Business Research Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Business Research Report - Essay Example Of course the products required customer service. And Apple Inc. positioned Customer Technical Support mostly in the USA but partly outsourced to India because of the 50% lower cost. In the US alone, there are about 10,000 AppleCare Advisors applications in 24 States aside from 3,300 home based Advisors, and 600 part-time employees who are college students. In 2010, Apple Inc. realized 58% of total revenues from countries outside of the USA (Kane and Rohwedder 2010). The management therefore launched iPhone 4 in 88 countries to compete against other brands of iPhones manufactured by other companies. In 2009, Apple Inc.’s iPhone 3GS reached 64 countries. Unlike the Apple Macintosh computers which could not compete, the iPod music players of Apple Inc., the iPad Tablet Computers, and the iPhones were able to penetrate the international markets. And the sales of Apple Inc. are gradually being improved via retails stores specialized with Apple products. It was done through aggress ive marketing effort wherein new stores of Apple Inc. in places like London and Shanghai accounted for more than 50% of all the new stores of the industry wherein Apple Inc. belongs. By May 2013, as a result of sustained globalization effort to penetrate the markets in many countries, Forbes (2013) identified Apple Inc. as the # 1 most powerful brand in the world, # 1 in market value, # 2 in profits earned, # 26 most innovative company, # 15 in sales, and # 15 in the world’s top 2000 global companies. The products sold are made up of mobile phones, portable media, personal computers, music players that are digital and portable, software, services, and peripherals. Well known brands that were sold included the iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iOS, iCloud, iTunes, iBookstore, and so on. Apple Inc. capitalization exceeded $ 400 billion. And the channels of distribution now include direct sales aside from online sales and actual retail stores. Wholesales and resellers were tapped along wi th cellular network carriers.. Technology, as a whole, has been changing the lifestyle, pace, and pattern of people in different parts of the globe. For example, in April 24, 2013, software developers around the globe will learn from Apple Inc. engineers about deploying followed by integrating iOS and OS X technologies in 100 sessions during a conference in June 10-14, 2013. Programmers worldwide will gain the knowledge of creating new features and applications from that Worldwide Developers’ Conference directly from 1,000 Apple engineers who will be there to teach programmers in hands-on laboratories. Such an opportunity to be updated in terms of technology normally takes many months or even years of further education via schools or online universities. This will take only days. And the value for participants will be in the form of better business performance through better services to customers who need improvements in their Apple devices. (Apple Inc. 2013b) Just to give an idea of the size of that business opportunity from just one application alone, the well-known iTunes, Apple Inc. (2013c) reported that over 25 billion musical downloads had been sold worldwide by the online iTune Stores for nusic, TV shows, and movies. The store averages 15,000 iTune songs being downloaded per minute. The owner

Role Of A Nursing Faculty Member Essay Example for Free

Role Of A Nursing Faculty Member Essay Introduction The basic role of a nursing faculty member is to teach nursing skills to students effectively. The knowledge, skills and values acquired by the learners must be put into clinical practice. It is therefore the duty of the faculty member to impart practical skills to the students. There has been a debate on the most suitable method of teaching clinical medicine. Most arguments have shown that the effectiveness of the clinical teaching is determined by the end results. Teaching being a skill it requires specialized strategies for its positive desired end results. A faculty should be organized in hierarchy to enable proper allocation of duties; therefore the roles of the faculty member are very diverse and practical. ROLE OF A NURSING FACULTY MEMBER The aim of teaching is equip a student with knowledge and skills that are consumable. A good education program is deemed to be the one is able to satisfy both individual and societal needs. The changes in health care delivery systems, demographic trends, technological advances and developments in higher education influence the competencies needed for professional nursing practice. (Garberson Oermann 2007) The main developments in the teaching of nursing allude to the philosophical perspective in which the program goal and objectives based on the content are developed followed by the teaching evaluation process. The current strategies of teaching nursing focus much on the end results as such there is more focus given to an individual’s needs, learning activities, learning style, which has improved the quality of the end results. In a situation where teaching is based on the end result, the faculty member then should commence the teaching by identifying the end results rather than the intention of the teaching. Some of this en d results expected after the teaching process include knowledge, skills, professional attitudes behavior and values. Good clinical learning activity is achieved by enabling the students to be able to transfer acquired knowledge into real life situations. The knowledge (theory) acquired should be put into practice. Researches geared toward curriculum reforms are very important to a nursing faculty member in order to accommodate the fast changes in health are important. Nurse teachers should focus on giving students tangible skills based on facts. The ability to solve clinical is an important recipe to clinical teaching and learning. Most of the clinical problems require the student to be creative this necessitates the teacher to equip the student with necessary skills on how to solve practical new clinical problems according to the context. Therefore essentially critical and creative skills mind is in order to be abreast with the current challenges in health care that will help one work more effectively in the real life situations. The care services should spread evenly within a particular environment this is in the view that medical has grown to be a very vital service to be offered to people of all calibers in the world. PREPARATION NEED FOR THE ROLE The nursing faculty member and students in academic nursing must choose a healthy learning center to assist in acquisition of practical skills. The teacher therefore is expected to assign duties and responsibilities to the students within a given period of time. A