Project management performance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Project management performance - Essay Example These shortcomings increase the confounding effects of the productivity variables measured and analyzed. The figures calculated for each of the variables of productivity (factor productivity ratios) over a period of time can be systematically plotted to identify and predict a trend that shows change in productivity. The figures for each variable can be monitored individually or collectively with other variables. To monitor productivity over a period of one year productivity metrics for each month have to be calculated. The change in productivity (trend) between one month and another or across the 12 months can be identified by simply calculating the difference in the productivity metrics. The trend can be graphically represented by plotting the productivity metric over a period of year. Fig 1 shows a trend for multifactor (labor and capital) productivity ratio calculated for the months of January is 0.560, February 0.585, March 0.615, April 0.616, May 0.610, June 0.623, July 0.623, August 0.634, September 0.598, October 0.590, November 0.589 and December 0.590. Also for the trend ident ified to be more meaningful, the variable(s) plotted must be compared with productivity of other firms with factors similar to the one in question. This can be done by comparing the productivity metrics with external benchmarks. The last bar in Fig 1 represents the benchmark for similar (small catering/restaurants service). The operation manager of the food service unit can therefore comparatively monitor performance of the unit. The work of the operation manager can be made simpler if s/he uses Microsoft Project application to measure and monitor schedule performance of staff and inputs (monetized resources). This application will allow the manager to handle large variety of data and to (intra) extrapolate outcomes. The operation managers can use the information (factor

Analysis Of The Ryanair Business Strategy Business Essay

Analysis Of The Ryanair Business Strategy Business Essay Business strategy is an essential component to a firms business model and is a vital player in aiding the firm drive itself to achieve its mission. Through a clear business strategy a firm can derive its position in the long term and create a competitive advantage in the market for itself. In this essay we explore the business model of Ryanair and assess their strategy. Ryanair is an Irish low cost airline headquartered in Dublin founded in 1985. It operates 181 aircrafts over 729 routes across Europe and North Africa from 31 bases. Ryanair has seen large success over the recent years due to its low-cost business model and has become the worlds largest airline in terms of international passenger numbers. Taking Porters generic business strategies into consideration, Ryanair operates a cost-leadership strategy to drive itself into achieving its mission of being the leading European low-cost carrier (LCC). Throughout this essay the business strategy of Ryanair will be analysed and the sustainability of their model evaluated. Ryanairs objective is to firmly establish itself as Europes leading low-fares scheduled passenger airline through continued improvements and expanded offerings of its low-fares service (Ryanair). Considering their objectives and mission, Ryanairs decision on their cost-leadership strategy was based on a few main factors which are discussed below. A major influence was the deregulation of the airline industry in 1978 which removed government intervention within the European continent. Under the new rules, routes and fare decisions were made by individual airlines which meant that they could compete on other factors besides food, cabin crew and frequency. As a result of deregulation, a large number of new airline start-ups emerged within the EU and competition among airlines increased dramatically resulting in downward price pressures. Ryanair was established to take full advantage of these market conditions. By offering low prices, Ryanair entered a huge and virtually unlimited market. Having seen the major success of the low cost carrier Southwest in the United States, Ryanair decided to follow in their footsteps by establishing a LCC for the European continent that targeted fare conscious leisure travellers and regular low cost business travellers. By doing this Ryanair became the first low-fare airline in Europe. However, they took the Southwest model further by offering no drinks and snacks at all and abolishing the frequent flyer program which Southwest up to this day offers its customers (Boesch 2007). The evaluation of Porters five forces influenced Ryanairs choice of a cost-leadership strategy, as the threat presented by new entrants and the threat of substitutes could hinder their success. The threat of new entrants is high within the aviation industry which meant that low fares would help drive away any further competition. The threat of substitutes to Ryanair had to also be carefully examined. Their primary market, Europe, had the availability of high speed trains and car holidays. For Ryanair to be successful, prices had to be low to attract the public, and resist strong competition from substitutes like Eurostar. As Europes largest low fare airline, Ryanairs competitive advantage remains in their ability to continue as cost leaders; providing the cheapest fares to its customers. This dictates that the company must minimise its own costs to ensure that they are able to offer customers the service at a price below their direct competitors. This leads us to consider some key functional strategies which directly help Ryanair towards their ultimate goal to be Europes leading low fares airline (Ryanair). The marketing strategy is perhaps the most obvious and significant functional strategy of Ryanair. Low fares are designed to stimulate demand, attracting fare-conscious travellers, those who may have used alternative forms of transportation or even those who may have not travelled at all. Penetration pricing as it is called helps gain market share and simply, more customers equals more revenue (Wheelen Hunger 2006). Tickets are almost solely sold on their website www.ryanair.com which very importantly keeps sales costs to a minimum since very few phone operators are employed and computers are able to cheaply handle all functions of sales. With ever increasing accessibility of the internet globally anybody with internet access can buy airline tickets from Ryanair, so distribution practically takes care of itself through this medium. Ryan Air relies on low cost promotions and in recent times has concentrated on their One million seats at one pound which is usually advertised through t heir internet site, national press and bulletin boards. It is the simplicity of this promotion which helps keep costs low since expensive advertising agencies can be entirely avoided and advertising can be dealt with in house. Ryanairs operations strateg1y determines how the airline will deploy its resources and the policies it will operate by. To keep costs low they operate a no frills service onboard aircraft. This means the fare only includes the flight. There are however a number of other measures directly related to a no frills service. These include ticketless boarding, unallocated seats, one class of travel, costs for check-in baggage, no refund policy, basic seats (to increase aircraft capacity) and charging for any additional service. All this significantly reduces costs to Ryanair. The Achilles heel of Ryanair is their greater aircraft utilisation through super quick turnaround times. Essentially this means the aircraft spends very little time on the ground, they achieve this through their human resource policies and by having none or very little cargo in the baggage hold to speed up loading and unloading of the aircraft. Logistics strategy deals with the flow of products into and out of Ryanair. Again there is heavy emphasis on cost saving and reducing measures. Ryanair fly to secondary airports which are potentially much further from the City centre but accessible enough by other forms of ground transportation. At these airports Ryanair are able to negotiate extremely aggressively and demand the lowest landing and handling fees. Additionally Ryanair is usually able to gain financial assistance with marketing and promotional campaigns at these airports. As cost leader Ryanair strives to undercut all its rivals but this means very low income per fare and requires maximum utilisation of its resources. Fortunately their financial policy ensures they are able to still profit handsomely from rock bottom fares. The aim is to breakeven on fares but to make their profits out of ancillary charges and commissions from their partners. Ryanair has a number of affiliates such as Hertz car rental, Acumus insurance and booking.com all of whom are advertised readily on the Ryanair website. Since the website has high website traffic its partners are able to reach out to Ryanairs huge client base and are prepared to pay good commissions to the firm for this privilege (IdeaWorks). Ryanair also generate income from advertising on board the aircraft. Ancillary revenue is generated from many of the services that traditional airlines wouldnt charge for, such as large baggage into the cargo hold, allocated seating, snacks and drinks. Ryanairs strategy when purchasing aircraft is to buy new, uniform aircraft. This is beneficial for a number of reasons all of which directly help cost saving measures. Firstly, by being able to order same aircraft in bulk they are able to negotiate a better price per aircraft. Secondly, uniform aircraft mean that there are potential savings in staff training; air stewards being more familiar with all aircraft and maintenance will be simpler. Finally by buying new, the company has safer, more fuel efficient planes with lower maintenance costs. Safer aircraft also means greater consumer confidence, equating to more fare sales. Furthermore Ryanair aggressively hedge and fix as many of their costs as possible, such as oil and aircraft prices so they are not subject to future price fluctuations which could adversely affect profitability (Stone 2008). The human resource policy is again directly related to reducing costs. Employees are expected to pay for their own uniform and equipment. Training given is the required minimum and staff utilisation is among the highest in the airline industry. Many staff are employed on performance contracts and those who do not meet their expectations are readily replaced. Staff are also expected to take on a number of roles, cabin staff will also clean the aircraft prior to the next service, check in staff assist in boarding the aircraft etc. Ryanair has successfully experienced years of growth both in the number of its aircrafts and passengers since its launch.   However, with the global financial system recently suffering its greatest crisis in more than 70 years, existing business models of many aviation firms are coming under great strain. As this economic downturn bankrupts LCCs like XL and Zoom with more expected to follow, the question is whether Ryanairs cost-leadership strategy is sustainable or not as it continues to offer lower fares in the face of high costs. Although Ryanair has posted losses along with other aviation firms for the latest quarter, it is expected to emerge from this downturn with fewer competitors because its à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬1.8 billon balance sheet is one of the strongest in the industry. Additionally, as the credit crunch takes its toll, traditional airlines are not in a position to cut fares and the threat of new LCCs is virtually eliminated due to the lack of financing. Although Ryanair f aces competition from substitutes like Eurostar, it is at an advantage because of Eurostars limited destinations.   Ryanair is sticking to its mantra, when the going gets tough, sell more seats for almost nothing (Symonds 2008). By offering low fares, Ryanair expects passengers to trade down to the low cost airlines rather than stop flying completely. This trend appears accurate so far based on passenger numbers as recession forces millions of passengers to focus on price (Waterman 2009). Additionally, the latest statistics from The European Low Fares Airline Association members show a 15.7% year-on-year growth in the number of passengers for 2008, indicating that the LCC model is robust, even in times of crisis (Latest 2009). Consequently, there is no doubt that Ryanair looks poised for substantial profits and passenger growth in the coming years. However, in order to compete with other LCCs and maintain its continued market share growth in the future, Ryanair needs to improve its poor customer relations. The sustainability of Ryanairs cost leadership strategy also depends largely on the price of oil and how effective the firm is in cutting costs in order to continue offering low fares. According to the firms latest financial report, Ryanair will enjoy significantly lower oil costs thanks to their recent hedging programme, when most of their competitors are already hedged at much higher prices. These lower prices will drive Ryanairs traffic growth, maintain high load factors and capture market share from higher cost fuel surcharging competitors (3rd Quarter Results 2009). In order to cut costs, Ryanair plans to close all its airport check-in desks by the end of 2009 and have passengers check-in online instead. Other cost saving methods not yet implemented include charging customers for using toilets on airplanes (Lalor 2009). These cost cutting ideas are not very popular among consumers and it means that Ryanair needs to improve its already tarnished brand image in the future which it had attained through negative press reporting and misleading advertisements. The current strategy at Ryanair is expected to work so well that despite the recession Ryanairs CEO has underlined the firms commitment to expansion. The firm is expected to grow at 20 percent a year because of a 180 aircrafts on order from Boeing. These expansion plans for the future will require the company to increase its landing slots at airports and recruit more employees. Currently Ryanair has limited access to landing slots in major airports and the secondary airports are long distances away from city centres which could make it less attractive in the future.   However, a remarkable cut in flights by other European airline carriers due to recession is creating enormous opportunities for Ryanair, as many major airports compete to reduce charges in order to attract Ryanairs growth (3rd Quarter Results 2009). Availability of skilled personnel shouldnt be a problem for Ryanair due to recent high unemployment levels. However, Ryanair needs to improve its current low level of empa thy for employees if it is to retain them in the future. Even though Ryanairs cost leadership strategy is robust and it looks set to serve them well in the future, there are some key areas within the business that can be improved on to enhance the firms profitability and brand image. Ryanair has always been criticised for many aspects of its poor customer relations. According to The Economist, Ryanairs cavalier treatment of passengers had given Ryanair a deserved reputation for nastiness and that the airline has become a byword for appalling customer service   and jeering rudeness towards anyone or anything that gets in its way (Aviation 2007). If Ryanair is to maintain its large customer base, it needs to ensure that it acknowledges its customers concerns and maintains a service focused attitude at all costs. Ryanair needs to invest in servicing customers better by providing a non-premium contact number, improving its non user friendly website, and simplifying the terms and conditions of the flight service. Ryanair should also create a frequent flyer program to establish a fixed customer base and encourage customer loyalty. Ryanair is notorious for its high staff turnover which negatively affects its reputation as an employer. Over utilization of employees, poor remuneration package, and minimal training are a few other critical items to be considered by Ryanair if it is to retain employees in the future. Ryanair needs to understand that although it is currently possible to replace outgoing employees, but with time Ryanairs overall image will be tarnished. Resultantly, attracting new employees could become impossible and this will hinder their expansion plans. Ryanair should incorporate a flexible benefits package solely designed to improve employee morale such as flexible working hours and extra holidays. To improve its image amongst employees, training at all employee levels must include exposure to similar techniques and methods that help promote the development of a uniform company identity. Following huge success in Europe, Ryanair should consider introducing low cost transatlantic flights to support its expansion plans and attain a larger customer base. With a high demand for certain routes like London-New York and room for negotiation in airplane prices and airport slots mainly due to the current financial climate, it is an ideal time to further reap the rewards of the cost leadership strategy that has served Ryanair so well over the years. Ryanairs model looks set to survive the current industrial downturn through its lower costs and substantial cash balances. No airline is better placed in Europe than Ryanair to trade through this downturn. It will therefore continue to grow, by lowering fares, taking market share from competitors, and expanding in markets where competitors either withdraw capacity or go bust (Monaghan 2008). By taking the recommended improvements into consideration, it looks like Ryanairs cost leadership strategy seems ideal for the future. Word Count: 2,493

