hands at the same time. However, he served only six months before succumbing to gunshot wounds after Charles Guiteau shot him in July of his first term. James A. GarfieldHerbert HooverHarry S. TrumanGerald FordRonald ReaganGeorge H.W. BushBill ClintonBarack Obama Getty Images for Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights / Getty Images Beating the Odds What is perhaps most noteworthy about left-handed presidents is how many there have been in recent decades. Of the last 15 presidents, seven (about 47%) have been left-handed. That might not mean much until you consider that the global percentage of left-handed people is about 10%. So among the general population, only 1 in 10 people are left-handed, while in the modern-era White House, almost 1 in 2 have been left-handed. And theres every reason to believe that this trend will continue because its no longer standard practice to steer children away from natural left-handedness.   Lefty Doesnt Mean  Left, But What Does It Mean? A quick count of political parties in the list above shows the Republicans slightly  ahead of the Democrats, with five of the eight lefties being Republican. If the numbers were reversed, perhaps someone would argue that left-handed people are more in line with left politics. After all, many people believe that left-handedness seems to correspond to creative, or at least out of the box thinking, pointing to famous lefty artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jimi Hendrix, and Leonardo Di Vinci. While this theory obviously wouldnt be supported by the history of left-handed presidents, the unusually high percentage of lefties in the White House may point to other characteristics that may give lefties an edge in leadership roles (or at least at winning elections):   Language development: According to scientists Sam Wang and Sandra Aamodt, authors of Welcome to Your Brain, 1  in 7 left-handed people use both hemispheres (left and right) of their brain to process language, while almost all right-handed people process language on only the left side of the brain (the left side controls the right hand, and vice versa). Its possible that this ambidextrous language processing gives lefties an advantage as orators.  Creative thinking: Studies have shown a correlation between left-handedness and creative thinking, or more specifically, divergent thinking, or an aptitude for developing multiple solutions to problems. Chris McManus, the author of Right-Hand, Left-Hand, suggests that left-handedness may be associated with a more highly developed right hemisphere of the brain, the side thats better at creative thinking. This may also explain the over-representation of left-handed artists.   So, if youre a lefty who gets annoyed with all the right-handed bias in the world, perhaps you can help change things  as our next president.

How Carbon-14 Is Used To Date Artifacts

How Carbon-14 Is Used To Date Artifacts In the 1950s W.F. Libby and others (University of Chicago) devised a method of estimating the age of organic material based on the decay rate of carbon-14. Carbon-14 dating can be used on objects ranging from a few hundred years old to 50,000 years old. What Is Carbon-14? Carbon-14 is produced in the atmosphere when neutrons from cosmic radiation react with nitrogen atoms: 147N 10n → 146C 11H Free carbon, including the carbon-14 produced in this reaction, can react to form carbon dioxide, a component of air. Atmospheric carbon dioxide, CO2, has a steady-state concentration of about one atom of carbon-14 per every 1012 atoms of carbon-12. Living plants and animals that eat plants (like people) take in carbon dioxide and have the same 14C/12C ratio as the atmosphere. However, when a plant or animal dies, it stops taking in carbon as food or air. The radioactive decay of the carbon that is already present starts to change the ratio of 14C/12C. By measuring how much the ratio is lowered, it is possible to make an estimate of how much time has passed since the plant or animal lived. The decay of carbon-14 is: 146C → 147N 0-1e (half-life is 5720 years) Example Problem A scrap of paper taken from the Dead Sea Scrolls was found to have a 14C/12C ratio of 0.795 times that found in plants living today. Estimate the age of the scroll. Solution The half-life of carbon-14 is known to be 5720 years.​ Radioactive decay is a first order rate process, which means the reaction proceeds according to the following equation: log10 X0/X kt / 2.30 where X0 is the quantity of radioactive material at time zero, X is the amount remaining after time t, and k is the first order rate constant, which is a characteristic of the isotope undergoing decay. Decay rates are usually expressed in terms of their half-life instead of the first order rate constant, where k 0.693 / t1/2 so for this problem: k 0.693 / 5720 years 1.21 x 10-4/year log X0 / X [(1.21 x 10-4/year] x t] / 2.30 X 0.795 X0, so log X0 / X log 1.000/0.795 log 1.26 0.100 therefore, 0.100 [(1.21 x 10-4/year) x t] / 2.30 t 1900 years

Getting to know pepsi Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Getting to know pepsi - Term Paper Example To enhance the quality of its products and quality of its financial reports, the company relies on the services of KPMG as their main external auditors. All financial reports released by the company have an approval and recommendation of their external auditor. The company releases its annual report at the end of each fiscal year, which ends at the last Saturday of every December. The company’s financial records and leadership is available from the following website http://www.pepsico.com/annual11/#//. The company produces a variety of product for its domestic and global markets. The main products that are produced by the company include Dew, 7-Up, Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Quaker Oats, and Tropicana. Pepsi use the indirect method to report its cash flow activity. Indirect cash flow system of reporting uses applications that convert accrual net income or loss into cash flows through a series of additions and deductions. Pepsi is a market leader in the production and distribution of soft drinks. The company recorded net revenue of $65,881 million, $65,881 million in the fiscal year ending 2011 and 2010 respectively as its net revenue. In the close of the financial year that ended at December 2011, the company was worth $72,882 million (PepsiCo web). This was a significant increase in its total holdings comparing to its closing balance of $68,153 million at the end of 2010 financial year (PepsiCo web). At the close of the trading period ending December 2011, the company recorded a net income of $6,443 million. The company’s stocks were valued at $66.35 at the end of the fourth quarter of the last trading period (PepsiCo web). This stock value attracted a $0.515 as a dividend or return on every share unit (PepsiCo web). According to the value of Pepsi’s closing stock and share equity, Pepsi can be classified as a large company. This is in relation to its annual income and dividend report released by the company. The company’s

Land Law Contentious Situations Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Land Law Contentious Situations - Case Study Example The best course of action is to have the sellers remove the rubbish. This will enable the company to begin operating with a clean slate. The rubbish must be coming in the way of cleaning up the premises. It has to go and the sooner it is gotten rid of the better. In case the seller obliges the buyers and gets rid of the rubbish, it is fine. In case the seller prevaricates or even declines to oblige the buyers, then the buyers have little option other than taking legal action or clear the rubbish themselves. In the instructions, there is no mention of the conditions under with the land was purchased. In the absence of the conditions under which the property was purchased it is not possible to give a clear answer. Generally when a property is purchased the buyers make an appraisal of the things that are there on the property premises. When a company buys land and buildings, it is mandatory to have a complete list of the buildings and the men and material within each of those buildings. It is not possible to make changes or modifications without this list. ... It is not possible to make changes or modifications without this list. Even if the purchasers are intending to make changes in the buildings to cater to their field of operation, it is necessary to get such a list so the purchasers have a clear understanding of the contents in each building and where they need to make changes. In the present circumstances, there is no such information. It is hoped that the company has not made the complete payment. If there is any balance in the payment to be made, it is easier to get the sellers to carry out cleaning operations and also make needed restorations.  

Discuss with examples the sociolinguistic notions of linguistic Essay

Discuss with examples the sociolinguistic notions of linguistic heterogeneity and linguistic homogeneity in the speech community - Essay Example First of all, let us define sociolinguistic notions of a speech community, linguistic heterogeneity and linguistic homogeneity and then proceed to the examples of linguistic heterogeneity and linguistic homogeneity in a speech community within the context of sociolinguistics. It must be noted that the definition of speech community sparks controversy among notable linguists to date. Early definitions of a speech community proceeded from the basis that a speech community is a group of people residing within the area of compact settlement, which is densely inhabited by those who share the same vernacular language and tend to use the same standardized language for communication. According to the notable American linguist, William Labov, who is regarded to be the father of such discipline as variationist sociolinguistics, a speech community is a group of people who share the same language norms that do not depend on social context changes.1 However, it is important to understand that the dependence of a language on social processes can be manifested in a set of different language subsystems (i.e. forms of existence and functioning of a specific language), bilingualism or diglossia, availability or nonexistence of a written language, language policy, etc. These are important but not exclusive manifestations of the connection between a language and conditions of its functioning. Lexicon, grammatical structure and the evolution of linguistic styles exert a substantial influence upon the use of language within a speech community as well. A speech community tends to share a certain set of norms of the language use, which is manifested in the process of communication within the framework of a certain group of people who are bounded by the same lifestyle, profession, interests or represent the same social stratum, which resulted in a long-term delusion, according to which a speech community is always characterized by linguist ic homogeneity. However,