faculty member should put in place different roles important in guiding the students in their learning activities. The major of the teacher is to empower the students with skills within and outside the clinical context that will enhance delivery of quality services to patients. Proper planning of the clinical activities requires a teacher to have more knowledge. A nursing faculty member should be able to organize the students into groups in order to improve the guiding of the cognitive skills that are crucial for problem solving. Typically students’ utilization of resources increases with the implementation of problem-based learning as students are challenged to research answers of learning issues. Resources for information include faculty experts, consultants, text, journal and a computerized data retrieval system as well as field and clinical experience. Lowestein and Bradshaw (2004). The subtler role of a nursing faculty member is to monitor the  Ã‚   learning atmosphere. The students acquire clinical skills positively this nurtures them towards working independently. Research has shown that when one works independently is likely to double the skills in the field specialized (DeYoung, 2003). The outcome of should be able to reflect need oriented especially the needs of the patients should be give priority. Evaluation is a very important criterion for establishing the knowledge and competence acquired by the student. Therefore suitable criteria for evaluation should be established and feedback given appropriately after each evaluation. Problem solving strategy has been found a very helpful learning strategy among students as it gives maximum outcomes. For a nurse to acquire necessary clinical expertise in understanding the multiplicity of factors that interplay in a give situation, the must impart research based techniques in a student. This can be done through giving the student  Ã‚   research tasks to be done especially those relating to patients. The implication here is that the student will have the opportunity to integrate the knowledge learnt with the past and present experiences and use it to solve anything new in future. A faculty member may be involved in clinic care activities in the process of ensuring quality assurance. In this event the teacher is acting as a role model to the students. There are diverse roles of a nursing faculty member among them include: administration, nursing education program course coordination conducting research and serving as a consultant among other functions (Gaberson, Oermann, 2007). Therefore the understanding of situation of clinical learning activities start with proper preparation in the part of the teacher, this is usually achieved by setting goals and objectives to be achieved. The goals and objectives determine the methods to be used in teaching process.   The teacher should be able to evaluate the extent to which a particular student is prepared before being assigned a duty to execute especially when they given a private client to attend to in the assigned clinical duties (Barnum, Karlene Kerfoot, 1995). Conclusion The nursing faculty member should equip the students with theoretical skills that can bring about positive learning process and the desired outcomes. The knowledge imparted on a student should have utilitarian value on an individual, the knowledge should enable them impact their patients positively. The roles that the nursing faculty member does are beneficial to the institution as well as the student. Positively the faculty member gives care services to the patients what might be called in-service function. It should be noted that nursing is a labour intensive activity, which requires commitment, it requires a 24-hour ongoing service and as such individual should be prepared to face this challenges appropriately. References: Arlene J. Lowestein, Martha J. Bradshaw. (2007) Fuszard’s innovative teaching strategies in  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   nursing. Jones Bartlett publishers. Barbara Stevens Barnum, Karlene M. Kerfoot (1995). The nurse as executive   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Aspen publishers. DeYoung, S. (2003). Teaching strategies for nursing educators. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall Health. Kathleen B. Gaberson, Marilyn H. Oermann. (2007). Teaching strategies in nursing. Aspen publishers.

Immediate and Late Effect of Cryotherapy on Balance

Immediate and Late Effect of Cryotherapy on Balance immediate and late effect of cryotherapy on balance IN HEALTHY SUBJECTs Abstract Background: cryotherapy application is commonly used as a physical therapy tools with many known advantage, however several research have reported decrease in subject balance which affect quality of movement following cryotherapy application, therefore the purpose of study to investigate the immediate and late effect of cryotherapy on ankle dominant joint on static balance and test the difference in static balance change between both sexes. Methods: thirty normal subjects, Subjects had their static balance tested during two conditions: (1) an experimental condition where the subject received the cryotherapy application by using cooled gel pack to the dominant ankle joint for 15 minutes immediately before static balance testing and (2) a control condition finished at room temperature. The order of testing condition was randomized by using a coin flip. Biodex balance system was used to measure static balance. Result: analysis of data using ANOVA and unpaired test ,show insignificantly statistically effect in all aspect of static balance within female group with p value of overall stability index =0.669,Anterior/posterior stability index =0.196 and medial/lateral stability index =0.989,insignificantly statistically effect in all aspect of static balance within male group with p value of overall stability index =0.382,Anterior/posterior stability index =0.552 and Medial/lateral stability index =0.46 and insignificant statistically difference between male and female in all aspect of static balance. Conclusion: The result of current study suggest that fifteen minutes of cold gel pack on ankle dominant extremity have no effect on static balance on both sexes . Key words: static balance, cryotherapy Introduction: cryotherapy therapy is a popular non-pharmacological intervention, The term cryotherapy was used in year 1908 by A.W. Pusey to describe the treatment of skin injuries with low temperatures[1,2] , The primary aim of cryotherapy is the removal of heat energy from the site of injury, in order to facilitate a therapeutic effect [3] by produces a number of physiological effects to the human body including a reduction in blood flow, edema, hemorrhage[4], cellular metabolic rate, hypoxia, enzymatic activity and tissue damage[5]. Cryotherapy has