Emotional devleopment in children Essay -- essays research papers

Emotional development is a major factor in the overall development of a child. It is believed that emotional and social development are very closely entwined. Child experts and psychologists agree that emotions are vital in a child’s life and to be able to promote a healthy social development a child must learn how to correctly find solutions to interpersonal problems. Moreover, research shows when parents display higher levels of warmth and positive interaction children are more likely to exhibit social competence, higher self-esteem, and emotional understanding.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Play is an important part of emotional-social development. Play can act as a way for children to reveal their innermost feelings and express thought. As defined by the text, play is â€Å"voluntary activities done for enjoyment or recreation that are not performed for any sake beyond themselves.† Children move through different levels of play as they mature. One form of play which scientists have become increasingly interested in is imaginative play. With imagination children learn how to be creative. Many children between ages 3-5 create imaginary friends for themselves.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Though play is often accepted and encouraged by western industrialized cultures it often times is not accepted by families of other cultures. Parents of such westernized cultures tend to support freedom of expression, independence, individuality, etc., known as individualism. On the other ha...

A Doll’s House: Nora’s Character Essay

From the first moments of her entrance, the audience perceives Nora Helmer as a spoiled, childish young woman. She is revealed as a loving woman who wants to spoil her family with more Christmas gifts that she may be able to afford. She also continues to eat macaroons in secret, deliberately against her husband’s wishes, which shows a child’s stubbornness and determination. Throughout Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll House, Nora Helmer grows from what the audience perceives as a flighty, immature child to a level-headed, mature woman. After the entrance of Mrs. Linde, Nora’s childhood friend, the audience learns that Nora has borrowed money – something that women of that time were not permitted to do. Not only did she borrow money, but she borrowed it through an unscrupulous banker that Torvald works with, Krogstad. Although her intentions were admirable, Nora’s partaking in an illegal practice showed more immaturity on her part. Having to lie to Torvald about what she was doing with the money he gave her only further proves that she was not capable of handling such a serious transaction. During Nora’s talks with Torvald over Krogstad, Torvald says, â€Å"Almost everyone who goes bad early in life has a mother who’s a chronic liar† (Ibsen 1527). This news causes Nora to panic and shut down all contact with her three children. While a statement such as that does warrant some kind of reaction, Nora’s extreme actions show a blind confidence in her husband’s words. She believes that everything he says must be gospel. If she had more knowledge of being a mother, she would have known that she could challenge his bold words. Although many people are able to see goodness in others no matter how slight it may be, Nora blindly assumes that because she has three small children, Krogstad will not reveal their transaction to Torvald or the authorities. At the beginning of Act II, she says, â€Å"Nothing terrible could happen. It’s impossible. Why, I have three small children† (Ibsen 1527). A more experienced woman would know that nothing, not even something as sweet and innocent as children, can get in the way of a desperate man. From Act II to the end of the play, Nora continually refers to a miracle. It seems that she wished Torvald would take care of the whole situation with Krogstad once he found out about it and love and praise her for her sacrifice. After he outright condemns her, calling her a criminal and a liar, Torvald accuses Nora of wrecking his happiness, tells her she must never see the children, and blames her father’s parenting for the entire situation. When Nora realizes Torvald is not going to suffer for her sake or take on her guilt, something in her snaps. Even after they get Krogstad’s note back and burn it, she knows things cannot remain how they have been in the past. She says, â€Å"I’ve been your doll-wife here, just as at home I was Papa’s doll-child† (Ibsen 1552). By the final scenes of the play, the audience watches as Nora blossoms into a strong, independent woman. She refuses any money that Torvald offers her, and finally challenges some of his words. She tells him that he may have the strength to â€Å"make himself over† if his â€Å"doll gets taken away† (Ibsen 1555). That small exchange proves that she is not merely running from her problems, but she genuinely wants Torvald and herself to have a chance to change. At last she walks out the door but leaves Torvald with the hope that someday they might have a true marriage. She sighs, â€Å"You and I both would have to transform ourselves to the point that†¦ That our living together could be a true marriage† (Ibsen 1556).