Stakeholder Approach Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Stakeholder Approach - Essay Example This paper explains the needs assessment and the procedure involved and also what entails stakeholder approach. Each of the named individual and groups has varying roles and interests in the organization. Owners are interested in the profit function of the particular business. They also have a bigger say on the decisions of the key objectives. If in any case the owners only major their interest on the profits and do not consider the wages of employees they may end up losing very skilled personnel. Managers on the other hand are interested with their pay. Employees are also concerned since they desire to see the organization prosper so that their job is secured and their wages increased. Customers on the other hand want the organization to produce quality products at fair and affordable prices. If for instance any business does not pay attention to the needs of their customers, it may end up losing sales to their competitors. The Community gains since the local people are the ones who are employed but is also concerned with how the operations of the organization affect the local environment. Stakeholder analysis refers to variety of techniques and ways that are used in identifying and understanding the needs and expectations of all major parties that is both in the inside and the outside of an organization. This plays a major role in planning for any projects and training process. In any proposed project there happens to be supporters as well as opponents. Understanding the interrelationships between these two parties is necessary in project implementation and the systematic planning involved. It is therefore important to analyze stakeholder’s interests despite the sides they are in that are for the opponents and supporters. Some of the reasons as to why it is important to identify and analyze stakeholder’s interests are: (1) Achievement of fair deals. This is because all the

Compare and contrast the writings of Lakoff and Turner Essay

Compare and contrast the writings of Lakoff and Turner - Essay Example This happened as a result of conceptual blending, which mainly take places in the subconscious and appears quiet simple at surface or conscious level. It is an intricate network of conceptual ideas producing cognitive ones. The process starts with a mental space where thought and consequent action take place. Different types of mental spaces, containing different type of thoughts, form a network. Different types of networks, then goes on to form a conceptual integration network. This integrated or blended mental space receives thoughts or inputs from other networks, inputs that aren't present within the network itself. However, this isn't a random process but take place under certain principles that control and supervise the entire process of connecting and receiving inputs from other networks. This theory applies to almost all fields of science and art. ( Turner and Faucoinner) George Lakoff is also a linguistic expert presently teaching at University of California at Berkeley. Though most of his work is linguistically in nature, he is famous for his work that focuses on metaphor and its importance to human thinking, political rhetoric and society at large. He has also introduced the idea of "embodied mind". According to him, m

Effective leadership and implementation of EBP Essay

Effective leadership and implementation of EBP - Essay Example concentrated on information dissects to recognize patient safety issues and to show that another practice will prompt enhanced quality and patient safety. (Titler., 2008)Much less research consideration has been paid to how to actualize rehearses. (Titler., 2008) Yet, just by putting into practice what is gained from examination will mind be made safer. Implementing evidence-based safety practices are troublesome and need techniques that address the many-sided quality of frameworks of consideration, individual professionals, senior authority, and—at last changing medicinal services societies to be evidence-based safety practice environments. (Titler., 2008) Steps of knowledge move in the AHRQ model can be described in three real stages: (1) knowledge creation and distillation, (Titler., 2008, p. Ch. 7)(2) diffusion and dissemination, (Titler., 2008, p. Ch. 7) and organizational adoption and implementation. (Titler., 2008, p. Ch. 7) These phases of knowledge exchange are seen through the viewpoint of analysts/makers of new knowledge and start with figuring out what discoveries from the patient security portfolio or individual examination ventures should be spread. (Titler., 2008, p. Ch. 7) Receive at nation, locale, and office levels the nine suggestions of the WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care (Advanced Draft), specifically the implementation if multidisciplinary, multimodal hand cleanliness change systems inside medicinal services offices that join: Where liquor based handrubs are not accessible alternately are excessively unreasonable, consider nearby generation of handrubs utilizing the equation portrayed within the WHO Recommended Hand Antisepsis Formulation: Manual for Local Production. (WHO, 2007) Titler., M. G. (2008). Ch. 7 The Evidence for Evidence-Based Practice Implementation. In H. R. (Ed.), Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Compare and contrast the writings of Lakoff and Turner Essay

Compare and contrast the writings of Lakoff and Turner - Essay Example This happened as a result of conceptual blending, which mainly take places in the subconscious and appears quiet simple at surface or conscious level. It is an intricate network of conceptual ideas producing cognitive ones. The process starts with a mental space where thought and consequent action take place. Different types of mental spaces, containing different type of thoughts, form a network. Different types of networks, then goes on to form a conceptual integration network. This integrated or blended mental space receives thoughts or inputs from other networks, inputs that aren't present within the network itself. However, this isn't a random process but take place under certain principles that control and supervise the entire process of connecting and receiving inputs from other networks. This theory applies to almost all fields of science and art. ( Turner and Faucoinner) George Lakoff is also a linguistic expert presently teaching at University of California at Berkeley. Though most of his work is linguistically in nature, he is famous for his work that focuses on metaphor and its importance to human thinking, political rhetoric and society at large. He has also introduced the idea of "embodied mind". According to him, m

Teamwork, Collboration, and Conflict Resolution Essay

Teamwork, Collboration, and Conflict Resolution - Essay Example an help achieve collaboration through communication, stability, research and evaluation, as well as resources, leadership, group development and participation to help achieve collaboration in the work place. Collaboration is a process of participation through which people, groups and organizations work together to achieve desired results. It is important that communication is clear and established through a process. Resources are important to use because of their accessibility and credibility to provide results of tools that have been tried before and succeeded or failed or in process through research and evaluation. Management needs to be able to provide leadership and direction to promote and facilitate the workplace in order to develop a sense of collaboration. It is important for those that are in managerial roles to help support team building through this process. Group development helps address important issues along the way. It is important for mangers to identify personality types and the different groups of people that work best together to get the job done. This will help managers in developing a communication system to help achieve the goals and objectives that are put in place. Employees feel connected in formal and informal communication through network and group development, this is important for employees in their personal and professional development. Management is a very high position and takes a lot of understanding within the department or group they are leading. A manager has to be bias and also be able to resolve any conflicts that their employees may have. Looking over conflicts that can happen in the work will consist of using the five factors that come into play. The most effect to me would be to calibrate the ideas that are coming up in the conflict. Put in writing what each employee has to say and make an evaluation on what the next step will be. Each employee has a say so in any type of change or goal that each department is trying to