also been demonstrated to significantly increase the pain threshold and pain tolerance by reducing nerve conduction velocity and muscle spasm [6]. Cryotherapy often used in athletic and rehabilitation cases to manage injury during the immediate and rehabilitative phases [7]. Cryotherapy treats the muscle damage caused by High-intensity exercise including predominantly eccentric activity, unaccustomed activity, and exercise of long duration and/or high intensity which has been shown to induce an inflammatory response [8]. In spite of the characterized treatment advantage of cryotherapy, there are reduction in subjects performance variables are likely to occur after returning to normal movement immediately after cryotherapy application,[9]especially , decrease speed of running, muscle strength speed and agility measures have been noted after cryotherapy application over many anatomical areas and studies[10,11]. The ability to conserve postural control or balance is important for the correct carrying out of all daily activity ranging from standing and walking to sitting and standing from a chair [12]. Possessing the ability to conserve several positions, to react automatically to voluntary movements of the body, and to react to external disturbance represents a postural control domain needed in daily life [13]. The maintenance of balance is important in the prevention of injuries and this ability depends on proprioceptive input from capsuloligamentous and musculotendinous mechanoreceptors in combining with vestibular and visual input to the central nervous system (CNS)[14,15] . This input used in feedback and feed-forward loops to provide the proper neuromuscular response [16-17]. Variations in any of these inputs would disturb balance and increase the risk of injury [18]. There is also growing awareness that rehabilitation using cryotherapy has deleterious effects on balance, or return patients to their previous functional levels [19, 20].Quality of movement is important as strength of movement, and the key of movement quality is balance [21]. Even if a patient has regained full strength and range of motion, if they still have poor balance and proprioception, they are at risk for re-injury. During the management of acute distortion, cryotherapy is commended after the injury and in rehabilitation, ice application is supposed to promote the beginning of active exercise and its progression [7]. In practice it can happen that sportsmen are sent back to exercising or competition immediately after cryotherapy. Although the question is controversially discussed, if physical activities after ice application can be re-established without risk or increase liability to injury. This study takes up the problems if cryotherapy application at the ankle disrupts static balance so that an increased risk of injury could result and the study also clarify the immediate and late effect and test the difference in static balance between both sex. Methodology The current study was conducted at biomechanics laboratory at faculty of physical therapy, modern university, in the period from December 2015 to April 2016 to investigate the immediate and late effect of cryotherapy application on dominant ankle joint on static standing balance and test the difference in static balance between both sexes. Design of study Cross over (single repeated measurements) design used in this study to determine the immediate and late effect of cryotherapy application on dominant ankle joint on static standing balance and test the difference in the static standing balance between both sexes. Subjects A sample of thirty healthy normal subjects (fifteen male and fifteen female), subjects were recruited using publically distributed posters and by online social media. Subjects had their static balance examined during two situations: (1) an experimental situation where the subject received the cryotherapy application by using cooled gel pack to the dominant ankle joint for fifteen minutes immediately before static balance testing and (2) a control situation finished at room temperature. The order of examining situation was randomized by using a coin flip. Participant finished the control situation first immediately finished the experimental situation following assessment. Participants randomized to the cryotherapy situation first had the control session arranged at a separate time to confirm no lingering effects remain from the cryotherapy procedures. Subjects participate in the current study after approval of ethical committee of faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University with number P.T.REC/012/001035 and all subjects provided written informed consent. Subjects were included if their age range from 18 to 40 years [22] free from musculoskeletal diseases and neurological diseases affecting the lower limb. Excluded if had musculoskeletal disorders in lower limb, had infected skin diseases and loss of sensation, had Metabolic or vascular disease with neurological component such as diabetes, had previous ankle operation and had recent injury of ankle joint. Instrumentation Measurement instrumentation The device used in this study (Biodex Medical Systems Inc., Shirley, New York, USA) was a foot platform (circular in shape with a diameter of 21.5΄, which permits up to 20 ° tilting from horizontal in all directions), support rails that were adjustable from 25΄ to 36.5΄ above the platform, and could be swung away if desired, a display module whose height was adjustable from 53΄ to 68΄ above the platform and angle was adjustable from vertical back to 45 °, with a display viewing area of 24.8 ÃÆ'- 18.4 cm and a printer. This testing machine has 12 dynamic levels plus locked for static measurements [23]. Stability indexesthe stability index represents the variance of platform displacement in degrees from level. An increase in number indicate considerable motion, which indicates a problem with balance [24] . The participants ability to control the platforms angle of tilt was measured by the system and noted as a stability index. The data on the balance of the tested participants were supplied to the system. These data included anteroposterior stability index (APSI), mediolateral stability index (MLSI), and overall stability index (OSI). The smaller the amount of sway, the lower the numerical value of these indexes [24]. OSI: represented the variance of foot platform displacement in degrees, from level, in all motions during the test. A high number was indicative of considerable movement during this test. APSI: represented the variance of foot platform displacement, in degrees, from level, for motion in the sagittal plane. MLSI: represented the variance of foot platform displacement, in degrees from level, for motion in the frontal plane [24] . Therapeutic instrumentation: Reusable cold gel pack 25.4 