Nature of Accounting and the Accounting Standard

Nature of Accounting and the Accounting Standard Background Accounting is an important part for business and it is dubbed â€Å"language† of business activities conducted by firms. People think it is used to communicate business transactions per se to all stakeholders. However, some people argue that the functions of accounting are not that easy. Except the communication tool, accounting acts as many other difference roles in business. When doing accounting, different standard may be used. There are many issues about accounting standard nowadays.To getting a subjective view of accounting, it is necessary to understand how accounting is worked. This essay will analyze the application of accounting in the various situations to reach a conclusion. It will give some perspective for accounting also. Firm as an accounting object As we know, accounting was widely used in the firm. In accounting, firm means some business entity aiming at earning economic profit. In general, there are three types of firms: proprietorship, partnership and corporation. Firms are classified by the types of ownership, limitation of liability and so on.According to Scott Besley (2007), a proprietorship and partnership is an unincorporated business. Proprietorship firm owned by one individual while partnership owned by two or more people. A corporation is â€Å"a legal entity by a state†. The owners and managers may not be the same person. Corporation have unlimited life and enjoin limited liability. Owners have no responsibility for liabilities of the corporation. However, for proprietorship and partnership, owners must payback all liability of creditor. Although there are various classifications for firm, its object is quite same.The general object of a commerce firm is earning profit. However, firms cannot just focus on the financial income. There are many other aspects must consider. The firm which is just care about financial achievement will suffer form ethic dilemma. Dobs on (1997) defined the behavior that firm just consider about self-interest individualistic and opportunistic as â€Å"finance paradigm†. He criticized that it would cause another lost for people. To be an ethic firm, it should select object carefully to maximize the benefit for all relevant people.Rather than running business individually, people do commerce via firm. Firms exist because it can provide a more efficiency operation environment for people. However, even if firms can offer a better way for people doing business, we shouldn’t ignore the troubles arising from it. Accounting and transaction Transaction plays a special role in firm’s daily operation. In general meaning, transaction is exchange of goods or services between entities, as well as other events that have an economic impact on a business.It is a business’s economic record by accounting (Weygandt, Kimmel, & Kieso, 2011). It should be clarify that not all events generated in business proc ess can be record. Accounting must considers about what transaction should record and how it is record. There are two major assumptions about whether transaction should be record. The first one is monetary unit assumption. In accounting, we just record the transaction data which can be express in money term (Weygandt, Kimmel, & Kieso, 2011). Another assumption is economic entity assumption.Accountant must just account the transaction relevant to certain firm. The active of its owner or other economic entity should not be record in the firm’s account (Weygandt, Kimmel, & Kieso, 2011). In addition, such action must affect the component of accounting equation dually. That means it should affect assts, liability or equity. Measurement method in accounting As it mentioned before, the major object of account is identify, record and communicate the transaction. In real life, the environment for accounting is changing continuously.So, accountant should know how to record and measure transaction properly. To facing price changing, there are two major approaches to record and measure transaction: historical cost principle and fair value principle. When using historical cost principle, companies record assets as its cost (Weygandt, Kimmel, & Kieso, 2011). That means if the value of goods in such transaction is changing, it will keep the original record of such goods. However, we should update the record of assets value according to the market price in fair value principle.When managers decide which standard should be used, there are various factors need to be consider. Inflation is necessary for measurement method decision. Alhashim & Arpan (1992) claimed that when price is stable, the historical cost principle could provide an objective view for company’s performance. Managers may prefer this method to measure transaction. However, study also show that when it is high inflation, using historical cost principle will provide some useless information. If the price is changing frequently, the historical cost principle will not suitable.For example, in British, because it was suffer from high inflation rate in the history, the accounting standard in this country select fair-value principle. (Alhashim & Arpan, 1992) Cost measurement is an important part in accounting. Since the component of cost for business is complex, it will select material cost for example. There are two common principles for material cost evaluation. One is average value method, another is FIFO method. Company’s objective should be considered when choosing those approaches of cost measurement.When using average cost method, company’s income statement will show lower income so that company will enjoin lower tax. However, when firm choosing FIFO method, they will pay higher tax because of the high income present by income statement. When company wants to reduce tax cost, they may choose average cost method. Otherwise, they will choose FIFO method to attrac t investment by showing well performance. Except form pervious example discussed, there are many other factors could affect the measurement method.For example, David Solomons (1970) think that feasibility like objective, low cost of implementation and ease of understanding for users will affect the judgment for measurement method. In different condition, managers will choose different principle. So, it is difficult to say which principle is better. Conclusion By analyze relevant item of accounting, the perspective of accounting is more clearly now. Transaction is a vital component of accounting and there are various principles about it. However, accounting is related to other aspects also. Merely defined accounting as analyzing transaction per se is not false but not objectively.Communication is also a vital part of account. It is properly to descript accounting as a â€Å"language† of business. As mention before, there are many communicating methods and standards for account ing. Different regions may have different accounting â€Å"language† (Alhashim & Arpan, 1992). It is a challenge for current international company. To solve this problem, it is necessary to build and spread a unified standard for international accounting right now. Reference Alhashim, D. D. , & Arpan, J. S. (1992). International dimensions of accounting. Boston: PWS-KENT publishing company.Dobson, J. (1997). Finance ethics: the rationality of virtue. Cummor Hill, Oxford OX2 9JJ, England: Lanham [u. a. ] : Rowman & Littlefield. Scott Besley, E. F. (2007). Essentials of Managerial Finance. Natorp Boulevasr, Mason OH: South Westren College. Solomons, D. (1970). Assets valuation and income determination: appraising the alternative. In R. R. Sterling, Assets valuation and income determination (p. 105). 4431 Mt. Vernon, Houston, Texas: Scholar Book Co. Weygandt, J. J. , Kimmel, P. D. , & Kieso, D. E. (2011). Financial Accounting. USA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Reflections on Federal Immigration Policy essay

Reflections on Federal Immigration Policy essay Reflections on Federal Immigration Policy essay Reflections on Federal Immigration Policy essayThe major current federal immigration policy issues include illegal immigration, overcrowding, investment policy issues, national security and terrorism, and other issues. As the United States is considered to be the nation of immigrants, the federal immigration policy should be well-developed to address the needs of American citizens (Theodoulou    Kofinis, 2013).   Moreover, the federal immigration policy is closely connected with employment issues because those people who come to the United States with the intention to work and stay there should be useful to our state. In addition, racial and religious biases are linked to immigration policy. I feel concerned about related issues that relate to current federal immigration policy.Undoubtedly, if anything is changing in the current federal immigration policy, it will affect me personally because I am an American citizen and any changes in the governmental policies may have either po sitive or negative consequences for me, my family and the whole American society. For example, the permission to continue illegal immigration may have negative impact on my employment, security and even my health.My thoughts prior to reading this week’s reading assignments were vague about the nature immigration policy. Now I realize that it is necessary to understand the complexity of the immigration policy making process. The U.S. government should address the needs and requirements of citizens, providing the proper opportunities for the development of the nation in today’s global context. Immigration issues should not lead to economic decline of the country. As a result, it is necessary to follow current federal immigration laws. In general, my perspective has been reinforced now that I am more informed. I realize that illegal immigration is an issue of public concern that requires adequate response of the U.S. government.

Understanding the Glow of Noctilucent Clouds

Understanding the Glow of Noctilucent Clouds Each summer, people who live at high latitudes north and south of the equator are treated to a fantastically beautiful phenomenon called noctilucent clouds. These arent clouds in the normal way we understand them. The clouds were more familiar with are generally made of water droplets that have formed around particles of dust. Noctilucent clouds are generally made of ice crystals that formed around tiny dust particles in fairly cold temperatures. Unlike most clouds that float fairly close to the ground, they exist at heights up to 85 kilometers above the surface of our planet, high in the atmosphere that sustains life on Earth. They may look like thin cirrus that we can see throughout the day or night but are generally only visible when the Sun is no more than 16 degrees below the horizon. Clouds of the Night The term noctilucent means night-shining and it describes these clouds perfectly. They cant be seen during the day due to the brightness of the Sun. However, once the Sun sets, it illuminates these high-flying clouds from below. This explains why they can be seen in deep twilight. They typically have a bluish-white color and look very wispy. The History of Noctilucent Cloud Research Noctilucent clouds were first reported in 1885 and are sometimes linked with the eruption of the famous volcano, Krakatoa in 1883. However, its not clear that the eruption caused them - theres no scientific evidence to prove it one way or another. Their appearance may simply be coincidental. The idea that volcanic eruptions cause these clouds was heavily researched and eventually disproved in the 1920s. Since then, atmospheric scientists have studied noctilucent clouds using balloons, sounding rockets, and satellites. They seem to occur pretty frequently and are quite beautiful to observe. How Do Noctilucent Clouds Form? The ice particles that make up these shimmering clouds are quite small, only about 100 nm across. That many times smaller than the width of a human hair. They form when tiny particles of dust- possibly from bits of micro-meteors in the upper atmosphere- are coated with water vapor and frozen high in the atmosphere, in a region called the mesosphere. During local summer, that region of the atmosphere can be quite cold, and the crystals form at about -100 ° C. Noctilucent cloud formation seems to vary as the solar cycle does. In particular, as the Sun emits more ultraviolet radiation, it interacts with water molecules in the upper atmosphere and breaks them apart. That leaves less water to form the clouds during times of increased activity. Solar physicists and atmospheric scientists are tracking solar activity and noctilucent cloud formation to better understand the connection between the two phenomena. In particular, they are interested in learning why changes in these peculiar clouds dont show up until about a year after UV levels change. Interestingly, when NASAs space shuttles were flying, their exhaust plumes (which were nearly all water vapor) froze high in the atmosphere and created very short-lived mini noctilucent clouds. The same thing has happened with other launch vehicles since the shuttle era. However, launches are few and far between. The phenomenon of noctilucent clouds predates launches and aircraft. However, the short-lived noctilucent clouds from launch activities provide more data points about the atmospheric conditions that help them form. Noctilucent Clouds and Climate Change There may be a connection between the frequent formation of noctilucent clouds and climate change. NASA and other space agencies have been studying Earth for many decades and observing  the effects of global warming. However, the evidence is still being gathered, and the link between the clouds and warming remains a relatively controversial suggestion. Scientists are following up on all the evidence to see if there is a definite link. One possible theory is that methane (a greenhouse gas implicated in climate change) migrates to the area of the atmosphere where these clouds form. Greenhouse gases are thought to force temperature changes in the mesosphere, causing it to cool down. That cooling would contribute to the formation of ice crystals that make up the noctilucent clouds. An increase in water vapor (also due to human activities that produce greenhouse gases) would be part of the noctilucent cloud connection to climate change. Much work needs to be done to prove these connecti ons. Regardless of how these clouds form, they remain a favorite of sky watchers, particularly sunset-gazers and amateur observers. Just as some people chase eclipses or remain out late at night to see meteor showers, there are many who live in the high northern and southern latitudes and actively seek out the sight of noctilucent clouds. Theres no doubt of their magnificent beauty, but they are also an indicator of activities in our planets atmosphere.