Judaism and Christianity Essay Example for Free

Judaism and Christianity Essay What beliefs and practices does Islam share with Judaism and Christianity? Specify what is distinctive about the Islamic form of those beliefs and practices. The relationships between Islam, Judaism and Christianity in the later parts of the 20th century appear to have improved as well as worsened from different perspectives as compared to any other period in history. A noteworthy aspect of the current relationships is that Muslims are now engaged in dialogues with Christians and Jews. Islam is now the fastest growing religion in the world and Muslim leaders and clerics can be observed functioning together with ministers, priests and rabbis in several religious endeavors. However, the three religions continue to have major differences and are engaged in nationalist and territorial conflicts that have gradually been characterized with religious or sectarian differences. This paper makes an analysis of the beliefs and practices that Islam shares with Christianity and Judaism because the misunderstandings between the three religions can be resolved only in recognizing that they have the same roots and share several social and religious practices. Islam is a monotheistic religion and is the second biggest in the world after Christianity. The religion has its origin in the Middle East and has several customs and beliefs that are the same as Christianity and Judaism. These three religions are commonly referred to as the Abrahamic religions; they believe in one God and trace their lineage from the Prophet Ibrahim, as evident in the Hebrew. Islam, Christianity and Judaism believe there is only one God who is the creator of all things that exist in the world and He is the one who takes care of every living being. The three religions provide that God believes in justice and He has established fundamental rules in guiding people about how they can become virtuous and honorable in complying with His intentions. The three religions hold that God believes in mercy and that with His grace people get the power to become more like what is desired of them to become (Wells, 2011). Islam, along with Christianity and Judaism, holds that all human beings are Ibrahim’s children and are the most capable living beings on Earth. Human beings were created with an element of mystery in being given immense potential to grow constantly, individually as well as a species. When people strive towards achieving good, righteous and loving qualities they transform into what God desired them to become. If such freedom is misused and others are harmed with one’s actions, it implies that such people are transgressing God’s will, which makes them evil. The three religions believe that it is possible for every individual to seek God’s help in achieving the capability to ward off evil influences. Eventually, the message in all three religions is to be devoted and obedient to God (Los Angeles Chinese Learning Center, 2012). In being monotheistic, the three religions are different from Buddhism and Hinduism. They share common beliefs about history being the arena of God’s activities and His encounters with human beings, Satan, angels, heavenly revelation and prophets. All three religions focus on t he importance of Judgment Day, accountability, responsibility and perpetual rewards and punishments. The three religions give immense importance to peace, which is evident from historical patterns of greeting one another, implying Peace Be Upon You, beginning with Assalamalaikim in Islam, with pax vobisum in Christianity and salom aleicham in Judaism. However, such greetings of peace have primarily pertained to greeting one another in a given community or society. All three religions believe that it is essential to engage in holy wars to espouse the cause of empires and to protect societies. The relationships between religion and politics is apparent in the present times also although in different ways, such as the circumstances that prevail in present day Israel, Palestine, Middle East and other parts of the world. All the three religions share the same ancestry and believe in scriptures that were delivered through heaven. They have similar religious practices and rites relative to charity and regular prayers, value of pilgrimage and common holy places. The three religions give the promise that appropriate behaviors will be rewarded and inappropriate behaviors will be punished in life as well as in the afterlife. They balance and integrate many elements of piety, devotion, legalism and mysticism and appear to be suitable in co-existing mutually in reinforcing one another (Peters, 1990). Islam has similarity with Judaism in regard to the focus on practice instead of beliefs. The main basis of religious obedience in Islam and Judaism is religious law, while in Christianity the focus is on theology. Across history, the main differences between Islam and Judaism have pertained to disagreement of religious practices and religious law. The disputes between Islam and Christianity have pertained primarily to the divide amongst communities about theological belief systems, relative to the relationships between divine and human characteristics. Christianity and Judaism are given special consideration in Islam in view of the Islamic beliefs that God had conveyed His will through His Prophets, namely Ibrahim, Moses and Jesus. In this regard, the Quran specifically states that God revealed his will throug h Ibrahim, Ismail and their progeny, as well as through Moses and Jesus. There is no difference amongst them and in what they say, which is why Muslims adhere to what was said by these Prophets (Newby, 1996). Islam and the Quran hold that Christians and Jews are Ibrahim’s children and relate to them as people of the book (Esposito, 2011). This is because the three religions originate from the same lineage of Ibrahim. Muslims trace their lineage from Ibrahim and his servant Hagar, while Christians and Jews trace their lineage from Ibrahim and his spouse Sarah. Muslims hold that God’s revelation in the form of the Torah was first delivered to the Jews by Prophet Moses and later to Christians by the Prophet Jesus. Muslims are in agreement about some biblical prophets such as Jesus and Moses and use their names as Isa and Musa respectively (Hipps et al, 2003). They also use the Virgin Mary’s name as Mariam and it is evident that her name appears more frequently in the Quran than in the New Testament. Muslims do not refute the status of Virgin Mary and Jesus’ virgin birth but they hold that in due course, over the centuries, the original revelation as made to Jesus and Moses became despoiled. Muslims view the Old Testament as a mix of human manufacture and of God’s messages. They hold the same views about the New Testament and believe that doctrines referring to Jesus as the Son of God are erroneous without any truth. They do not believe that the death of Jesus represented the redemption and atonement for mankind’s sins. It is apparent that Islam, Christianity and Judaism have some common roots and share several common practices. This is because they are all having the same Abrahamic heritage. Islam, Christianity and Judaism are monotheistic religions as they believe in a single God in focusing on the unity and oneness of God. The confirmation of one God in Christianity has been often debated because of its adherence to the Holy Trinity but this cannot be considered as a refutation of monotheism. It is only an acknowledgement of the ways in which God is viewed because in Christianity the Divine Being is God. Islam, Christianity and Judaism hold that God is the source and foundation of all that exists in the world and takes care of all His creations in ensuring their wellbeing. All the three religions confirm that people are governed and guided by basic rules that make them take the right path and become righteous in complying with God’s will. References 1. Esposito, John L. (2011). What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam, Oxford University Press. 2. Hipps, Amelia., Kayanaugh, Dorothy., and Khaled Abou El Fadl. (2003). Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Mason Crest Publishers. |Los Angeles Chinese Learning Center. (2012). Judaism, Christianity and Islam: Similarities, | |http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/Judaism-Christianity-Islam.html, Accessed on 16 October, 2012. | |Newby, Gordon. (1996). Muslim, Jews and Christians Relations and Interactions,The Muslim Almanac, Gale Research Inc, Detroit, p.423-429. | |Peters, F. E. (1990). Judaism, Christianity, and Islam,Volume 1: From Covenant to Community, Princeton University Press | |Wells, Mark. (2011). Comparison of Islam, Judaism and Christianity, http://smileyandwest.ning.com, Accessed on 16 October, 2012 | | |

Capital Punishment Essay examples -- essays research papers

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT Hundreds of murderers are put into jail and then let out several years later. They say they have learned their lesson, but yet when they do get out they commit more crimes. Thus, sending them back into jail. The only way to make sure these ruthless murderers don’t commit these crimes again is by capital punishment. As the Bible says, "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. " If someone commits a capital offense, they should receive a capital punishment, because the state won’t have to pay for the criminal’s lifetime in jail, it provides the most complete retribution and condemnation, and crime rates will begin to drop. Not only should every state in America use the death penalty, it should also be done in a much quicker process. Following through with the punishments at a faster pace will cut down on the costs. Today, it costs approx. $34,400 per year for 50 years, at a 2% annual cost increase, plus $75,000 for trials and appeals to house a criminal with life in prison. This all adds up to about $3.01 million. The cost for a death penalty is $60,000 per year for 6 years, at 2% annual cost increase, plus $1.5 million for trials and appeals. This all adds up to be $1.88 million (www.geocities.com), there is no question that the up front costs of the death penalty are significantly higher than the life in prison costs. Yet, there is also no question that over time the costs for life in prison are much more expensive than the costs of the death penalty. If the government makes it so the criminal has less time to appeal their sentence, the $1.5 million used for appeals and trial will go down. Plus, with DNA technology, today, we can be 100% sure that the offender did commit a capital crime, therefore they will have no need for appeals. If the government is not 100% sure than they will not give them this sentence, mandating that they do not need to appeal. If they continue to improve our DNA testing and make the time allowed for appeals shorter, if any, than it should save lives, time, and money (www.prodeathpenalty.com). The ultimate penalty of death is necessary for the punishment of terrible crimes because it provides the most complete retribution and condemnation. The threat of execution is a major deterrent of crime. This is because death is so much more feared than the mere restrictions on one's... ...s and criminals are not dealt with fairly? Capital punishment is justified because there won’t be worries about the state paying for criminals’ lifetime in jail, it will provide retribution and condemnation, and crime and murder rates will decrease. Using capital punishment prevents many unnecessary deaths and crimes. If we no longer use it deaths and crimes will increase, due to the fact that the consequences are not severe enough to make the criminal think before they act. Capital punishment is justified! Without this consequence for serious capital offenders our lives would be much different. The offenders would be sentenced to life in prison and would have abundant amounts of time to plan a way of escape. If they were successful they would have the opportunity to commit more serious crimes. If they were not successful, they would be spending endless amounts of time with other inmates and everyone knows what happens when someone spends too much time with someone. They begin to annoy each other, and if someone annoys a violent criminal the outcome cannot be good! To prevent all of this from happening, we must enforce the usage of capital punishment.

herody Free Essays on Homers Odyssey - Heroic or Disloyal Men? :: Odyssey essays

The Men of The Odyssey: Heroic or Disloyal? In Homer’s The Iliad, Achilles’ shield is described in great depth. On one portion of the shield, there is fashioned a scene with a golden herd of straight-horn cattle. They are being led along a fruitful riverside by a group of four golden shepherds and nine hounds. Two lions approach the herd, and mutilate a mighty bull. The shepherds can do nothing but watch, as they dare not approach the predators. This scene is crucial in understanding the behavior of Odysseus’ men in the sequel to this epic, (The Iliad, p. 227). In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus narrates a portion of the epic concerning his journeys and trials during his long quest home for Ithaca. Throughout these adventures, his men play an important role in determining the fate of the entire crew of his ship. At some points, he portrays them as being heroic, while at others, they seem barbaric in nature and disloyal to their captain. These qualities of his men, and certainly others, are best exemplified through the episodes involving the Cyclopes and the Cattle of the Sun God. Before comparing and contrasting the actions of the men during these two mini-stories, a good understanding of the inhabitants of the two lands is necessary. The Island of the Sun God, Helios, is referred to as "the world’s delight," as it provides habitation for this god’s limitless flocks of cattle. Conversely, the Island of the Cyclopes inhabits primitive one-eyed, half-man, and half-bestial beings, (p. 218). While Helios’ island is described as "noble," almost as golden as the sun itself, the land of the Cyclopes is illustrated as a land filled with wild vegetation, and neglected by its undemocratic and uncivilized people. This depiction of these people being poor gardeners coincides with previous evidence from this epic, and others, that this type of lifestyle being lived by the Cyclopes was looked down upon by the author, and by the gods, in particularly. The other land, therefore, is obviously blessed and considered to be holy to the gods. Soon after landing on the Cyclopes’ Island, Odysseus takes a team of his best men with him to explore the new wilderness. They then discover the cave of Polyphemos, your everyday, average, sheep-herding Cyclopes. Odysseus’ men suggest taking the vision-impaired beast’s cheese and flocks and making a run for it, but the "raider of cities" insists on awaiting his homecoming in an attempt to see the caveman and what he has to offer.