x 48.1 cm. 5 +/- degree C [25] was frozen and wrapped with a towel and supported with elastic strap around the ankle joint of dominant lower extremity. Procedure Each participant received a verbal explanation about the test steps. When the system was on, the first displayed screen was the main menu. It allowed us to choose entering testing, training, or system utilities. Choosing to enter testing showed the next screen, which allowed determination of the test parameters such as test duration and the stability level chosen. The weight and height of the participant were recorded and the next screen was used for the centering process. The next screen was the stability test screen, where the start key was pressed to lock or unlock the platform and begin the test. A cursor appeared during the test tracing the movement of the platform while the clock counted till the time of the test ends. The next screen showed a menu. The examiner chooses the numeric report option on this screen to allow the participants numeric screen appear. Pressing start while on this screen initiates printing of the report, which includes the numeric values of the APSI, MLSI , and OSI (operation and service manual). Step 1: balance assessmentthe participants were tested without footwear and asked to perform two test trials before a specific test condition for the purpose of instrument familiarity before data collection. Then, the participant was first asked to assume the test position (standing on dominant foot) with arms held at the sides, eye closed and to attempt to control his/her balance as much as possible. Each participant was asked to center him/herself on the foot platform before starting the test. The test parameters introduced into the device were: Participants age , weight and height Stability level: all participants were tested on stability level 0 for 15 s. Then, the start key was pressed in the control panel (which took 5 s) with an auditory alarm just before the beginning of the test. The participant was instructed that the test was started just after the alarm. Each participant was instructed to maintain his/her balance for the period of the test. Three trials were performing prior to the measurement. There was report obtained at the end of each test include information on OSI, APSI, and MLSI. Step 2: cryotherapy application Reusable cold gel pack 25.4 x 48.1 cm. 5 +/- degree C was employed as the cryotherapy modality in this study. Application duration will be 15 minutes. Wrapping of pack by towel will applied all around ankle joint of domain extremity with towel in between .Two elastic straps will used to secure the ice pack. The subject will asked to relax during cryotherapy application to limit activity of muscle and lessen any change in temperature of tissue.Step 3: balance reassessmentthe participant was asked to repeat the same balance testing procedures directly after cryotherapy application, 30 minutes later and 60 minutes later to measure post OSI, MLSI, and APSI. Statistical analysis All statistical analysis were carried out by using SPSS,version 23 for windows; SPSS Inc., Chicago,Illinois,USA.the normality of data distribution was tested through the Shapiro-wilk test.Descriptive data for participants, characteristics was calculated as the mean, standard deviation and range minimum maximum of measured variables, ANOVA tests used to compare between pretest and posttest. Unpaired test used to compare between male and female. Level of significant will set at Results: General characteristics of the subjects: In this study, thirty subjects were assigned randomly, the range of the ages is between 18 to 40 years overall. There was no statistically significant differences between the groups in their ages as the p-value are 0.412. The range of the weight is between 50 to 105 kg. There was no statistically significant differences between the groups in their weight as the p-value are 0.214. The range of the Height is between 156 to 195 cm. There was no statistically significant differences between the groups in their weight as the p-value are 0.366. Table (1): Demographics Distribution Items Male Female Comparison Significant Mean ±SD Mean ±SD T-value P-value Age (years) 26.4  ± 6.08 25.533  ± 5.41 0.412 0.682 No Significant Weight (Kg) 70.89  ± 14.57 77.2  ± 5.41 -1.270 0.214 No Significant Height (cm) 165.27  ± 4.57 166.66  ± 6.41 -0.411 0.366 No Significant Figure. (1): Demographics Distribution As for the gender distribution, 15 subjects (50%) were male and 15 subjects (50%) were females. In addition, 26 subjects (86.7%) had their dominant right leg tested, and 4 subjects (13.3%) had their dominant left leg tested. Static Balance Pre-test The results are shown using the following table (2) and illustrated in figure (2). 1) Overall Stability Index Independent t-test was used to show difference between pretest for females and males. The female mean value of overall stability index (3.47à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.42) was significantly different from (5.04à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±2.31) with t test = -2.242 and p value = 0.033*. 2) A/P Stability Index Independent t-test was used to show difference between pretest for females and males. The female mean value of A/P Stability index (2.41 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 0.85) was significantly different from (3.393à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.65) with t test = -2.157 and p value = 0.043. 3) M/L Stability Index Independent t-test was used to show difference between pretest for females and males. The female mean value of M/L Stability index (2.01 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.08) was insignificantly different from (2.99à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.72) with t test = -1.887 and p value = 0.072. Table (2): The pre-test results for the Stability Indices Static Stability Index Overall Stability Index A/P Stability Index M/L Stability Index Pre-test for Females 3.67à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.41 2.407à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±0.85 2.01à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.08 Pre-test for Males 5.04à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±2.3 3.39à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.65 2.99à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.72 Independent t-value p value -2.492 0.033* Significant -2.157 0.045* Significant -1.884 0.072 Insignificant Data are expressed as mean  ± SD. P> 0.05= insignificant. *P Figure (2): The pre-test results for the Stability Indices Static B) Within Group (Females) The results are shown using the following table (3) and illustrated in figure (3).ANOVA F-test was used to show difference between pre and post-test in the stability indices. Overall