Facts and History of Turkey

Facts and History of Turkey At the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Turkey is a fascinating country. Dominated by Greeks, Persians, and Romans in turn throughout the classical era, what is now Turkey was once the seat of the Byzantine Empire. In the 11th century, however, Turkish nomads from Central Asia moved into the region, gradually conquering all of Asia Minor. First, the Seljuk and then the Ottoman Turkish Empires came to power, exerting influence over much of the eastern Mediterranean world, and bringing Islam to southeast Europe. After the Ottoman Empire fell in 1918, Turkey transformed itself into the vibrant, modernizing, secular state it is today. Capital and Major Cities Capital: Ankara, population 4.8 million Major Cities: Istanbul, 13.26 million Izmir, 3.9 million Bursa, 2.6 million Adana, 2.1 million Gaziantep, 1.7 million Government of Turkey The Republic of Turkey is a parliamentary democracy. All Turkish citizens over the age of 18 have the right to vote. The head of state is the president, currently Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan. The prime minister is head of government; Binali YÄ ±ldÄ ±rÄ ±mis the current prime minister. Since 2007, presidents of Turkey are directly elected, and the president appoints the prime minister. Turkey has a unicameral (one house) legislature, called the Grand National Assembly or Turkiye Buyuk Millet Meclisi, with 550 directly elected members. Parliament members serve four-year terms. The judicial branch of government in Turkey is rather complicated. It includes the Constitutional Court, the Yargitay or High Court of Appeals, the Council of State (Danistay), the Sayistay or Court of Accounts, and military courts. Although the overwhelming majority of Turkish citizens are Muslims, the Turkish state is staunchly secular. The non-religious nature of Turkish government has historically been enforced by the military since the Republic of Turkey was founded as a secular state in 1923 by General Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Turkeys Population As of 2011, Turkey has an estimated 78.8 million citizens. The majority of them are ethnically Turkish - 70 to 75% of the population. Kurds make up the largest minority group at 18%; they are concentrated primarily in the eastern portion of the country and have a long history of pressing for their own separate state. Neighboring Syria and Iraq also have large and restive Kurdish populations - the Kurdish nationalists of all three states have called for the creation of a new nation, Kurdistan, at the intersection of Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. Turkey also has smaller numbers of Greeks, Armenians, and other ethnic minorities. Relations with Greece have been uneasy, particularly over the issue of Cyprus, while Turkey and Armenia disagree vehemently over the Armenian Genocide carried out by Ottoman Turkey in 1915. Languages The official language of Turkey is Turkish, which is the most widely-spoken of the languages in the Turkic family, part of the larger Altaic linguistic group. It is related to Central Asian languages such as Kazakh, Uzbek, Turkmen, etc. Turkish was written using the Arabic script until Ataturks reforms; as part of the secularizing process, he had a new alphabet created that uses the Latin letters with a few modifications. For example, a c with a small tail curving beneath it is pronounced like the English ch. Kurdish is the largest minority language in Turkey  and is spoken by about 18% of the population. Kurdish is an Indo-Iranian language, related to Farsi, Baluchi, Tajik, etc. It may be written in the Latin, Arabic or Cyrillic alphabets, depending upon where it is being used. Religion in Turkey: Turkey is approximately 99.8% Muslim. Most Turks and Kurds are Sunni, but there are also important Alevi and Shia groups. Turkish Islam has always been strongly influenced by the mystical and poetic Sufi tradition, and Turkey remains a stronghold of Sufism. It also hosts tiny minorities of Christians and Jews. Geography Turkey has a total area of 783,562 square kilometers (302,535 square miles). It straddles the Sea of Marmara, which divides southeastern Europe from southwestern Asia. Turkeys small European section, called Thrace, borders on Greece and Bulgaria. Its larger Asian portion, Anatolia, borders Syria, Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia. The narrow Turkish Straits seaway between the two continents, including the Dardanelles and the Bosporus Strait, is one of the worlds key maritime passages; it is the only access-point between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. This fact gives Turkey enormous geopolitical importance. Anatolia is a fertile plateau in the west, gradually rising to rugged mountains in the east. Turkey is seismically active, prone to large earthquakes, and also has some very unusual landforms such as the cone-shaped hills of Cappadocia. Volcanic Mt. Ararat, near the Turkish border with Iran, is believed to be the landing-place of Noahs Ark. It is Turkeys highest point, at 5,166 meters (16,949 feet). Climate of Turkey Turkeys coasts have a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and rainy winters. The weather becomes more extreme in the eastern, mountainous region. Most regions of Turkey receive an average of 20-25 inches (508-645 mm) of rain per year. The hottest temperature ever recorded in Turkey is 119.8 ° F (48.8 ° C) at Cizre. The coldest temperature ever was -50  °F (-45.6 ° C) at Agri. Turkish Economy: Turkey is among the top twenty economies in the world, with a 2010 estimated GDP of $960.5 billion US and a healthy GDP growth rate of 8.2%. Although agriculture still accounts for 30% of jobs in Turkey, the economy relies on industrial and service sector output for its growth. For centuries a center of carpet-making and other textile trade, and a terminus of the ancient Silk Road, today Turkey manufactures automobiles, electronics and other high-tech goods for export. Turkey has oil and natural gas reserves. It is also a key distribution point for Middle Eastern and Central Asia oil and natural gas moving to Europe and to ports for export overseas. The per capita GDP is $12,300 US. Turkey has an unemployment rate of 12%, and more than 17% of Turkish citizens live below the poverty line. As of January  2012, the exchange rate for Turkeys currency is 1 US dollar 1.837 Turkish lira. History of Turkey Naturally, Anatolia had a history before the Turks, but the region did not become Turkey until the Seljuk Turks moved into the area in the 11th century CE. On August 26, 1071, the Seljuks under Alp Arslan prevailed at the Battle of Manzikert, defeating a coalition of Christian armies led by the Byzantine Empire. This sound defeat of the Byzantines marked the beginning of true Turkish control over Anatolia (that is, the Asian portion of modern-day Turkey). The Seljuks did not hold sway for very long, however. Within 150 years, a new power rose from far to their east  and swept toward Anatolia. Although Genghis Khan himself never got to Turkey, his Mongols did. On the 26th of June, 1243, a Mongol army commanded by Genghiss grandson Hulegu Khan defeated the Seljuks in the Battle of Kosedag  and brought down the Seljuk Empire. Hulegus Ilkhanate, one of the great hordes of the Mongol Empire, ruled over Turkey for about eighty years, before crumbling away around 1335 CE. The Byzantines once more asserted control over parts of Anatolia as the Mongol hold weakened, but small local Turkish principalities began to develop, as well. One of those small principalities in the northwestern part of Anatolia began to expand in the early 14th century. Based in the city of Bursa, the Ottoman beylik would go on to conquer not only Anatolia and Thrace (the European section of modern-day Turkey), but also the Balkans, the Middle East, and eventually parts of North Africa. In 1453, the Ottoman Empire dealt a death-blow to the Byzantine Empire when it captured the capital at Constantinople. The Ottoman Empire reached its apogee in the sixteenth century, under the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent. He conquered much of Hungary in the north, and as far west as Algeria in northern Africa. Suleiman also enforced religious tolerance of Christians and Jews within his empire. During the eighteenth century, the Ottomans began to lose territory around the edges of the empire. With weak sultans on the throne  and corruption in the once-vaunted Janissary corps, Ottoman Turkey became known as the Sick Man of Europe. By 1913, Greece, the Balkans, Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia had all broken away from the Ottoman Empire. When World War I broke out along what had been the boundary between the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Turkey made the fatal decision to ally itself with the Central Powers (Germany and Austria-Hungary). After the Central Powers lost World War I, the Ottoman empire ceased to exist. All of the non-ethnically Turkish lands became independent, and the victorious Allies planned to carve Anatolia itself into spheres of influence. However, a Turkish general named Mustafa Kemal was able to stoke Turkish nationalism  and expel the foreign occupation forces from Turkey proper. On November 1, 1922, the Ottoman sultanate was formally abolished. Almost a year later, on October 29, 1923, the Republic of Turkey was proclaimed, with its capital at Ankara. Mustafa Kemal became the first president of the new secular republic. In 1945, Turkey became a charter member of the new United Nations. (It had remained neutral in World War II.) That year also marked the end of single-party rule in Turkey, which had lasted for twenty years. Now firmly aligned with the western powers, Turkey joined NATO in 1952, much to the consternation of the USSR. With the republics roots going back to secular military leaders such as Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Turkish military views itself as the guarantor of secular democracy in Turkey. As such, it has staged coups in 1960, 1971, 1980 and 1997. As of this writing, Turkey is generally at peace, although the Kurdish separatist movement (the PKK) in the east has been actively trying to create a self-governing Kurdistan there since 1984.

Situation Analysis, Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Situation Analysis, - Assignment Example The sales for coffee have kept on increasing over the last decade despite a time of financial downturn. This is because this is a beverage that has a lasting demand among the community. Therefore, the main purpose of my business plan is to provide people with a place to enjoy their coffees, beverages and certain food products in, so that they are attracted by the quality and creativity that I have attempted to bring about with the help of my plan. (Weitzman, H. 2006) Target Market I wish to provide the age bracket of 14-28 years a place, so that they are able to come, relax and enjoy good food and coffee, and at the same time, get their work done, meet their friends and just have a bit of change away from home. I feel I will be able to carry out this project very well since I have excellent interpersonal skills and also a very dynamic personality. Market Description Expansion and diversification is what will keep the spirit of my firm alive. In the future, I plan to move on to supply ing my products not only to those who visit the coffee house but also to others with the help of stationed trailers in different parts of the city, and/or expanding the unit of my coffee house in order to create a chain of such businesses. I will be able to generate a large amount of employment as well with the help of the core team that I do employ, apart from which I will also be hiring a small group of people to do my research and development. Slowly and gradually, the coffee house is also likely to attract older people as they can also sit and work and enjoy a different kind of meal or desserts that are not really found elsewhere. Therefore, I aim to bring about product differentiation within my venture in order to attract more customers. It is also very essential that while beginning a venture one must think about how to market it. It is given that a ready market is already available, which includes the buyers of the product and thus the entrepreneur needs to think of ways of m aking the product reach the potential customers. (Hawes, Daryl) This brings us to the advertisement and publicity in terms of the marketing mix that the venture will be popularized by. I am only making use of word of mouth and internet mediums in the beginning, and later will move on to making use of the print media. In the future, I do hope that my venture is therefore successful and I am able to with all that I have planned; carry out a business of a coffee shop while keeping all the barriers in mind and trying to overcome them at the same time. This will hopefully bring me at par with the leading coffee business in the world today and put me on the top. Competitors and Products I am aware that there are many competitors in this industry such as Starbucks. If I follow the same strategy as those competitors, my business will fail. Therefore, in this business I would like to focus on quality rather than quantity and keep the business small at the beginning and eventually expand the business in the future. (2009, Fortune Magazine) SWOT Analysis Strengths Aviano Coffee has already been established well in another country which will give me the opportunity and chance to bring it to the people of the UAE easily. I have a number of friends within the age bracket of the target market, and thus have spoken to them regarding what