Swot Analysis of the Green Directory

SWOT Analysis Of The Green Directory Strengths: –The Green Directory (â€Å"GD†) allows unlimited access for all users and no fee is required. –The relevant information is available to all visitors. –GD recommends and presents only classified, selected and specialised companies –Website presentation is clearly structured and designed. –Provides ‘one-stop service’ website, as well as the leading ‘green’ guides within Australia. –Easy to find directory – GD provides direct links to its partners, sponsors and advertisers. -Wide range of services and products as well as topics has made the website easy for user to find anything related ‘Green’. Weaknesses: — Unclear information on the support and recommendations by the Australian Government. — GD is just facilitator which means that interested visitors have to contact the listed companies directly. –The benefits for adverti sing are not clearly shown in the website. –Online enquiry form is not available – Interested visitors in ‘green’ products and services have to contact the listed companies directly. -Certain information provided in the web page is not up to date. –Poor maintenance of the website as there are few missing links found in the website. –Limited information about local events, fairs and exhibitions. –No contact number or hotline number for customer enquiry Opportunities: –Increase the profile of GD by cooperation with nationwide and regional publishers (such as Yellow Pages, newspaper, magazine) as well as popular ‘green’ institutions. -It is a green awareness happening all over the world and it’s about social responsibility and ethic of environmental friendly. –Further enhance the website by placing more latest offers and products photos to attract more users. –Send frequent e-mail to users to keep them updated with the latest information. –Provide a hotline number to handle real-time customer call-in enquiry to improve the customer service –Provide hardcopy brochure when requested by user so as not only limit the usage to internet users only Threats: -People without internet access have not the opportunity to receive the requested information. –Unavailable/ inaccurate information to users due to the missing/ outdated contents might cause reputational risk to the GD. –Easy to copy by competitor to create new business/ competition. –Green products price usually higher than normal product that would cause very big investment to the users. Thus there is a challenge in convincing user to purchase without much attractive promotion/ offer. –Data security is not clarified and this might affects customer confidence.

Democratic Nation Essay

Democracy in its ancient concept is a beautiful idea. It means a government by the people and for the people. Democracy empowers the people regardless of their social status and it promises freedom to exercise ideas and to choose the kind of life that we want. Democracy gives us a freedom of self-expression. Freedom is such an important element of democracy directly in contrast to tyranny of the dictatorial and authoritarian rule. Basham quoted from Welzel which says, â€Å"at this point in history, democracy has a positive image almost everywhere, but these favorable opinions are often superficial, and unless they are accompanied by deeper-rooted orientations of tolerance, trust, and a participatory outlook, the chances are poor that effective democracy will be present at the societal level† (Basham, p. 3). Democracy as a political reform that emerged in western and Asian countries almost centuries ago began to saturate the whole world. In this case, it is important to look into reasons why Iraq has to be democratic based on its political, social, and cultural conditions, as discussed below. Iraq has for many years been under tyrannical rule of Saddam Hussein and many of its citizens are dreaming of freedom under a democratic rule. Paul Woodruff asserts, â€Å"no one sleeps well in tyranny because the tyrant knows no law, and he is a terror to his people† (p. 64). In many democratic countries it was quite evidence that citizens enjoys more freedom and self-expression than in non-democratic countries. Thus the blessings of democracy are that it guaranties our freedom to exercise our highest capacities while it protects us from our worst tendencies. (p. 3) As the rule of tyranny ended, Iraq is now underway to become a democratic country under the guidance of the United States. But the imposing question is can Iraq overcome the challenges it faces to become a democratic nation? As we all know, Iraq have not emerged yet completely from the rubbles of destruction brought about by the war against the US led coalition to oust the tyrant ruler. Frequent suicidal bombings that are killing many innocent people continues to pose threat to the safety of its people and of everyone which are clear indications that the fangs of tyranny are still alive and giving signal of its desire to regain their power. The case of Afghanistan reminds us of the tyrannical rule of the Taliban who were toppled by the US backed anti Taliban Afghan forces but they remain a threat to the reign of peace and freedom in the Afghan people. Aside from the unstable political and social condition in Iraq that poses challenge to existing political and social structure, Hugh Starkey noted that the displacement of individuals and even groups, by war and the dire economic conditions as well as the â€Å"political movements based on ethnic, religious and narrowly nationalist ideologist† (p. 23) not only poses challenge but threaten democracy as well. But amidst this political and social problem, Starkey emphasized the need of education in general, and education for citizenship in particular if Iraq has to embrace democracy, for it â€Å"provide the mechanism for transmitting those core shared values that are essential if just and peaceful democratic societies are to be develop† (p. 23). It means that the challenges that threaten the existing political and social structure and the democracy can be subdue if an intensified educational approach are implemented focusing both on the education in general and education for citizenship in particular. Another question that needs answer is whether Iraq is prepared politically, socially, and culturally for democracy. In the survey conducted by Freedom House conducted from 1981 to 2002 that measures the values and beliefs of people in seventy countries regarding the society’s level of democracy. The survey concluded that for Islamic countries, the â€Å"prospects for democracy are particularly poor† (Basham, p. 3). The reason for this finding was that, for Islamic people democracy is problematic but better than any other form of government. Though, they have a poor prospect for democracy but the chance for acceptability is positive. Another reason that has to be considered is that, Iraqis has anti-American sentiment that is so pervasive though which, according to Ottaway, et. al, â€Å"the Middle East today lacks the domestic conditions that set the stage for democratic change elsewhere† (cited by Basham, p. 4). Religion is another factor for non-democratization of Iraq in which many of the practices and tradition of people in the democratic countries are very distinct from the Islamic faith. For instance, separation of authority and rights of both gender marks the difference. Democracy is hinder to gender equality. Culturally, Iraq seemed to be unprepared for democratic. In another study conducted, of the 150 tribes in Iraq, seventy-five percent of them exercised the terms â€Å"primordial allegiances. † In one example of this according to Basham is that, most Iraqis â€Å"view political nepotism as a moral duty rather than a civic problem† (p.5), as such a strong family bonds is still prevalent as in marriages between first or second cousins is still of significance in the society. This society’s condition is another hindrance in the democratization of Iraq according to Basham. Accordingly, the greater challenge that Iraq faces is the challenge of democracy it self. Audrey Osler noted that â€Å"even in the most proudly democratic societies, significant inequalities remain sections of the population maybe marginalized and anti democratic forces’ misuse freedom of speech to promote xenophobia and nationalistic populism† (p. 23). Democracy is often identified with what the traditional societies see in it, what they see in democracy is a â€Å"cultural devastation caused by American-style freedoms† (p. 6). Embracing democracy therefore could mean allowing western values of economic and especially political freedom to dominate the society. Thus, the question that must be answered is Does Iraq need democracy? Certainly democracy is not the immediate answer to the political and social problem of Iraq but in the end it will bring more economic benefits, peace, and social order. As Bruce M. Russett puts it, â€Å"in the modern international system, democracies have almost never fought each other† (p. 4). What Russett meant for this is that democracies rarely fight each other because they have other means of resolving conflict. Therefore, â€Å"the more democracies there are in the world the fewer potential adversaries †¦will have the wider the zone of peace† (p. 4). Ayers noted, Iraqis are cognizant of their situation yet they remain to what they are because of fear out of distrust to Americans and democratic life (p. 5).

Ankle Sprain

An Ankle Sprain of a Female Colligate Basketball Player Objective: To introduce a case study about a mild ankle sprain. Background: The most common way to sprain an ankle in basketball is to step on someone else’s foot, or to plant and to turn the wrong way. Differential Diagnosis: Could be an injury to the deltoid ligament, CF, or the ATF ligament. Treatment: Ice, High volt, Theraband, Towel scrunches, Towel stretches, Whirlpool Conclusion: Rehab will help her get her strength back in her ankle as long she continues to work hard. Keywords: Ankle sprain, High volt, Medial and Lateral Malleolus Objective The ankle joint is the most commonly injured part of the lower leg. It happens from an unusual twisting action when the foot is planted awkwardly or when running on uneven ground. An unbearable amount of force is placed on the joint itself. Such injuries occur all the time in athletics or just by running. The ankle is made up of bones, tendons, and ligaments. The major bone of the lower leg is the tibia; it holds most of the body’s weight. It is made up part of the medial malleolus, which consist of the inside up hump of the ankle. The fibula is the next largest of the ankle bone in the lower leg. It forms the lower leg end form the lateral malleolus, the outer hump of the ankle. The smallest ankle bone is the talus which completely makes up the bone on the top of the foot. The tendons connect the muscle to the bones. There are several muscles that help control motion at the ankle. The tendon connects one or more of the bones to the foot. Tendons can be stretch to torn when a great amount of tension is placed upon it. They can also be pulling away from the bone, such as the Achilles tendon rupture. Ligaments provide connections between the bones. Ligaments are mostly sprained. The ankle has many bones that comes together to form the joint. The most commonly injured ligament is the anterior talofibular ligament that connects the front of the fibula to the talus bone on the front outer rim of the ankle joint. Ligaments are sprained when a great than normal force is placed on it. This is done when the foot is inverted most of the time. This happens when the foot is awkwardly planted or is stepped upon during activities. Stepping in a surface that is irregular, such as in an athletic event when one player steps on another player foot a sprain can result. Background A twenty-one year old female, basketball player experienced an ankle sprain by accidentally stepping on another player’s foot. The player was going up to make a shot landed on the opponents foot when she came back down, which made her ankle invert. The head athletic trainer evaluated her then taped her ankle to provide support and keep the swelling to a minimum at that time, so the player could return to play. Immediately after the game, the player’s ankle was iced down to control the swelling and was receiving NSAID’s to help with the pain or discomfort she was feeling. The player was referred to the team physician for x-rays and MRI to help rule out fractures. Treatment was started to help relieving the swelling and pain. Treatment In the first couple of days of rehab, she received high volt, and ice to help with the swelling she also did ankle pumps that also help with moving out the inflammation. As each day went by, towel scrunches, towel stretches were performed as three set each. Compression pumps were administered for 15 minutes several times a week, rhythmic stabilization, and aquatic therapeutic exercises were added as she got closer to the sub acute phase. The sub acute phases are about six days to until six weeks. In this stage she was allowed to jog straight ahead, trying wide figure-eight at first. Eventually the player was either on the bike or the stair stepper for 10 minutes a day. After the bike she was moved to the shuttle press with four cords, and three sets of ten, after the shuttle she did calf raises. The farther she progressed, the whirlpool was introduced, and both hot and cold water. Two set of tens, in all four directions using Therband was the next step of treatment; ultrasound was done to help break up scar tissue that had started to form. As her ROM improved along with other tests, she was moving closer to the return to play phase. The return to play phase this is when functional test and sport specific drill can be started. Functional testing is important along with continuing with other exercises and modalities. She moved to three set of fifteen with a Therband in all direction, hot pack assisted with high volt was added. Following the Therband the shuttle with the dynadisc, doing three set of fifteen along with four cords, she also did towel scrunches five times; wobble board, marbles and exercise. ROM exercise was done to increase plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. Differential Diagnosis There are many kinds of ankle injuries that can be present in variety of ways. The calcaneocuboid joint injury is a kind of inversion ankle sprain that involves the ligament overlying that joint. Which cause immediate swelling, pain and tenderness to the touch? The pain is localized to that region of the joint. The deltoid ligament resists abduction and lateral rotation of the ankle. However sudden forceful motion of the ankle may tear the ligament or stress it. The ligament may avulse that is attacked to the malleolus; a vast majority of case, there will be a tear through the ligament. The tear could be associated with compression of the talar joint. There could be an injury also to the ATFL and the CF ligament. Conclusion The player went through all the appropriate phases to get back in to the return to play phase. She will continue to do rehab so that her ankle with improve and get stronger.