Stability Index: The mean value was pretest (3.47à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.42) when compared with its corresponding no significant difference after assessment immediately (3.78à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.868), after 30 minutes (3.41 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 2.27), and after 60 minutes (4.29 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 2.86) with f test = 0.521 and p value = 0.66. A/P Stability Index: The mean value was pretest (2.41 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 0.85) when compared with its corresponding no significant difference after assessment immediately (2.47 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.52), after 30 minutes (2.14 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.27), and after 60 minutes (3.27 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.43) with f test = 1.616 and p value = 0.196. M/L Stability Index: The mean value was pretest (2.01 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.08) when compared with its corresponding no significant difference after assessment immediately (2.2 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.07), after 30 minutes (2.12 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.84), and after 60 minutes (2.13 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.98) with f test = 0.04 and p value = 0.989. Table (3): The mean values and S.D of Stability Indices before starting and after the test for Females Static Data of evaluations Overall Stability Index A/P Stability Index M/L Stability Index Pre-test 3.47 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.42 2.41 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±0.85 2.01à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.08 Post-Immediate 3.73 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.868 2.47à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.52 2.2à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.07 Post-30 minutes 3.41 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 2.27 2.14à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.27 2.12à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.84 Post-60 minutes 4.29 à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 2.86 3.27à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.43 2.13à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.98 F-value ANOVA 0.521 1.616 0.04 p value 0.669 Insignificant Difference 0.196 Insignificant Difference 0.989 Insignificant Difference Data are expressed as mean  ± SD. P> 0.05= insignificant. *P Figure (3): The mean values and S.D of Stability Indices before starting and after the test for Females Static D) Within groups (Males) The results are shown using the following table (4) and illustrated in figure (4). ANOVA F-test was used to show the difference between post-test in the stability indices. Overall Stability Index: The mean value was pretest (5.04à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±2.3) when compared with its corresponding no significant difference after assessment immediately (5.01à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.765), after 30 minutes (4.42à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±2.22), and after 60 minutes (3.95à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.56) with f test = 1.039and p value = 0.382. A/P Stability Index: The mean value was pretest (3.39à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.69) when compared with its corresponding no significant difference after assessment immediately (3.4à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.42), after 30 minutes (3.11à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.78), and after 60 minutes (2.67à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.416) with f test = 0.707and p value = 0.525. M/L Stability Index: The mean value was pretest (2.99à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.72) when compared with its corresponding no significant difference after assessment immediately (3.02à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.28), after 30 minutes (2.52à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.55), and after 60 minutes (2.33à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.02) with f test = 0.874and p value = 0.46. Table (4): The mean values and S.D of Stability Indices before starting and after the test for Males Static Data of evaluations Overall Stability Index A/P Stability Index M/L Stability Index Pre-test 5.04à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±2.31 3.39à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.65 2.99à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.72 Post-Immediate 5.01à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.765 3.4à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.42 3.02à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.28 Post-30 minutes 4.42à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 2.229 3.11à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.78 2.52à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.55 Post-60 minutes 3.95à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±1.56 2.67à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.42 2.33à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± 1.02 F-value ANOVA 1.039 0.707 0.874 p value 0.382 Insignificant Difference 0.552 Insignificant Difference 0.46 Insignificant Difference Data are expressed as mean  ± SD. P> 0.05= insignificant. * P Figure (4): The mean values and S.D of Stability Indices before starting and after the test for Males Static D) Post test results Static The results are shown using the following table (5) and illustrated in figure (5). Independent t-test was used to show difference between post-test in the stability indices. 