AIESEC Winter Abroad Program 2011 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

AIESEC Winter Abroad Program 2011 - Essay Example Provision of networking contacts is another advantage in this case. My aim is to advance in studies as much as possible, with excellence being an integral part. An internship will greatly determine the specific field of study to specialize in. This is because; it will help define the relationship between my education level so far and the working basics applicable in the industry. An internship will boost my creativity and critical analysis of variables in the place of work. Personal judgement of view of things in more diverse ways will be enhanced through the challenges expected from the permanently employed persons in the place I intend to intern. Getting through an internship will by the end of the designated period determine what next in regard to my field of study. Assessing my performance during an internship will help shape my professional competitive advantage. An internship will cut across my professional strengths and weaknesses, thereby determining what to hold on and what to work on. Yes. I was born in Hong Kong and I have resided in Copenhagen, Denmark and in England since I turned eighteen years. I am currently studying in the United Kingdom. Through students’ exchange program, I have visited Copenhagen, Denmark as a participant in the program. My life has been characterized by social diversity as a result of time to time interaction with different people from different cultures. I have experienced cultural exchanges where I learn other people’s culture and they learn mine in return. This summer I got an internship in Beijing, China in a Business Development Department. My interaction with all these different cultures has shaped my diversity point of view in people and culture. No. Although have not been in international volunteer experience, it is my expectation to get engaged into one. I am socially interactive with different human races that make it suitable for me to explore a volunteer

Speech about company's new policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Speech about company's new policy - Essay Example considering that as the demand for a job position increases and we need a workforce that ensures quality of production, then this necessarily calls for restructuring our policies concerning management of healthcare costs. In this regard, hence, we ought to contemplate and ask whether we should establish a policy of differential premiums for lifestyle-related risks to health or adopt a hands-off policy on an employee’s private behavior and charge the same amount for healthcare coverage across-the-board. We can decide if the first option works more suitably as we examine ways by which to implement a successful premium differentials program that includes a reward system for participative workers. Then we may also deliberate on the points of advantage with respect to the second alternative if we see in our investigation that private behavior must be further addressed so that while one choice focuses on the targeted individuals to avail the premium, the hands-off policy would apply to everyone, obese and non-obese employees alike. Eventually, as similarities and differences are drawn in this process, we can come up with a sound evaluation of which policy directs our organization’s potential to transform improper habits leading to the state of obesity. Through the policy of differential premiums, we gain the opportunity of monitoring our obese employees by making them enroll in a program that promotes cessation of drinking sodas or eating food with high content of sugar. Under this scheme, we can reasonably impose a significant periodic charge for the payment of premium provided that active participants would receive monetary incentives on exhibiting cooperation via renewed attitude and lifestyle. This setting should encourage workers to quit or reduce former inappropriate habits to larger extent and thus, improve their performance at work once health conditions have normalized. We may opt to grant them an annual bonus amount or have them obtain a couple of bucks

Chinese Medecine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Chinese Medecine - Essay Example He wrote the book I-Ching also known as book of change which had the power of shaping the thought process of any upcoming book on the Chinese medicine. The first book on the acupuncture appeared in the 204 BC during the rein of Huang Di - The yellow emperor. The books had full details on the needles to be used, acupuncture points in the Body, pathology, syndrome differentiation, treatment, diagnosis and the relationship of man with the nature. Initially, the stone needles were used to conduct the acupuncture and then the bronze, gold, silver needles were used as well. Now a days stainless steel needles are used to puncture the specific parts of the body. Acupuncture has found its use in almost all the diseases but there is a huge debate on the infection caused due to the acupuncture needles and the subsequent impact of the infections on the body. This paper attempts to analyze the acupuncture from the historical perspective and researches the modern application of acupuncture with the application, advantages, and disadvantages. The paper ends with the conclusion obtained as a result of the research and discussions. (Gabriel, 2003) Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice having history which dates back to 8000 years. During the process of evolvement, acupuncture needles were modified from using stones as the raw material to bronze, gold and silver to stainless steels. The first changeover from stone to metal needles had happened during the 421-221 BC which is also known as the Warren States era. In the year 113 BC, nine types of acupuncture needles were discussed in the book The Miraculous Pivot. Nan Jing wrote a book named Book of difficult questions on Acupuncture. During 265 - 581 AD, acupuncture was very popular during the Jin, Northern and southern dynasties as several charts and texts were developed during this time by Xu Xi family to enhance the knowledge of theory and application. Another major development during the ancient world in the fields of acupuncture came during Sui and Tang dynasties. The Tang government commissioned the services of physician Zhen Quan to revise the important text and charts of Acupuncture. Another book which collated the text and charts from other physician was written by Sun Simio. The Acupuncture came to be recognized as the separate branch of medicine during this phase i.e. 650 - 692 AD. The physicians conducting the Acupuncture were known as Acupuncturists and the Acupuncture education became mandatory and was made one the constituents of Imperial medicine bureau. The Acupuncture schools came up and they started conducting formal education on the Acupuncture theory and practice. During the period 1568-1644, also known for Ming Dynasty rule, the knowledge of Acupuncture flourished where several actions like modification of the classical texts were conducted, acupuncture techniques and medication was enhanced, Moxa sticks were developed for indirect treatment, 120 volumes of Encyclopedic work was carried on by Wang Gendung as well as principles of acupuncture and Moxibustion was written by Yang Jizhou. G. Soulie D Morant, who introduced Acupuncture to the European world draw his inspiration from these texts. In the next few years during 1644-1840, the acupuncture was suppressed and the Chinese herbal medicine was promoted

Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Maslows Hierarchy of Needs - Essay Example Esteem goes hand in hand with money, thus the need for one to want recognition and respect from others (Orthmann & Karen 301). Therefore, when one gets to the stage of self-actualization, they use everything within their power to make sure their dreams come to reality. However, one has to have mastered all the four needs before getting to the top of the hierarchy (Orthmann & Karen 14). Once this has been achieved, they use all resources possible to reach their full potential. Their desire to accomplish the goal at hand is very strong, hence, anything standing in their way is eliminated. For instance, if one is given a promotion at work, they will set goals for themselves (Orthmann & Karen 257) and use all their knowledge acquired from the police academy to make sure they make positive changes within the police force. Money is a great motivator for them in this case since they will use it to purchase resources that will help in curbing crime. The drive to make things work to their advantage is very

African American Studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

African American Studies - Essay Example While this long term outcome was the same for both men, they differed greatly in the way that they went about turning their ideas into action. Martin Luther King started out as a preacher with a purely religious set of goals. He followed in his family’s tradition, ministering to his own people in his own church and confining himself to religious teachings. Increasing violence against his congregation, and widespread atrocities in the southern states prompted him to change his position to a more political one, however and he became known for his commitment to non-violent political action. He supported bus boycotts, sit-ins, demonstrations and the famous march in Washington, and in word and deed he called black Americans to rise up and join together in resistance, but stopped short of any proactive acts of violence or even retaliation in the face of violence. In his most famous â€Å"I have a Dream† speech to a mostly black audience, he used his considerable talents as a public speaker to paint a future vision of an Alabama, the heart of the currently racist south where â€Å"†¦ little black boys and blac k girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.† (Luther King, 1963a) Using imagery drawn from the Bible he deliberately included white people in this vision, and stressed the unity of all people, male and female, black and white, rich and poor, depicting them as being in chains while they participate in this unjust society, and â€Å"free at last† (Luther King, 1963a) when slaves and oppressor together can enjoy equal rights. By advocating peaceful resistance, he managed to retain the moral high ground, and by stressing the common Christian religion and culture of the majority of blacks and whites in America, he sought to build trust and tackle instances of oppression one by

Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Maslows Hierarchy of Needs - Essay Example Esteem goes hand in hand with money, thus the need for one to want recognition and respect from others (Orthmann & Karen 301). Therefore, when one gets to the stage of self-actualization, they use everything within their power to make sure their dreams come to reality. However, one has to have mastered all the four needs before getting to the top of the hierarchy (Orthmann & Karen 14). Once this has been achieved, they use all resources possible to reach their full potential. Their desire to accomplish the goal at hand is very strong, hence, anything standing in their way is eliminated. For instance, if one is given a promotion at work, they will set goals for themselves (Orthmann & Karen 257) and use all their knowledge acquired from the police academy to make sure they make positive changes within the police force. Money is a great motivator for them in this case since they will use it to purchase resources that will help in curbing crime. The drive to make things work to their advantage is very

Marine conservation Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marine conservation - Article Example The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has defined the Marine Protected Areas as; â€Å"Any area of inter tidal or sub tidal terrain, together with its overlying water and associated flora, fauna, historical and cultural features, which has been reserved by law or other effective means to protect part or all of the enclosed environment†. IUCN has identified six categories of protected area, applicable to the marine environment. Devon Sea Fisheries Committee and English Nature, which is a government body that advocates the safety of wild life and geology of England, proposed the marine conservation of Lundy Island. Lundy has also been selected as a European Special Area of Conservation because of some of its habitats and species like Reefs, Sub-tidal sandbanks, Sea Caves and Grey seals. Lundy reefs are the habitats of rare varieties of solitary cup corals, sea fans and sponges. English Nature (earlier known by the name of Nature Conservancy Council), Devon Sea Fisheries Committee, the National Trust, and the Landmark Trust collectively manage LMNR. There are groups other than English Nature and Devon Sea Fisheries Committee safeguarding the No Take Zone. They are local fishermen and Lundy Management and Advisory groups (EN/03/03 27 January 2003). Earlier, the Lundy Field Society (LFS), a branch of Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society (DBW&PS), was established in 1946 at the insistence of its owner, Martin Coles Harman, due to increased interest in ornithology initiated by Leslie Harvey – a lecturer in zoology. LFS took keen interest in the marine biology as well as archaeology and geology of the island. Lundy was sold to the National Trust in 1969 and the National Trust leased the Lundy Island to the Landmark Trust (Chris Webster). In 1973, the Lundy waters became the UK’S first voluntary marine nature reserve. (Robert Irving, The Lundy Marine Nature Reserve) In 1981, the Wildlife & Countryside Act was passed to propose