Carnavelis Decision Making Model Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Carnavelis Decision Making Model - Essay Example The effectiveness of a nurse’s role is achieved through the assessment of the social, physical, mental, and spiritual and health factors which define the needs of the patient. This paper is based on a clinical case study where the roles of nurses in assessment of the patient and related factors and decision making and practice are discussed. The discussion is based on Carnevali’s model of clinical judgment and decision making which evaluated in terms of its effectiveness and impact on the execution of nursing roles in patient assessment and decision making. The assessment of Jack’s physical, social, mental, spiritual and health care needs will be based on an integration of critical thinking and observation. Wolf (2012, p. 20) explains that the ability of a nurse to identify the needs of the patient during the assessment process is effectively achieved through keen observation and application of higher cognitive processes of thought. Kearney and Penque (2012, p. 3 2) adds that the legal and ethical standards of nursing and evidence based practice should also be included in trying to identify the needs of the patient. In Jack’s case, his symptoms are used to assess his health care needs. For example his dehydration is identified through the nurse’s observation. This leads to a critical thinking process through which the nurse will make a decision of the nursing intervention and therapy which is relevant for his condition. The significance of Carnevali’s model of clinical judgment and decision making is disclosed in this case because effectiveness in assessment of the health care needs of the patient would only be achieved through observation of his symptoms. Carnival’s model presents the first stage of diagnostic reasoning process as the collection of information and data on the patient and the family (Carnevali, 2003, p. 45). Aitken, Marshall, Elliott and McKinley (2009, p. 38), add that the roles of nurses in pati ent diagnosis are guided by collection of patient data on the social and cultural aspects and applying them in the prescription of relevant intervention and therapy. Jack for example is affected by social factors such as lack of appropriate support and care from the parents. This is disclosed by the fact that the parents want to leave him in the hospital with a neighbor. Nonetheless, critical thinking and prioritization must be applied in nursing care to ensure that the health care needs of the patient are provided before further assessment achieved. Jack’s dehydration and weakness requires immediate nursing intervention even before a complete analysis of all factors surrounding his condition are ascertained. Huiqin and Thompson (2010, p. 2752) points out that nurses play a critical role in meeting the needs of patients for care with due consideration of the standards of care and maintenance of high standards in practice. However Carnevali’s model of clinical judgment and decision making fails to show emphasis on the role of ethical and evidence based nursing practice. In accordance to Carnaveli’s model of clinical judgment and decision making, the second stage in diagnostic reasoning process is entry into the patient assessment (Carnevali, 2003, p. 45). This includes priority setting. Jack’s health care needs are prioritized by the nurse because of his weak condition and continuous crying. This is the reason why the nurse must prioritize the health care needs of the patient. Sutcliffe (2011, p. 35) emphasizes that the Nursing and

Intercultural Communication in the Workplace Essay - 1

Intercultural Communication in the Workplace - Essay Example These standards included graduation from an accredited university within certain specified fields of study. There were minimum grade point averages established as well as minimum levels of English-language proficiency. In addition, all hires were expected to have at least five years of relevant sales and marketing experience. In all, there were to be eighteen local hires in Thailand. These staffing standards were established at a meeting six months previously at the corporation’s Los Angeles headquarters. Present at that meeting were the Vice President for Human Resources, his assistant, and a Thai national hired to run the regional headquarters in Bangkok. The staffing standards were communicated orally and in a formal written set of job descriptions. The Thai national had graduated from a reputable American university, had worked for the corporation in Los Angeles for six years, and spoke English fluently. There appeared to be no problems until profiles of the proposed new h ires in Thailand were sent to Los Angeles for confirmation. In short, the American Vice President was not happy. He was not happy because the minimum standards for screening and hiring new employees in Thailand were ignored. The proposed hires did not graduate from reputable universities; indeed, three were graduates of a police college. More, academic transcripts showed that many of the proposed hires were, at best, mediocre students. There was no evidence of English-language proficiency and the minimum sales experience requirements had similarly been ignored. There were also a surprising number of the same surnames; as it turned out, a number of people from the same families had been proposed as local hires. The Vice President was furious because the Thai employee seemed to have thrown his instructions out the window. How did this problem arise? To be sure, there were explicit oral

D3 Whistleblower Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

D3 Whistleblower - Essay Example These individuals may be in danger after the whistleblowing. The tort law aims to protect individuals against harm from unreasonable actions of other people (Lipman 2011). The law therefore protects the whistleblowers from being hurt legally by those they have blown the whistle against. Intentional tort law protects the whistleblower. Whistleblowers are protected by this tort law because even though their actions intentionally hurt those involved in the organization, they do so with an intention of ending the misconduct hence the action is justified and law offers protection (McBride and Bagshaw 2008). This law protects the special agent because even though the FBI’s integrity was questioned, the action will enable other intelligence organizations to be vigilant in future hence her action was justifiable in court. The Lloyd-La Follette Act is a congressional act that was passed as a way to protect civil servant whistleblowers against abusive or even unwarranted removal of the whistleblower for revealing misconduct or furnishing information. It also guarantees the rights of employees to reveal any inefficiency information about the institutions to the congress or authorized committees. All this is in a bid to improve the integrity of such institutions and organizations and protect their employees at the same

Red Convertible by OConnor and Guests of the Nation by Erdrich Essay

Red Convertible by OConnor and Guests of the Nation by Erdrich - Essay Example These stories are analyzed in this essay along with the current status of the Indian American culture. The story the Red Convertible talks about the experiences of two Indian brothers one summer prior to one of the going to war. The story focuses on the experience these two adventurers had a red convertible which was the first convertible car to arrive at their reservation. The red convertible to them was a symbol of freedom and let them escape from the struggle their people were facing. It provides insight into the tribal lifestyle and how these two learned to enjoy the simpler things in life such as nature, family, culture, and loyalty. Following that summer one of the brothers went to war. He struggled with psychological problems and could not cope with everyday life after he came back as damaged goods from the war. The brother tried to sheer his sibling up by restoring the red convertible but to no avail. War left scars on him which could not be repaired. The second story dealt w ith Irish army platoons and how the war can create friendships and destroy life and how these memories can last a lifetime. The story centers around a small group of Irish soldiers and a couple of English soldier prisoners under their care. For months they lived together in a shack sharing stories and becoming weird friends even though they were enemies. The stories go into detail about the struggles these people went through during the war and how by sharing each other lives the men took compassion and understood what each other was enduring. In the end, despite the relationship, these people had built the Irish soldiers were forced to kill the English prisoners who had become their friends under order from their superiors. These stories showed the type of struggle different cultures has gone through under tough situations.