1) Overall Stability Index Independent t-test was used to show difference between immediately post-test for females and males. The female mean value of overall stability index (3.73  ± 1.868) was insignificantly different from (5.01  ± 1.765) with t test = -1.913and p value = 0.063. Independent t-test was used to show difference between 30 minutes post-test for females and males. The female mean value of overall stability index (3.41  ± 2.27) was insignificantly different from (4.42  ± 2.229) with t test = -1.227and p value = 0.23. Independent t-test was used to show difference between 60 minutes post-test for females and males. The female mean value of overall stability index (4.29  ± 2.86) was insignificantly different from (3.95  ± 1.56) with t test = 0.415 and p value = 0.682. Stability Index Immediate 30 Minutes 60 Minutes Overall Stability Index Post-test for Females 3.73  ± 1.868 3.41  ± 2.27 4.29  ± 2.86 Post-test for Males 5.01  ± 1.765 4.42  ± 2.229 3.95  ± 1.56 Independent t-value p value -1.913 0.063 Insignificant -1.227 0.23 Insignificant 0.415 0.682 Insignificant Table (5.a): The mean values and S.D of Overall Stability Index post-test for both Females and Males-Static Data are expressed as mean  ± SD. P> 0.05= insignificant. * P Figure (5.a): The mean values and S.D of Overall Stability Index post-test for both Females and Males-Static 2) A/P Stability Index Independent t-test was used to show difference between immediate post-test for females and males. The female mean value of A/P Stability index (2.47  ± 1.52) was insignificantly different from (3.4  ± 1.42) with t test = -1.699and p value = 0.1. Independent t-test was used to show difference between 30 minutes post-test for females and males. The female mean value of A/P stability index (2.14  ±1.27) was insignificantly different from (3.11  ± 1.78) with t test = -1.723and p value = 0.096. A/P Stability Index Immediate 30 Minutes 60 Minutes A/P Stability Index Post-test for Females 2.47  ± 1.52 2.14  ± 1.27 3.27  ± 1.43 Post-test for Males 3.4  ±1.42 3.11  ± 1.78 2.67  ± 1.42 Independent t-value p value -1.699 0.1 Insignificant -1.723 0.096 Insignificant -0.925 0.363 Insignificant Independent t-test was used to show difference between 60 Minutes post-test for females and males. The female mean value of A/P stability index (3.27  ± 1.43) was insignificantly different from (2.67  ± 1.42) with t test = -0.925 and p value = 0.363. Table (5.b): The mean values and S.D of A/P Stability Index post-test for both Females and Males-Static Data are expressed as mean  ± SD. P> 0.05= insignificant. * P Figure (5.b): The mean values and S.D of A/P Stability Index post-test for both Females and Males-Static 3) M/L Stability Index Independent t-test was used to show difference between immediate post-test for females and males. The female mean value of M/L Stability index (2.2 ±1.07) was insignificantly different from (3.02  ± 1.28) with t test = -1.898and p value = 0.068. Independent t-test was used to show difference between 30 Minutes post-test for females and males. The female mean value of M/L stability index (2.12  ± 1.84) was insignificantly different from (2.52  ± 1.55) with t test = -0.656and p value = 0.518. Independent t-test was used to show difference between 60 Minutes post-test for females and males. The female mean value of M/L stability index (2.13  ± 1.98) was insignificantly different from (2.33  ± 1.02) with t test =0.097and p value = 0.729. Table (5.c): The mean values and S.D of M/L Stability Index post-test for both Females and Males-Static M/L Stability Index Immediate 30 Minutes 60 Minutes M/L Stability Index Post-test for Females 2.2  ± 1.07 2.12  ± 1.84 2.13  ±1.98 Post-test for Males 3.02  ± 1.28 2.52  ± 1.55 2.33  ± 1.02 Independent t-value p value -1.898 0.068 Insignificant -0.656 0.518 Insignificant 0.097 0.729 Insignificant Data are expressed as mean  ± SD. P> 0.05= insignificant. * P Figure (5.c): The mean values and S.D of M/L Stability Index post-test for both Females and Males-Static Discussion: The purposes of the study were To determine the immediate and late effect of cryotherapy on the dominant ankle joint on static balance and To determine the difference in static balance changes between both sexes. Our result revealed that the females have significant difference in static balance than male when measured before application of cold gel pack to ankle dominant extremity with p value of overall stability index = 0.033 , p value of A/P stability index=0.043 and not for ML stability index with p value of =0.072. Our result revealed that after using cold gel pack to ankle dominant extremity for 15 minutes has no statistically significant difference on all aspect of static balance in female group. In over stability index there was no statistically significant difference after assessment immediately, after 30 minutes and after 60 minutes with p value =0.66. In over A/P stability index there was no statistically significant difference after assessment immediately, after 30 minutes and after 60 minutes with p value =0.196. and In over M/L stability index there was no statistically significant difference after assessment immediately,

Is the story Daughters of the late Colonel more comic than tragic Essay

Is the story Daughters of the late Colonel more comic than tragic for the reader overall? Be sure to comment on Mansfield’s use of language. The story â€Å"Daughters of the late Colonel†, written by Katherine Mansfield takes place during Victorian times, based around two sister’s whose father had recently died. Mansfield describes the struggles of these two women as they try to express their femininity and overcome the barriers of etiquette and the presence of their father, whom they feared. The story ends as the sisters Josephine and Constantia attempt to break free of their suppressed world but fail to, thus ending the story in tragedy. Despite this the path leading to the tragic ending is riddled in humorous moments. Therefore it might be said about the story that it is more comic than tragic for the reader. Mansfield often uses humor as a technique to reveal the darker, suppressed side of the two sisters and she often does it subtly. A casual reader might never discover this area of the story. It is as if Mansfield employs comic moments as a mask to cover the tragedy of the play. On one occasion Constantia is worrying about an imaginary mouse: â€Å"A spasm of pity squeezed her heart. Poor little thing! She wished she’d left a tiny piece of biscuit on the dressing table. It was awful to think of it not finding anything. What would it do?† The way Constantia exerts herself is simply pathetic. The reader is amused at her antics to attempt to bring the mouse some food. This obsession with detail is further emphasized with the rhetorical question at the end of the quote, as well as the phrase: â€Å"poor little thing!†- it’s short length and exclamation mark emphasizes its importance, and the use of â€Å"poor... ...ephine was silent for a moment. She stared at a big cloud where the sun had been. Then she replied shortly, â€Å"I’ve forgotten too.†Ã¢â‚¬  During the final section, the sun represents their chance for freedom. â€Å"Golden rays† symbolized the richness and exiting new life which they could have taken. Yet, the whole new path the sisters might have taken was blocked out, symbolizing the cloud. It is thus that the story ends in tragedy- the sisters fail to break free, and remain stuck inside their self-imposed world. Their late father’s influence is too great for them to overcome. In conclusion, it may be said that the story is both a comedy and a tragedy. However, because Mansfield cleverly disguises the tragedy to blend into hilarious moments the reader gets an overall sense of comic fun. Therefore, Daughters of the Late Colonel is more of a comedy than a tragedy.