Hamstring Tightness Is Common Health And Social Care Essay

Hamstring Tightness Is Common Health And Social Care Essay Among the muscle undergoing adaptive shortening, hamstring is the one commonly going for adaptive shortening. The hamstring comprises of three large muscles namely semimembranosus, semitendinosus, and bicep femoris which arises from the tuberosity of ischium. They are present over the posterior compartment of the thigh and span the hip and knee joints. Hence they are the extensors of the hip and flexors of the knee. Hamstring tightness is common in normal individual because of immobilization of a tissue in a shortened position results in adaptive shortening. As the muscle shortens, its elasticity of the normal tissue was decreased and a change in the length tension relationship of the muscle, loss of flexibility also occurs. Hamstring tightness could make the musculo tendinous unit more susceptible to injury, increase resistance to various anatomical structures, which may lead to overuse syndrome. Tightness could also leads to pathological conditions at the joint on which the muscle acts, especially on a muscle like hamstring which passes over the two joints. Muscle tightness has a significant impact on neuromuscular control. Muscle tightness affects the normal length tension relationships. When one muscle in a force couple becomes tight or hypertonic, it alters the normal arthrokinematics of the involved joint. This affects the synergistic function of the entire kinetic chain, leading to abnormal stress, soft tissue dysfunction, neural compromise and vascular/lymphatic stasis. Muscle tightness also cause reciprocal inhibition. Increased muscle spindle activity in a specific muscle will cause decreased neural drive to that muscles functional antagonist. This alters the normal arthrokinematics of the involved segment. Flexibility has been defined as the ability of a muscle to lengthen and allow one joint (or more than one joint in a series) to move through a range of motion. Anderson and Burke defined Flexibility as the range of motion available in a joint or a group of joint that is influenced by muscles, ligaments and bones. Loss of flexibility means decreased ability of a muscle to deform. Loss of flexibility may lead to decrease in lumbar lordosis, reduction of muscle strength and quadriceps dysfunction during gait, lumbar pelvic rhythm was disturbed, anterior pelvic tilt was restricted, lumbar motion was increased. Excessive mobility of lumbar spine leads to overstretching of lumbar ligaments and consequently pain and instability. (Levangie and Norkin, 2001) Loss of flexibility can also cause pain arising from muscle, connective tissue or periosteum. (Hardy, 1989; Tillmann and Cummings, 1992) With regard to important role of hamstring flexibility restoration of its normal length is necessary. Muscle tissue length is thought to play an important role in efficiency and effectiveness of human movement. Benefits of flexibility is to enhance the range of motion, improved body position, potential relief of aches and pain, protection against low back pain and injuries, reduction of post exercise muscle soreness, and promotes relaxation. Hamstring tightness can be measured using the (1) Active unilateral straight leg raise test, (2) Passive unilateral straight leg raise test, (3) Sit and reach test, (4)Active knee extension test. Straight leg raise test are widely used as a neurologic tests, hence they do not give valid measures of hamstring tightness because of pelvic rotation that occurs during the test. Active knee extension test is the reliable test. Continuous ultrasound therapy increases tendon length by changing their viscosity and plasticity (Ziskin et al, 1986). Skeletal muscles have a higher rate of absorption of ultrasound waves when compared to fatty tissue. (Dyson, 1987; Low and Reed, 1990). Elevation of collagen tissue temperature affects on mechanical and physical characteristics of tissues and facilitates deformation of the collagen. As pain and discomfort was reduced during stretching and collagen fiber ability to tolerate greater forces was increased. Ultrasound increases soft tissue extensibility and may be an effective adjunct in the treatment of knee contractures secondary to connective tissue shortening (Folconer et al, 1992). Static stretching allow the muscle spindle to accommodate, reduces their firing rate; hence static stretch is effective in increasing the length of muscle. (Gordon and Ghez, 1991). Longer hold times during stretching of the hamstring muscles resulted in a greater rate of gains in range of motion (Feland et al, 2001). Stretch duration lower than 30 seconds did not increase muscle flexibility (Beaulien, 1981). Static stretch of 30 seconds is sufficient to increases the hamstring muscle length. Combination of ultrasound therapy with 30 seconds stretch is more effective than ultrasound therapy with 15 seconds stretch in increasing hamstring flexibility (A.Akbari, H.Moodi, A.A.Moein, and R.Nazok 2006). Muscle energy techniques (MET) are manually applied stretching techniques that use principles of neurophysiology to relax overactive muscle and stretch chronically shortened muscles. Muscle energy techniques (MET) have the ability to relax overactive muscles or stretch tight muscles and their associated fascial components when connective tissue or viscoelastic changes have occurred. When using Muscle energy techniques (MET), it is important to relax/inhibit the neuromuscular component before attempting to stretch the involved musculature. Two fundamental neurophysiologic principles account for the neuromuscular inhibition. The first principle of Muscle energy techniques (MET) is post contraction inhibition / autogenic inhibition / post isometric relaxation. The second principle is reciprocal inhibition. Muscle energy technique produced an immediate increase in passive knee extension in individuals with hamstring tightness (Ballantyne 2003). Muscle energy technique is significantly improving the hamstring flexibility in collegiate males (Wassim .M et al 2009). 1.1 NEED FOR THE STUDY: Continuous ultrasound therapy, static stretching, muscle energy technique (MET) are significant in improving hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness. These methods of treatment are well accepted and practised by various researchers according to previous literature, but there was no study to compare the effect of muscle energy technique ( MET) and ultrasound therapy with static stretching in improving the hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness. So the purpose of this study is to analyse the efficacy of muscle energy technique and ultrasound therapy with static stretching in improving the hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness. 1.2 AIMS: To find out the effect of muscle energy technique versus ultrasound therapy with static stretching in improving the hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness. 1.3 OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of muscle energy technique in improving the hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness. To study the effect of ultrasound therapy with static stretching in improving the hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness. To compare the effect of muscle energy technique and ultrasound therapy with static stretching in improving the hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness. 1.4 KEYWORDS: Hamstring flexibility, Muscle energy technique, Ultrasound therapy with static stretching, Active knee extension test. 1.5 HYPOTHESIS 1.5.1 NULL HYPOTHESIS: There is no significant effect of muscle energy technique in improving the hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness. There is no significant effect of ultrasound therapy with static stretching in improving the hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness. There is no significant difference between the effect of muscle energy technique and ultrasound therapy with static stretching in improving the hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness. 1.5.2 ALTERNATE HYPOTHESIS There is a significant effect of muscle energy technique in improving the hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness. There is a significant effect of ultrasound therapy with static stretching in improving the hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness. There is a significant difference between the effect of muscle energy technique and ultrasound therapy with static stretching in improving the hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness. II.REVIEW OF LITERATURE HAMSTRING TIGHTNESS: Worrel et al (2003) Stated that hamstring injuries in athletes is mainly due to the lack of hamstring flexibility. Kishner and Colby et al (2002) Stated that adequate mobility of soft tissues and joints is thought to be an important factor in prevention of injury (or) reinjury to soft tissues. Donald E Hartig et al (1999) Stated that increase in hamstring flexibility decreases overuse injuries in lower extremities. Sarhmann.S et al (1997) Stated that muscle tightness and hypertonicity has a significant impact on the neuromuscular control. Muscle tightness affects the normal length tension relationship. Bullock-Saxton.J, Lewit.K et al (1997, 1984) Stated that muscle tightness alters the normal arthrokinematics of the involved joint. This affects the synergistic function leading to abnormal joint stress, soft tissue dysfunction, neural compromise and vascular or lymphatic stasis. Ronald F, Zernickle et al (1996) Stated that extracting flexibility changes related with structural and physiological changes influence the level of physical activity. Zachazewski et al (1989) Stated that loss of flexibility of hamstring may lead to decrease in lumbar lordosis, reduction of muscle strength and quadriceps dysfunction during gait. Cummings, GS, Crutchfeld, CA, Barnes et al (1983) Stated that tightness is referred to mild shortening of a healthy musculo tendinous unit otherwise referred to as a mild transient contracture. A muscle that is tight can be lengthened to all but the outer limits of its range. Normal individual who do not regularly participate in a flexibility program can develop mild myostatic contractures or tightness, particularly in two joint muscles such as hamstrings, rectus femoris or gastronemius. Fox E.L et al (1979) Stated that flexibility enhances movement by improving body awareness with greater ease and dexterity. Lawrence Gold et al Stated that the hamstrings are the muscles that run from behind and below the knees up to the back of the thigh till the sitbones. Soft tissue injuries, knee pain, torn menisci, chondromalacia patella and poor posture often come from tight hamstrings. Tight hamstrings can prevent the individual from reaching full extension or from bending over completely. ULTRASOUND THERAPY WITH STATIC STRETCHING Shadmer.A, Astaneh.H.N, et al (2010) Conducted a study to analyse the effect of two different modes (Continuous versus Pulsed) in decreasing the shortening of hamstrings. Thirty non impaired men aged 20 to 30 years were included. Ultrasound was applied over short hamstrings. Hamstring flexibility was measured by passive knee extension test. Continuous ultrasound of 2W/Cm ², 1MHZ, five minutes and Pulsed ultrasound of 200 µs burst of 1MHZ, 0.5W/Cm ², five minutes was used. They concluded that the heating effects of continuous ultrasound may be more effective than non thermal properties of pulsed ultrasound for increasing the flexibility of shortened hamstrings. Meroni, Roberto, Cerri, Cesare Giuseppe, Lanzarini, Carlo, Barindelli, Guido, Morte, Giancesare Della, Gessaga, Viviana, Cesana, Gian Carlo, DeVito, Giovanni et al (2010) Stated that the gain in flexibility was maintained for a period of 4 weeks after the cessation of training. This improvement was more significantly noticed in active stretching group by using active knee extension test than the passive stretching group. Buker N., Aslan E., Kitis A., Carluk U et al (2008) Stated that the superficial (or) deep heat applications before static stretching exercises shows positive effects to increasing flexibility of hamstring muscles. Nichole Lee Lounsberry et al (2008) Stated that the ultrasound treatment produced greater immediate gains in hamstring extensibility than moist heat packs treatment. A.Akbari, H.Moodi, A.A.Moein and R.Nazok et al (2006) Stated that the gains in range of passive knee extension obtained in continuous therapeutic ultrasound and 30 seconds stretch group were significantly greater than therapeutic ultrasound and 15 seconds stretch group in subjects with tight hamstrings. Denegar C, Saliba E, et al (2006) Stated that 3 MHZ ultrasound provides superficial heating, 1MHZ ultrasound heats tissue at depth of 3-5 cms and is considered to be a deep heating agent. Odunaiya N.A, Hamzat T.K, Ajayi O et al (2004) Stated that statically stretching tight hamstrings for any duration between 15 and 120 seconds on alternate days for six weeks would significantly increase its flexibility. The effect was also sustained for upto 7 days post intervention. Trae Sakiyo Tashiro et al (2003) Stated that the clinically practical parameters of thermal ultrasound in conjunction with static stretching is an effective way of increasing hamstring extensibility but ultrasound application location didnt showed difference in increasing knee extension range of motion in a healthy population. C.D.Weijer et al (2003) Stated that the static stretching is one of the safest and most commonly performed stretching methods used to measure muscle length. Feland et al (2001) Reported that longer hold times during stretching of the hamstring muscles resulted in a greater rate of gain in range of motion. Prentice WE, McClure M, Becker RO et al (2001) Stated that when slow stretch applied to muscle, golgi tendon organ get stimulated and thereby muscle tension is reduced. This leads is to an increase in length of muscle. Robert and Wilson et al (1999) Stated that static stretching increases muscle length by allowing muscle spindle to adapt overtime and cease fired. It also elicits golgi tendon response and therefore provides an effective flexibility training stimulus. William D Bandy et al (1996) Stated that a static stretch of 30 seconds at a frequency of single session is sufficient to increase the muscle length. Bandy WD, Irion JM et al (1995) Stated that the duration of 30 seconds of stretching is an effective time of enhancing the flexibility of the hamstring muscles. Bandy WD, Irion JM et al , Lentell G, Hetherington T et al, Madding SW et al (1994 ) Stated that Static stretching is a method of stretching in which the muscles and connective tissue being stretched are held in a stationary