Current trends in the market from risk management prospective Essay

Current trends in the market from risk management prospective - Essay Example The Most Important Trends in Global Financial Crisis That Have Affected Financial Markets, Institutions and the Economy from 2007 To 2009 Important lessons that can be learnt from the recent global economic crisis are purely based on risk prepared and management practices capable of averting any financial challenge. A general reluctance to handle risk with caution can be translated by all facts to have been the cause of economic downturns observed from 2007. According to Hubbard (p6)1 reluctance to employ the best risk assessment techniques prevents the management from realizing how potent and hazardous a risk would be. The author therefore attributes failure to mitigate risk to wrong technique for measuring the risk and its gravity. To illustrate this position, the author finds fault with the manner in which top risk management firms and federal agencies conducted their risk assessment resulting in wrong approach to mitigate the risks. A cascade of ill-informed interventions could o nly worsen the case for the economic crisis that hit the financial markets for the better part of 2008 through 2009 and whose impact is still being felt to date. It is clear that the most important trend in the modern economic world entails risk assessment, which must be done right at all cases to avoid miscalculations resulting into multiplier disasters. House ownership was at the centre of interest for the financial markets, having been established in the USA to such low risk levels that the major global financial players willingly ventured in it. As Fraser and Simkins (p272)2 observe, a high demand for housing attracted high prices and supply was fast catching up to share in the benefits. The Federal Reserve was allowing the lowest interest rates for the first time in the history of the market. The homeowner society of Japan which has been prone to stagnation for long is being affected by economic crisis resulting from globalization. In most of the developed countries where capit al market is deregulated by neo-liberal policies, their financial institutions are facing great effects from the global financial markets. For instance for these countries to maintain their market for their goods they have to maintain strong relations with the particular countries which provide market for their goods. This may lead to a financial crisis in that the developing countries may end up accruing debts which may affect the market. Global financial crisis through the economic turns of the overseas countries have damaged the export-based macroeconomics of Japan ACCORDING TO Forrest and Yip (p199). As the global financial crisis around the world has affected the economy and thus has brought about significant drops in stock markets. The downfall of the United States sub-marine mortgage market followed by the reversed housing boom of the industrialized countries economy has had a diverse effect around the globe. The sub-marine crisis resulted from financial assets such as securi ty assets which involved banks transferring their loans into purchasable assets. This results to banks off-loading loans which are risky onto other financial institutions. The crisis have also been on the increase because of the fact that banks are engaging in huge risks which in turn increase their exposure to financial problems. Collapsing banks suck funds from the economy in their

Project Team Selection Essay Example for Free

Project Team Selection Essay As a project manager you acquire a project team in most instances, therefore selecting the skills that each member on the team possess is not possible. You must make the most out of the team that you have been afforded and determine what skills you require to ensure project success. This paper will discuss the importance of team members and ways to utilize the skills on a project team successfully. Project Team Selection A project manager may have little to no influence on the selection of a project team, so it is important for a project manager to keep in mind team makeup can have a critical impact on everything from task execution to establishing team dynamics that will either energize or suck the life out of a project ( TheBigRocks. com, 2010). Excuting a project plan is only as effective as the project manager and its team. Wysocki (2012) suggests that when building and recruiting an effective team, you must consider the technical skills as well as the critical roles and chemistry that must exist between the project manager and the team. The knowledge and technical requirements needed to produce an effective project should be understood prior to seeking out individuals who possess the skills needed (Brown, Hyer 2010). Key stakeholders of the project should be represented to ensure there are no oversights or surprises in the project, so there should be a team member available to do so. The team should also have the ability to work together so Brown and Hyer (2010) suggests the diversity of views, expertise, perspectives and backgrounds can often develop better solutions faster than individuals working alone. Conflict resolution should be available to the team members so that if conflict arises, proper management can enhance team performance. As group size increases, communication, cohesiveness, and job satisfication may decline, while turnover, absenteeism and slacking may also increase (Brown and Hyer, 2010). It is important to consider the optimal team size for your project while ensuring the required skill sets are available. Brown and Hyer (2010) also suggests that it is important to ensure that each team member has enough time to devote to the project to ensure proper coordination of duties. Conclusion The right project team can make or break a project. The selection process must first identify all the roles needed for the project, then identify which roles, skills, bandwidth and authority must be addressed with a specific person, talent, effort level or skill to avoid putting the entire project at risk of failure (TheBigRocks.com, 2010).