Heroic styles of Beowulf and Sir Gawain Essay

Throughout history, different cultures have held different virtues in the highest regard. The Anglo-Saxons, like the anonymous scop of the poem Beowulf, valued strength and courage over any other quality. On the other hand, the earliest English people, like the poet of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, respected honor and the basic codes of chivalry over all else. Both Beowulf and Sir Gawain, therefore, display the most favored qualities of their people: Beowulf by defeating monsters, performing great feats of courage, and telling of his deeds; Gawain by being loyal, brave, and honest. Both sets of qualities are displayed throughout each tale. In Beowulf, written in about the fourth century AD, the hero’s first major test is to fight a huge monster. In doing so, he proves his physical abilities, and thus establishes his hero/ leader status. To be the best, you have to be the strongest, and he says â€Å"Fate saves/ the living when they drive away death by themselves!† (572-73), showing how much Beowulf relies on his physical strength. On the other hand, Gawain’s first test is not physical, but psychological. He is forced to prove his loyalty to Arthur, by offering his life to the Green Knight. He does not claim to be the best, or the strongest, and in fact claims: â€Å"I am the weakest, I am aware† (part 16). Gawain is displaying his modesty, and the medieval belief that a person should be humble about himself. This displays the immediate difference between the two cultures. For the Anglo-Saxons, if you wanted people to know you’re a hero, you tell them you’re a hero. For Gawain, and the Knights of the Round Table, they must act humbler, in order to appeal to their Christian beliefs. However, both societies do require their heroes to display some similar traits, the most common being courage. Gawain must show how brave he is by making a long and difficult journey to fulfill his oath, and die at the hands of the Green Knight. Beowulf must show his courage by fighting off large monsters, even to the last day of his life. â€Å"Why should I be dismayed? /Of doom the fair or drear/ by a man must be assayed† (24) shows how Gawain believes a hero should conduct himself, with dignity and honor. He does not believe that journeying to his death will be such a bad thing, since it will allow him to keep his honor intact. This sounds very similar to â€Å"Let me live  in greatness/ and courage, or here in this hall welcome my death,† Beowulf’s concept of bravery. Beowulf believes that either he is going to win, and kill Grendel, or Grendel will win and kill him. Either way, it is up to wyrd, his Fate. The resemblance continues with the theme of generos ity. Both try their very hardest to not simply keep all their earned wealth (or lack thereof) to themselves. Beowulf, upon receiving heaping treasures from Hrothgar, promptly dispenses it among his men. He even â€Å"rewarded the boat’s watchman/ who had stayed behind, with a sword that had hammered/ gold wound on its handle,† (1901-03) showing how he treats all his men as equals. The watchman’s job, to him, was just as important as all the other warriors that actually traveled with him. Similarly, Sir Gawain tells the lord of the house that he appreciated the hospitality of the host by remarking â€Å"I would give you some guerdon gladly, were I able† (82) immediately before departing. He says this to show the host his graciousness, but also displays his generosity, displaying the similarities between the two cultures. Finally, each has an opposite view of their importance in society. Beowulf believes that the best thing someone can do is become the most famous, and to have your name live on forever. â€Å"Fame after death/ is the noblest of goals† (lines 1388-89). For him to die in battle is the single most important thing he can do, to ensure he lives on in legend. On the other hand, Gawain thinks that he must do his part, and better the whole of Camelot. â€Å"Since this affair is so foolish that it nowise befits you,† (part 16) says that Gawain is willing to sacrifice his own life to save his king. He thinks he is the least of the Knights, and the most nonessential of them, and therefore the best candidate. Furthermore, â€Å"I would fainer fall dead than fail in my errand† (42) shows his dedication to the task he set out for. The two characters are in stark contrast between their concepts of self-worth. As you can see, the Anglo-Saxon and early English people held widely varying notions of what a hero/ leader figure should be. For the anonymous scop that wrote Beowulf, battle, glory, and fame were paramount; to the unknown singer of Sir Gawain, honor, honesty, and loyalty to one’s country had top priority.

Definition and Examples of Absolute Phrases in English

Definition and Examples of Absolute Phrases in English An absolute phrase is a group of words that modifies an independent clause as a whole. Its etymology is from the Latin, free, loosen, unrestricted. An absolute is made up of a noun and its modifiers (which frequently, but not always, include a participle or participial phrase). An absolute may precede, follow, or interrupt the main clause: Their slender bodies sleek and black against the orange sky, the storks circled high above us.The storks circled high above us, their slender bodies sleek and black against the orange sky.The storks, their slender bodies sleek and black against the orange sky, circled high above us. An absolute allows us to move from a description of a whole person, place, or thing to one aspect or part. Note that in traditional grammar, absolutes (or nominative absolutes) are often more narrowly defined as noun phrases...combined with participles. The term absolute (borrowed from Latin grammar) is rarely used by contemporary linguists. Examples and Observations The absolute phrase that adds a focusing detail is especially common in fiction writing, much more common than in expository writing... In the following passages, all from works of fiction, some have a participle as the post-noun modifier...; however, youll also see some with noun phrases, others with prepositional phrases. There was no bus in sight and Julian, his hands still jammed in his pockets and his head thrust forward, scowled down the empty street. (Flannery OConnor, Everything That Rises Must Converge)Silently they ambled down Tenth Street until they reached a stone