position at their greatest possible length for some period. When using static stretching on a clinical basis, stretches should be held a minimum of 15 to 30 seconds. Chan et al (1993) Stated that tendon reaches greater temperature and heat more quickly than muscle and the tendon was able to maintain vigorous heating for longer period than muscle. Draper D, Sunderland S, Kirkendall et al (1993) Stated that tendon tissue is less vascularized than muscle tissue; tendons will retain heat for longer periods of time. Folconer et al (1992) Stated that ultrasound increases soft tissue extensibility and may be an effective adjunct in the treatment of knee contractures secondary to connective tissue shortening. Gordon and Ghez et al (1991) Stated that static stretching may be effective in increasing the length of muscle due to the prolonged stretching which allows the muscle spindle to adapt over time and cease firing. Low and Reed et al (1990) , Dyson et al (1987) Stated that low absorption of ultrasound waves is seen in tissues that are in water content (eg.,fat), whereas absorption is higher in tissues rich in protein (e.g., skeletal muscle). Warren C, Lehman J, Koblanski J, Strickler T, Malone T, Masock A, Garrett W et al (1990) Stated that ultrasound therapy can be used to target the collagen rich tendinous unit of the hamstring muscle because of its ability to penetrate deeper tissues, and shown that increasing the temperature of collagen to 40 ° Celsius will increase the elasticity of the tissue. This increased extensibility allows for an even distribution of force and reduces the stress on localized areas of the tissue. Gajdosik RL , Godges JJ et al (1989) Stated that a low intensity maintained stretch that is applied gradually is less likely to facilitate the stretch reflex and increase tension in the muscle being lengthened. This is called static stretch. Ziskin et al (1986) Stated that an increasing in tendon length following continuous ultrasound therapy is due to change of their viscosity and plasticity. Beaulien et al (1981) Stated that stretch duration lower than 30 seconds didnt increase muscle flexibility. Coakley et al (1978) Stated that frequency of 1MHZ ultrasound used for patients with more subcutaneous fat who sustained injuries at deeper level because of its penetration to a depth of 3 to 5 cms. Lehman et al (1968) Emphasized on the thermal effects of continuous ultrasound compared to other heating modalities in increasing hamstring flexibility. De Vries HA et al (1962) Stated that static stretching offers advantages of using less overall force, decreasing the danger of exceeding the tissue extensibility limits, lower energy requirement, and a lower likelihood of muscle soreness. Static stretching also has less effect on the Ia and II spindle afferent fibres than ballistic stretching, which would tend to increase a muscles resistance to stretch and facilitate golgi tendon organ, thereby reducing the contractile elements resistance to deformation. MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE: Ahmad Faheem, Ahmad Shamin, Anjani Agarwal, Begum Shabana, Ram C.S, Waseem Mohd et al (2010) Conducted a study in Indian collegiate males on hamstring flexibility by comparing the effectiveness of muscle energy technique and eccentric training. Total of twenty males with hamstring tightness falling between age group of 18-25 years were included in the study. Hamstring tightness was measured by popliteal angle/active knee extension test. One group was treated with muscle energy technique and the other with eccentric training. This study stated that hamstring flexibility can be improved with muscle energy technique using post isometric relaxation than eccentric training. Wassim M et al (2009) Reported that muscle energy technique using post isometric relaxation significantly improving the hamstring flexibility (by active knee extension test) in normal Indian collegiate males with hamstring tightness. Azadeh Shadmehr, Mohmmed Reza Hadian, Sedigheh Sadet Naiemi, Shohreh Jalaie et al (2009) Concluded that the hamstring stretches in normal young women using either static stretch or muscle energy technique had similar effects on restoring flexibility to hamstrings. Madeline Smith, Gary Fryer et al (2008) Stated that the muscle energy technique is effective in increasing hamstring extensibility, and there appeared to be sustained improvement one week following the initial treatment. Ross A, Clark et al (2008) Stated that muscle energy technique can produces creep and plastic changes in the connective tissue thereby the length of the muscle can be increased. Lindsey Samilian et al (2007) Stated that muscle energy technique is a method used to strengthen weak muscles, lengthen the short muscles (or) increase a muscles range of motion. These techniques involve stretch during which a reciprocal force is imposed on the targeted muscle for short period of time, causing the muscle to relax and stretch further. Ballantyne F, Fryer G, MC.Laughlin P et al (2003) Conducted a study to find the effectiveness of muscle energy technique in increasing passive knee extension and to explore the mechanism behind any observed change. Forty asymptomatic subjects between age of 18 to 45 years were randomly allocated to experimental and control group. Experimental group was given with muscle energy technique and Control group with no treatment. They concluded that muscle energy technique produced an immediate increase in passive knee extension. This observed change is due to an increased tolerance to stretch. Chaitlow L, Liebenson C et al (2001) The other name for Muscle energy technique is active muscular relaxation technique. Freyer G et al (2000), Richard L, Gajodsik, Melonie A, Rieck and Debra K et al (1993) Stated that an increase in flexibility after muscle energy technique occurred due to biomechanical or neurophysiologic changes or due to an increase in tolerance to stretching. Lewit et al (1999) Concluded that post isometric relaxation is directed towards relaxation of hypertonic muscle, especially if this relates to reflex contraction or the involvement of myofascial trigger points. Lewit, Libenson, Murphy et al (1999) Stated that post isometric relaxation is an excellent technique for treating neuromuscular component muscle of a stiff, shortened or tight muscle. Lewit et al (1999), Greenman et al (1989) Suggested that in muscle energy technique, the holding time of 7-10 seconds is more effective than 3-5 seconds. Kuchera et al (1997) Stated that increase in range of motion of a joint after Muscle energy technique is based on neurological mechanism via inhibitory golgi tendon reflex. Muscle energy technique activates this reflex during isometric muscle contraction. Muscle energy technique produces a stretch on golgi tendon organ and a reflex relaxation of muscle. Goodridge and Kuchera et al (1997) Suggested that 3 repetitions of isometric contractions is optimal in applying muscle energy technique. Lederman et al (1997) Stated that a viscoelastic change in muscle is responsible for the increase in muscle flexibility after muscle energy technique. Chaitlow L et al (1997) Stated that the isometric contraction should be held for 10 seconds. This is the time required to stimulate the excitatory threshold of the golgi tendon organ, which has a neurophysiologic inhibitory effect on the muscle spindle. This provides the opportunity to take the muscle into a new range of motion. Following the isometric contraction, there is a latency period of approximately 25 to 30 seconds, during which the muscle can be stretched. Philip Greenman et al (1996) Stated that manual medicine treatment procedure includes Muscle energy technique which involves the contraction of the subjects muscle by the voluntary effort in a precisely controlled direction, at different levels of intensity, against a counterforce applied by the operator. This procedure can be used to lengthen a shortened, contracted or spastic muscle; to strengthen a physiologically weakened muscle; to reduce localized oedema, to mobilize an articulation with restricted mobility. Ward, Robert C et al (1990) Stated that muscle energy technique is an active, direct technique (engaging the barrier) that promotes muscle relaxation by activating the golgi tendon reflex. Libenson et al (1989) Stated that muscle energy technique is effective in treating the muscle tension disorder and it effectively relaxes stretches, strengthens the muscles and re-educate abnormal sensory motor pathway. Lewit et al (1986) Stated that when a muscle is isometrically contracted its antagonist will be inhibited and reduce tone immediately. Stiles and Greenman et al (1984) Suggested that muscles which requires stretching (agonist) should be the main source of energy for isometric contractions and achieves a more significant degrees of relaxation and so a more useful ability to subsequently stretch the muscle were the relaxation effect being achieved through use of antagonist (using reciprocal inhibition). ACTIVE KNEE EXTENSION TEST: C.M. Norris et al (2005) Stated that active knee extension test when used in conjunction with goniometry, accurate surface making, and manual monitoring of the test leg is a reliable measure of hamstring muscle length. M.Mathews et al (2005) Stated that active knee extension represents maximum length of hamstring muscles. Denise M. Cameron, Richard W. Bohannon et al (1985) Stated that active knee extension test is said to be a useful alternative to the straight leg raise test for providing an indication of hamstring muscle length. Gajdosik R.L et al (1983) Stated that active knee extension test is a more objective measure of hamstring tightness which produces high reliability co-efficient. III. METHODOLOGY 3.1 STUDY DESIGN: Pre test and post test experimental group study design. 3.2 STUDY SETTING: Study will be conducted at Physiotherapy Out Patient Department, KG College of Physiotherapy, Coimbatore. 3.3 STUDY DURATION: Total duration was one year. Individual received the treatment for the duration of one week. 3.4 POPULATION STUDIED: 30 normal individuals with hamstring tightness who fulfilled the predetermined inclusive and exclusive criteria were selected and divided into two experimental groups by simple random sampling method. Each group consists of 15 patients. Groups are named as group A and group B 3.5 CRITERIA FOR SELECTION 3.5.1 INCLUSIVE CRITERIA: Age between 18 to 25 years Both males and females Normal individuals with tight hamstrings (inability to achieve greater than 160 ° knee extension with hip at 90 ° flexion.) 3.5.2EXCLUSIVE CRITERIA: Low back pain Acute or chronic. Hamstring injury Acute or chronic. Soft tissue injuries around knee. Pregnancy. Metal implants in lower extremity. Recent fracture and stiffness in lower extremity. 3.6 VARIABLES: 3.6.1 INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: Muscle energy technique. Ultrasound therapy with Static stretching. 3.6.2 DEPENDENT VARIABLES: Hamstring flexibility. 3.7 PARAMETERS: Hamstring flexibility 3.8 MEASUREMENT TOOLS: Active knee extension test. Active knee extension test was used for measurement of hamstring tightness. The subject was instructed to lie on their back with hip and knees bent 90 degrees. Pelvic movement was controlled by the use of straps. By using the lateral condyle of femur as the goniometric axis, the stationary arm positioned along the femur, and the movable arm was positioned parallel to the leg. Keep hip and knee in 90 degrees then instruct the subject to straighten the knee as for as possible till a sensation of stretch being felt. Repeat the same for three times and mean were measured as the final result. 3.9 PROCEDURE: GROUP A: MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE. TECHNIQUE USED: Post isometric relaxation. INDIVIDUALS POSITION: Supine lying. PROCEDURE: Ask the individuals to assume supine position. Therapist flexes the affected hip fully and then extends the flexed knee with the back of lower leg resting on the shoulder of the therapist who stands facing the head of the table. Individual is asked to flex i.e. causing downward pressure against the therapist shoulder with the back of lower leg at the same time therapist resist the individuals voluntary effort so that, slight isometric contraction of hamstrings develops and individuals hold this for 10 seconds. After this effort, the individual is asked to exhale and relax the muscle completely. Then the therapist takes the muscle to its new restriction barrier without stretch. Starting from this new barrier, the same procedure is repeated two or three more times. FREQUENCY OF TREATMENT: Once in a day. TREATMENT DURATION: One week. GROUP B: ULTRASOUND THERAPY WITH STATIC STRETCHING: ULTRASOUND THERAPY: INDIVIDUALS POSITION: Prone lying PARAMETERS: FREQUENCY: 1 MHz INTENSITY: 2W/cm ² MODE: Continuous. AREA OF APPLICATION: Hamstring area DURATION: Five Minutes daily (Two minutes for medial hamstrings, Two minutes for lateral hamstrings and One min for between the two tendon). FREQUENCY OF TREATMENT: Once in a day TREATMENT DURATION: One week STATIC STRETCHING: TECHNIQUE USED: Active static stretching. INDIVIDUALS POSITION: Standing position. PROCEDURE: Subjects performed the hamstring stretch by standing erect with the foot planted on the floor and toes pointed forward. The heel of the foot to be stretched was placed on a plinth with the toes directed towards the ceiling. The subject then flexed forward at the hip, maintaining the spine in neutral position while reaching the arm forward. The subjects continued to flex the hip until a gentle stretch was felt in the posterior thigh. Then hold this position for 30 seconds and then relax for 10 seconds and repeat the same procedure for three more times a day. FREQUENCY OF TREATMENT: Once in a day. TREATMENT DURATION: One week 3.10 STATISTICAL TOOLS The following statistical tools used in this study is Paired t-test and Unpaired t-test Formula: Paired t-test = Where, = difference between the pre test versus post test = mean difference = total number of subjects = standard deviation Unpaired t-test was used to compare the mean difference between Group A and Group B. Formula: Unpaired t-test Where, = Mean of Group A = Mean of Group B Æ’Â ¥ = sum of the value n1 = number of subjects in Group A n1 = number of subjects in Group B S = standard deviation Level of significance: 5% IV.DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION TABLE-1 PAIRED t TEST PRE TEST AND POST TEST VALUES OF GROUP A GROUP A MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY ACTIVE KNEE EXTENSION The comparative mean values, mean differences, standard deviation and Paired t test values of Group A , who were treated with Muscle energy Technique. S.NO GROUP A MEAN MEAN DEVIATION