Efficacy Of Dynamic Splinting Health And Social Care Essay

Efficacy Of Dynamic Splinting Health And Social Care Essay The procedure has proven to both reliable and durable. A successful total knee replacement allows patient to resume almost all activities of daily living with minimal difficulty. In most cases patients no longer require external aids or chronic medications. Finally total knee replacement helps patients to maintain their overall self esteem. Total knee replacement is indicated when there is unremitting severe pain in the knee with or without deformity. The pain/ deformity may be due to osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and various non specific arthritis. It relieves pain, provides mobility and correct deformity. Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which injured or damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial parts. The procedure is performed by seperating the muscles and ligaments around the knee to expose the knee capsule. The knee capsule is opened, exposed the inside of the joint. The end of the femur and tibial are removed. The artificial parts are cemented into place. The knee will consist of metal shell at the end of the femur, a metal and plastic trough on the tibia and if needed a plastic button in the cap. In a way this could be more appropriately called a Knee resurfacing operation. The common pathology for total knee replacement is knee flexion contracture. DEFINITION: Flexion contracture is defined as the shortening of the connective tissue thereby stiffening the joint. It is due to tightening of the posterior capsule combined with the tightening of biceps femoris and collateral ligaments. Hence rehabilitation program should be undertaken soon after TKA to maintain joint range of motion. In particular this study examined the value of dynamic splinting in increasing range of motion and reducing the flexion contracture. Dynamic splinting utilizes the biomechanical adaptation of keeping the joint at end-range to achieve a physiological change of molecular realignment to elongate the connective tissue. This protocol of low-load, prolonged-duration stretch with dynamic tension continually reduces the contracture. ANATOMY OF KNEE JOINT: The knee joint is the largest and most complex joint in the body. It is synovial modified hinge joint. It is formed by fusion and medial tibio- femoral and patella- femoral joint. ARTICULAR SURFACES: It is comprised the Femoral condyles: distal end of femur Tibial condyles : proximal end of tibia. Patellar facetes : posterior surface of patella. Femoral condyles: The articular surfaces of femur are pulley shaped. The femoral condyles are convex in both planes. They are extended interiorly by the pulley shaped patellar surfaces. The neck of the pulley is represented anteriorly by the central groove on the patellar surface and posteriorly by the intercondylar notch. 111 Tibial condyle: The tibial surfaces are reciprocally curved and comprises two curved and concave parallel gutters which are separated by a blunt eminence running antero- posteriorly eminence lodges the two intercondylar tubercles. Tibio-femoral joints: The tibial condyles correspond to the femoral condyles while the inter condylar tibial tubercles come to within the femoral intercondylar notch, these surfaces constitute functionally the tibio-femoral joint. Femero-patellar joints: The facets of patella correspond to the patellar surface of the femur while the vertical ridge of the patella fits into the central groove of the femur. LIGAMENTS OF KNEE JOINT: Medial collateral ligament: It is flattened band rhomboidal in outine. It is attached above to the medial epicondyle of femur, below to the medial margin and the adjoining medial surface of tibia. Function: restrain valgus rotation Lateral collateral ligament: Function: restrain varus rotation and resist internal rotation kneeanat Anterior cruciate ligament: It is attached below to the anterior part of the intercondylar area of tibia between the anterior ends of lateral and medial semilunar cartilages. Above it is attached to the posterior part of the medial surface of lateral femoral condyle. Function: To resist anterior displacement of the tibia on the femur when the knee is flexed To resist varus or valgus rotation of the tibia, especially in the absence of the collateral ligaments Resists internal rotation of the tibia. Posterior cruciate ligament: It is attached below to the posterior part of intercondylar area of tibia, posterior to the attachment of posterior end of medial semilunar cartilage. Above it is attached to the anterior part of lateral surface of the medial condyle of femur. Function: To allow femoral rollback in flexion Resist posterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur Controls external rotation of the tibia with increasing knee flexion. Retention of the PCL in total knee replacement has been shown biomechanically to provide normal kinematic rollback of the femur on the tibia. This also is important for improving the lever arm of the quadriceps mechanism with flexion of the knee. MUSCLES OF KNEE JOINT: Quadriceps femoris Popliteus Semitendinosus Semimembranous Sartorius Biceps femoris Gastrocnemius Plantaris BURSAE AROUND THE KNEE JOINT: Anteriorly: The suprapatellar bursa The prepatellar bursa Superficial intrapatellar bursa Deep infrapatellar bursa Laterally: A bursa between lateral collateral ligament and biceps tendon A bursa between lateral collateral ligament and popliteus tendon Popliteus bursa lies between the popliteus and lateral condyle of femur. Medially: The tibial inter tendinous bursa( pes anserine bursa) A bursa between medial collateral ligament and semimembranous tendon A bursa between semimembranous tendon and tibia. Posteriorly: A bursa between lateral head of gastrocnemius and capsule. Semimembranous bursa(brodies bursa) NERVE SUPPLY: Femoral nerve Sciatic nerve Obturator nerve BLOOD SUPPLY: The arterial supply to knee joint, is from the branches of Popliteal artery Femoral artery Tibial artery TIBIO-FEMORAL ARTHROKINEMATICS: Viewed in the sagittal plane, the femurs articulating surface is convex while the tibias in concave. We can predict arthrokinematics based on the rules of concavity and convexity: During Knee Extension During Knee Flexion Open Chain Closed Chain Open Chain Closed Chain Tibia Glides Anteriorly On Femur Femur Glides Posteriorly On Tibia Tibia Glides Posteriorly On Femur Femur Glides Anteriorly On Tibia from 20o knee flexion to full extension from full knee extension to 20o flexion Tibia rotates externally Femur rotates internally on stable tibia Tibia rotates internally Femur rotates externally on stable tibia THE SCREW-HOME MECHANISM: Rotation between the tibia and femur occurs automatically between full extension (0o) and 20o of knee flexion. These figures illustrate the top of the right tibial plateau as we look down on it during knee motion. top of tibial plateau top of tibial plateau top of tibial plateau During Knee Extension, the tibia glides anteriorly on the femur. During the last 20 degrees of knee extension, anterior tibial glide persists on the tibias medial condyle because its articular surface is longer in that dimension than the lateral condyles. Prolonged anterior glide on the medial side produces external tibial rotation, the screw-home mechanism. THE SCREW-HOME MECHANISM REVERSES DURING KNEE FLEXION top of tibial plateau top of tibial plateau top of tibial plateau When the knee begins to flex from a position of full extension, posterior tibial glide begins first on the longer medial condyle. Between 0 deg. extension and 20 deg. of flexion, posterior glide on the medial side produces relative tibial internal rotation, a reversal of the screw-home mechanism. TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT Total knee replacement is indicated when there is unremitting severe pain in the knee with or without deformity. The pain/ deformity may e due to osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and various non specific arthritis. It relieves pain, provides mobility and correct deformity. Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which injured or damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial parts. The procedure is performed by seperating the muscles and ligaments around the knee to expose the knee capsule. The knee capsule is opened, exposed the inside of the joint. The end of the femur and tibial are removed. The artificial parts are cemented into place. The knee will consist of metal shell at the end of the femur, a metal and plastic trough on the tibia and if needed a plastic button in the cap. In a way this could be more appropriately called a Knee resurfacing operation. E:New FolderNAGU PROJECTimAGESTotal-Knee-Replacement.jpg The total knee replacement can be: Unicompartmental arthroplasty: The Articular surface of femur and tibia, either the medial or lateral compartment of the knee are replaced by an implant. Eg: osteoathritis. Bicomprtmental arthroplasty: In bicompartmental arthroplasty, the articular surface of tibia and femur of both medial and lateral compartments of the knee joints are replaced by an implant. The third compartment i.e.., the patellofemoral joint is however left intact. Tricomprtmental arthroplasty: the articular surface of the lower femur, upper tibia and patella are replaced by prosthesis. Most commonly performed arthroplsty. The prosthesis consists of a tibial component, a metal femoral component and a high molecular weight polyethylene button for articular surface of the patella. TKA GOALS Restore mechanical alignment [neutral tibiofemoral alignment = 4 °-6 ° of anatomic valgus], Horizontal joint line, Soft tissue balance (ligament), (Patella tracking (Q-angle) INDICATION Oteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Hemophilic arthritis Traumatic arthritis Sero negative arthrides Crystal deposition disease Pigmented villonoular synovitis Avascular necrosis Bone dysplasias Asymmetric arthrits CONTRA INDICATION Absolute contraindications Recent or curren joint infection Sepsis or systematic infection Neuropathic arthropathy Painful solid knee fusion Relative contraindications Severe osteoporosis Debilated poor health Non functioning extensor mechanism Painless, well functioning arthrodesis Significant peripheral vascular diseases TKA Complications Death: 0.53% Periprosthetic Infection: 0.71% Pulmonary emboli: 0.41% Patella fracture: Component Loosening: Tibial tray wear: Peroneal Nerve Palsy: 0.3% to 2% Periprosthetic Femur Fracture: Periprosthetic Tibial Fracture: Wound Complications / Skin slough: rare Patellar Clunk Syndrome: rare Patellofemoral Instability: 0.5%-29% DVT: Instability: Popliteal artery injury: 0.05% Quadriceps Tendon Rupture: 0.1% Patellar Tendon Rupture: Stiffness: Fat Embolism MCL rupture NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY: Need of the study: To reduce flexion contracture To improve range of motion To improve functional activity Significance of the study: This study is to evaluate the efficacy of dynamic splinting for knee flexion contracture following a total knee arthroplasty. Statement of the problem: To study the efficacy of dynamic splinting for knee flexion contracture following a total knee arthroplasty. Hence the study is entitled as efficacy of dynamic splinting for knee flexion contracture following a total knee arthroplasty. Objectives: To reduce flexion contracture To improve range of motion To analyze the effect of dynamic knee splint Null hypothesis: The null hypothesis can be stated as follows there is no significant difference in knee flexion contracture after the application of dynamic knee splint. Alternate hypothesis: The hypothesis can be stated as follows there is significant difference in knee flexion contracture after the application of dynamic knee splint. 2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: 1. TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY: Simon H Palmer, MD, Consultant Surgeon: Sep 21, 2010 Osteoarthritis destruction of the knee is the most common reason for total knee replacement. Jayant joshi, prakash kotwal says that total knee replacement relieves pain, provides mobility corrects deformity. 2. FLEXION CONTRACTURE: J. Ilyas; A.H. Deakin; C. Brege; and F. Picard Flexion contracture is a common deformity encountered in patients requiring total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Department of orthopaedics, golden jubilee national hospital, clydebank, glasgow, g81 4hx, uk. One hundred and four continuous TKA were completed by a single consultant using the OrthoPilot (BBraun, Aesculap) navigation system and Columbus implants. Seventy-four knees had preoperative flexion contracture (including neutral knees) while 30 were in hyperextension. Ouellet D, Moffet H. Arthritis Rheum October 2002 Large movement deficits are present, especially in single-limb support pre-op and 2 months following TKA. Huei-Ming Chai, PHD. November 24, 2008 total knee arthroplasty limits range of motion 3. DYNAMIC SPLINT: Dennis l armstrong, m.d. Buck willis, phd evaluates the efficacy of dynamic knee extension splinting for knee flexion contracture following TKA. Finger  E, Willis  FB Health Physical Education, Recreation, Texas State University, Cases Journal 2008, Physical therapy alone did not fully reduce the contracture and dynamic splinting was then prescribed for daily low-load, prolonged-duration stretch. Finger E, Willis B 29Dec2008: Dynasplint offers extension Systems to aid in rehabilitation and recovery from flexion contracture. Clinical studies have demonstrated greatest average reduction in rehabilitation time and cost with the use of Dynasplint Systems in conjunction with physical therapy. Willis FB Biomechanics.2008 Jan; 15 After surgery, a patient is often left with shortened connective tissue and may have a difficult time walking normally again. Wearing a dynamic knee splint will lengthen and remodel the tissue to restore range of motion. McClure P, Blackburn L, Dusold C Ideally, wearing your Dynasplint for 6-8 continuous hours yields the best results as it allows a safe, long lasting remodeling of the soft tissue. Cliffordr.Wheeless, Iii, Md.December3, 2008. The purpose of this report is to review the use of external fixator for the gradual correction of severe knee flexion contractures that limit patient function. James f. Mooney iii, md, l. Andrew koman Posted: 05/01/2001 Average preoperative flexion contracture was 80.5 °. Each patient achieved full extension. There was one recurrence, despite bracing, which was managed with replacement of the fixator and soft tissue procedures 4. CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR KNEE ARTHRITIS: Jan.K.Richardson, Pt, Phd, Ocs Said that arthritis is a degenerative disease of the cartilage and bones that results in pain and stiffness in affected joint. There is no cure for arthritis, but physical therapy can make living easier and less painful. Brigham And Womens Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Services Physical Therapy .ROM along with proper soft tissue balance is required to ensure proper biomechanics in the knee joint. Aggressive post-operative PT has been shown to be effective in improving patient outcomes and shortening length of stay Balint G And Sz Ebenyl.B Showed that therapeutic exercises decreases pain, increases muscle fatigue and range of motion as well as improve endurance and aerobic capacity. Weight reduction is proven in obese patients with OA of knee. Therapeutic heat and cold, electrotherapy, acupuncture are widely used. Dr. Margriet van baar reported that significant beneficial effects from exercise therapy including improvements in self reported pain, disability, walking ability and overall sense of well being. Dorr LD.   J Arthroplasty June 2002 CPM helps achieve knee range of motion quicker in first post-op weeks but at final follow-ups, no difference in final range of motion Byrne, et al.   Clin Biomech October 2002 Deficits in knee strength balanced by increased hip extensor work; rehab should optimize bilateral hip and knee function after TKA McManus et al 2006, Jorge et al 2006 the higher frequencies (90-130Hz) to stimulate the pain gate mechanisms thereby mask the pain symptoms. Ozcan et al, 2004 Low frequency nerve stimulation is physiologically effective (as with TENS and NMES) and this is the key to IFT intervention. Adedoyin, R. A., et al. (2002).IFT acts primarily on the excitable (nerve) tissues, the strongest effects are likely to be those which are a direct result of such stimulation (i.e. pain relief and muscle stimulation). National Taiwan University Hospital, November 2008 PNF stretching techniques has been used frequently for patients with total knee arthroplasty in clinical practice to increase range of motion effectively and reduced knee pain during exercise. Huei-Ming Chai, PHD November 24, 2008 PNF stretching technique is a therapeutic technique using the PNF concept to the related muslces either to increase neuro-inhibition mechanism for releasing muscle spasm and elongating muscle length, or to increase neuro-excitation mechanism for enhancing muscle strength Harold B. James H. Beaty, MD Range-of-motion exercises, muscle strengthening, gait training, and instruction in performing activities of daily living are important. 5. GONIOMETRIC MEASURENT FOR ROM: Carlos Lavernia, MD, Range of motion assessment through direct observation without a goniometer provides inaccurate findings. Mark D. Rossi, PhD, PT, CSCS The Journal of Arthroplasty Vol. 23 No. 6 Suppl. 1 2008 Measured scores using a goniometer provided an improved degree of accuracy, but results appear to be dependent on the clinician performing the measurement. Richard l. Gajdosik Associate Professor Physical therapists may accept most knee goniometric measurements as clinically valid, and the evidence indicates that most of these measurements are reliable. 6. KNEE SOCIETY SCORE: Gil Scuderi, MD-Chair; Jim Benjamin, MD; Jess Lonner, MD; Bob Bourne, MD and Norm Scott, MD, 2007,The Knee Society rating system (KSS) was first published in CORR in 1989 and has become the standard clinical evaluation system for reporting results for patients undergoing Total Knee Replacement. John N. Insall, MD, Lawrence D. Dorr, Scott, MD Rationale of the Knee Society clinical rating system. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1989 Nov:The Knee Society has proposed this new rating system to be simple but more exacting and more objective. MD, Richard D. Scott, MD, and W. Norman It is hoped the knee society rating system will become universally accepted and will be adopted by all authors, even if they wish to report results using a customary scoring method as well. 3. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: MATERIALS: Evaluation tool: Goniometry Knee society score Outcome measure: Range of motion Knee score Function score Material used: Dynamic knee splint METHODOLOGY: (A) Study design: 30 subjects with flexion contracture following unilateral TKA assigned in two groups. GROUP A: 15 subjects: Dynamic Splint Along With Conventional Physiotherapy. GROUP B: 15 subjects: Conventional Physiotherapy. (B) Study setting: This study was carried out in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Sri Ramakrishna hospital, Coimbatore. (C) Study duration: This study was carried out for a period of 6 months. (D) Sampling: Random sampling. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Age: 45 to 70 years. Both sex Flexion contracture : 20 12 deg (post operatively) Unilateral TKA Reduced flexibility in AROM of knee extension Pain that is worsened by bending over while legs are straight Impaired gait pattern Ability to understand informed consent and experiment responsibilities EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Fractures Bilateral TKA TKA Knee sepsis Osteomyelitis or any orthopedic infection Extensor mechanism dysfunction Psoriasis Knee joint neuropathy Previous Stroke or Brain Injury STATISTICS TOOL: The data collected was analyzed using independent t-test. The test was carried out between two groups. Independentt test was used to compare the effectiveness of treatment between the groups. t = S = X1 = Difference between pretest and posttest values of Group I X2 = Difference between pretest and posttest values of Group II = Mean difference of Group I = Mean difference of Group II n1 = No. of samples in Group I n2 = No. of samples in Group II S = Combined standard deviation TREATMENT: Dynamic knee Extension splint: The Rebound Effect http://www.dynasplint.com/uploads/user-uploads/rebound2.gif 53% Average Reduction in Time and Cost Associated with ROM Rehabilitation High-force, short-duration stretching favors recoverable, elastic tissue deformation, whereas low-force, long-duration stretching enhances permanent plastic deformation. In the clinical setting, high force application has a greater risk of causing pain and possibly ruptures of tissue. Dynasplint Systems improve range of motion by creating permanent, non-traumatic tissue elongation and remodeling, thus virtually eliminating the range of motion rebound effect often observed in the clinical setting. RangerKnee2 Features Benefits LLPS (Low-Load, Prolonged-Duration Stretch) technology has been proven to successfully treat joint stiffness and limited range of motion. Early application can reduce time and cost associated with range of motion rehabilitation Simple, adjustable and reproducible bilateral tensioning System Available for rent or purchase Biomechanically correct Comfortable to wear Each Dynasplint System is recycled to reduce waste and help the environment A Dynasplint Systems consultant will fit your patients and oversee their treatment to ensure the best possible results Over a quarter of a million patients have been successfully treated with Dynasplint Systems Conveniently labeled and easy to use Patient Wearing Protocol Please review the tension your Dynasplint consultant set for you initially. In the beginning, the splint should be worn for 2-4 hours. Do not increase the tension until you can tolerate overnight wear. Time is the most important factor and your first goal should be 6-8 hours of pain free wear. After achieving this time goal, when you take the splint off if you have less than 1 hour of post-wear stiffness, turn tension up by one on both sides. However if you are unable to wear the splint for a prolonged period of time, decrease the tension by a half to one full turn. During the process of regaining your range of motion, if you have any question or concerns contact your Dynasplint consultant. http://www.wheelessonline.com/images/i1/imk11.jpg CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT: MODALITIES FOR PAIN CONTROL, EDEMA REDUCTION: Moist Heat Functional electrical stimulation Transcutaneous electrical stimulation Ice therapy Interferential therapy Galvanic Stimulation JOINT MOBILIZATION: Flexion restriction Position: patient seated Posterior glide of tibia on femur-grade 3 Oscillation with 30 second hold, Repeated 5 times with patellar mobilization of inferior glides (5 mins) Extension restriction Position: patient prone with patella off of table Anterior glide of tibia on femur- grade 3 oscillation and static hold (10 secs in 3 repetitions) with patellar mobilization superior glides (5 mins) EXERCISE PROGRAM: Closed and open kinetic chain strengthening exercises Proprioceptive/balance exercises targeting the trunk and lower extremity musculature Partial body weighted squats Gait training Range of motion exercises Heel slide (supine sitting) Stretching (prone/supine) to increase knee extension ROM GAIT TRAINING: Forward Walking Sidestepping Backward or Retro-Walking FUNCTIONAL TRAINING: Standing Transfer Activities Lifting Carrying Pushing or Pulling Squatting or Crouching Return-to-Work Tasks ENDURANCE TRAINING: Upper body exercise. Ambulation activities One-leg cycling, using non-operative leg with resistance to motion. BALANCE/PROPRIOCEPTION TRAINING: Tandem Walking Lateral Stepping over/around objects Weight-Shifting Activities Closed Kinetic Chain Activities 5. DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION: KNEE EXTENSION ROM: GROUP I Pre test (Two months after TKA) Post test (conventional PT with SPLINT) Difference X1 16 0 16 16 1 15 16 2 14 16 2 14 16 4 12 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 1 13 14 1 13 14 2 12 12 0 12 12 0 12 12 1 11 12 1 11 12 1 11 Mean=12.93 PRE TEST AND POST KNEE EXTENSION ROM: GROUP I KNEE EXTENSION ROM: GROUP II Pre test (Two months after TKA) Post test (conventional PT without splint) Difference X2 18 7 11 18 6 12 18 6 12 18 6 12 18 4 14 16 7 9 16 7 9 16 4 12 16 4 12 16 4 12 14 3 11 14 4 10 14 4 12 14 2 12 14 2 12 Mean=11.46 t=2.82 s.dev=1.42 degrees of freedom = 28 The probability of this result, assuming the null hypothesis, is 0.009 PRE TEST AND POST KNEE EXTENSION ROM: GROUP II KNEE SCORE AND FUNCTION SCORE: S.No. Parameters Groups Mean S.D.Value t Value 1. Knee Scores Group A 18 4.47 3.06 Group B 13 2. Function Score Group A 35.6 4.98 3.01 Group B 30.1 MEAN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KNEE SCORE AND FUNCTION SCORE DEMOGRAPHIC DATA THE AGE OF THE SAMPLES BETWEEN 45 -70 YEARS IN EACH GROUP Age (years) No. of Samples Total Group A Group B 45-50 4 3 7 50-55 5 4 9 55-60 2 5 7 60-65 2 2 4 65-70 2 1 3 TOTAL NUMBER OF MALES AND FEMALES IN EACH GROUP Sex No. of Samples Total Group A Group B Male 8 10 18 Females 7 5 12 TOTAL NUMBER OF RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE INVOLVEMENT IN EACH GROUP Side of involvement No. of Samples Total Group A Group B Right 11 8 19 Left 4 7 11 5. DISCUSSION Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is considered the treatment of choice for patients with intractable pain and substantial functional disabilities who have not had acceptable relief and functional improvement after conservative treatment. Knee flexion contracture is a common pathology following TKA affecting up to 61% of these patients. The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of dynamic splinting in treating patients with flexion contracture following Unilateral TKA. Literature review states that there is significant difference between dynamic splinting and conventional physiotherapy management in reducing flexion contracture following Unilateral TKA. A total of thirty patients with unilateral TKA were selected under inclusive criteria and were randomly allocated into an experimental group and control group as Group A and group B respectively. In each group 15 Individuals were allotted In Group A, dynamic splint along with conventional physiotherapy was given and in Group B, Conventional physiot