Teaching Philosophy Statement Essays -- Education Teachers Essays

Teaching Philosophy Statement In the movie The Matrix, Morphis says to Neo â€Å"I can only show you the door, I can’t open it for you.† The door that Morphis is talking about is this incredible vast knowledge that is unknown to Neo. What better person to show, to teach, to inform Neo than his teacher, Morphis. You see, I see myself as Morphis, the teacher, whenever I step into a classroom. As I look across the room, there isn’t just one â€Å"Neo†, but there are thirty or forty Neos. This is an extreme job for someone that understands how hard it is to open that door. I have always heard throughout my life that the key to life is knowledge; the key to success is knowledge. These are two different subjects that can be touched upon. Knowledge is powerful, I do understand that; and it can also take you places. When kids are in high school, they don’t care about school; they care about what they look like and who their friends are. They care about other people’s opinion upon themselves, not what they think about themselves. This is what I know about the teenage years. It’s a vast change from having your mother buy your clothes, to worrying about whether or not you will be going to the prom. My subject area that I have chosen is English. English can be â€Å"cool,† it can be fun, it can be educational. English is a subject that can present that door to opportunity that the teenagers don’t know about. I am the person that can show the students that door. I want to be that teacher that they remember when they are 40 years old and wondering who brought them where they are today. I want them to say â€Å"Hey that was Mr. Neal that showed me how this was done, he inspired me to go to college and get a good job.† Now I understand that as an Engli... ... would have never believed that I would want to teach it. I wanted to teach science. Times changed my mind and I wanted to teach English. I know that as an English teacher, times in the classroom need to be fun, creative, and the repetition of a story would not fulfill the need to be expansive. I know that I am smart enough to create a work plan that is different each and every day of the school year. My intelligence isn’t what I pride myself in, but it’s the talent that was given to me, that situation that gives me a chance to meet new people and become a part of them. It’s that chance to show somebody that door that only they can open up, that chance to inspire them to open that door. I want to be an influence in somebody’s life, I want to be the teacher that made him or her learn, and see that it can be fun and that it just takes a little time. I am that teacher.

Angry and Ignorant: Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College Essay

â€Å"Ignorance is bliss†. The line from Thomas Gray’s poem, Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College, published in 1747, has lasted throughout the ages due to its omnipresent applicableness. This is especially seen in the public’s view on war before World War II. Before pictures and news reports from the World Wars were publicized, the United States home front did not see a problem with going to war. All they had heard from the war was propagandize success. However, some people, like poets Carl Sandburg and Nan Braymer, knew the true brutality of war. In Buttons and Five Day Requiem for Vietnam, Sandburg and Braymer both use aggressive diction and imagery to portray different themes; Buttons creates a theme that people are often ignorant to things that are unpleasant, and Five Day Requiem for Vietnam creates a theme that loss of control can lead to anger. The aggressive diction in Buttons reflects the attitude towards war during World War I. In this time, pictures and information about the brutality of war were just getting out to the public, but most did not pay attention. Sandburg says the buttons, which represented the soldiers, were â€Å"shoved† around the map, showing that people were ignorant to the trials of war. If the people at home knew what the soldiers were going through for them, they would be more considerate to the buttons. Even the way the map was â€Å"slammed† up onto the board outside the newspaper stand was not showing it the recognition and respect it deserves. Because the people did not understand the unpleasant happenings of World War I, they did not show proper respect to the map and the buttons. Likewise, Braymer uses aggressive diction in Five Day Requiem for Vietnam to express the anger that the fighting soldie... ... devices of imagery and aggressive diction, Sandburg and Braymer both create different themes. Sandburg uses the devices to convey that people are often ignorant to that which is unpleasant to hear, and Braymer conveys the theme that loss of control can lead to anger. Even though the poems were written about World War I and Vietnam, the themes created are still seen in human nature today. There is always a problem that people choose to ignore instead of working to improve, and there will always be people lashing out due to manipulation. This reveals how, even with societal developments, human nature will never really change. Works Cited "Carl Sandburg Poems - Buttons." Carl Sandburg Poems - Buttons. Andyy Barr Productions, 1998. Web. 04 Nov. 2013. "Voices Education Project." Nan Braymer: Five Day Requiem for Vietnam. Marilyn Turkovich, n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2013.