bench that jutted from the sidewalk near the curb. They stopped there and sat down, their backs to the eyes of the two men in white smocks who were watching them. (Toni Morrison, Song of Solomon)The man stood laughing, his weapons at his hips. (Stephen Crane, The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky)To his right the valley continued in its sleepy beauty, mute and understated, its wildest autumn colors blunted by the distance, placid as water color by an artist who mixed all his colors with brown. (Joyce Carol Oates, The Secret Marriage) A second style of absolute phrase, rather than focusing on a detail, explains a cause or condition: Our car having developed engine trouble, we stopped for the night at a roadside rest area. We decided to have our picnic, the weather being warm and clear. The first example could be rewritten as a because- or when- clause: When our car developed engine trouble, we stopped... or Because our car developed engine trouble, we stopped... The absolute allows the writer to include the information without the explicitness of the complete clause; the absolute, then, can be thought of as containing both meanings, both when and because. The absolute about the weather in the second example suggests an attendant condition rather than a cause. (Martha Kolln, Rhetorical Grammar: Grammatical Choices, Rhetorical Effects, 5th ed. Pearson, 2007) Nominative Absolutes Nominative absolutes are related to nonfinite verb phrases... They consist of a subject noun phrase followed by some part of the predicate: either a participle form of the main verb or a complement or modifier of the main verb. . . . [C]omplements and modifiers may take almost any form...Absolutes have traditionally been called nominative because the absolute construction begins with a noun phrase as its headword. Nevertheless, they function adverbially as sentence modifiers. Some [absolutes] explain reasons or conditions for the action described in the main clause; others... describe the manner in which the action of the main clause is performed. (Thomas P. Klammer, Muriel R. Schulz, and Angela Della Volpe, Analyzing English Grammar, 5th ed. Longman, 2007) More Examples of Absolute Phrases Roy circles the bases like a Mississippi steamboat, lights lit, flags fluttering, whistle banging, coming round the bend. (Bernard Malamud, The Natural, 1952)Harry froze, his cut finger slipping on the jagged edge of the mirror again. (J.K. Rowling,  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Scholastic, 2007)Bolenciecwcz was staring at the floor now, trying to think, his great brow furrowed, his huge hands rubbing together, his face red. (James Thurber, University Days)The spider skins lie on their sides, translucent and ragged, their legs drying in knots. (Annie Dillard, Holy the Firm, 1977)His bare legs cooled by sprinklers, his bare feet on the feathery and succulent grass, and his mobile phone in his hand (he was awaiting Lionels summons), Des took a turn round the grounds. (Martin Amis, Lionel Asbo: State of England. Alfred A. Knopf, 2012)When Johnson Meechum came up the three steps of his purple double-wide trailer and opened the front door, his wife, Mabel, was waiting for him, her thin hands clenched on her hips, her tinted hair standing from her scalp in a tiny blue cloud. (Harry Crews, Celebration. Simon Schuster, 1998) Six boys came over the hill half an hour early that afternoon, running hard, their heads down, their forearms working, their breath whistling. (John Steinbeck, The Red Pony)Whenever you heard distant music somewhere in the town, maybe so faint you thought you imagined it, so thin you blamed the whistling of the streetcar wires, then you could track the sound down and find Caleb straddling his little velocipede, speechless with joy, his appleseed eyes dancing. (Anne Tyler, Searching for Caleb. Alfred A. Knopf, 1975)Still he came on,  shoulders hunched, face twisted, wringing his hands, looking more like an old woman at a wake than an infantry combat soldier. (James Jones,  The Thin Red Line, 1962)A tall man, his shotgun slung behind his back with a length of plow line, dismounted and dropped his reins and crossed the little way to the cedar bolt. (Howard Bahr, The Year of Jubilo: A Novel of the Civil War. Picador, 2001)The men sit on the edge of the pens, the big white and silver fish between their knees, ripping with knives and tearing with hands, heaving the disemboweled bodies into a central basket. (William G. Wing, Christmas Comes First on the Banks) Hundreds and hundreds of frogs were sitting down that pipe, and they were all honking, all of them, not in unison but constantly, their little throats going, their mouths open, their eyes staring up with curiosity at Karel and Frances and their large human shadows. (Margaret Drabble, The Realms of Gold, 1975)The accused man, Kabuo Miyamoto, sat proudly upright with a rigid grace, his palms placed softly on the defendants table - the posture of a man who has detached himself insofar as this is possible at his own trial. (David Guterson, Snow Falling on Cedars, 1994)The superintendent, his head on his chest, was slowly poking the ground with his stick. (George Orwell, A Hanging, 1931)You can get a fair sense of the perils of an elevator shaft by watching an elevator rush up and down one, its counterweight flying by, like the blade on a guillotine. (Nick Paumgarten, Up and Then Down. The New Yorker, April 21, 2008)Two middle-aged men with jogging disease lumber past me, their faces pur ple, their bellies slopping, their running shoes huge and costly. (Joe Bennett, Mustnt Grumble. Simon Schuster, 2006) At a right angle to the school was the back of the church, its bricks painted the color of dried blood. (Pete Hamill, A Drinking Life, 1994)Ross sat on the edge of a chair several feet away from the table, leaning forward, the fingers of his left hand spread upon his chest, his right hand holding a white knitting needle which he used for a pointer. (James Thurber, The Years With Ross, 1958)One by one, down the hill come the mothers of the neighborhood, their kids running beside them. (Roger Rosenblatt, Making Toast. The New Yorker, December 15, 2008)I could see, even in the mist, Spurn Head stretching out ahead of me in the gloom, its spine covered in marram grass and furze, its shingle flanks speared with the rotting spars of failed breakwaters. (Will Self, A Real Cliff Hanger. The Independent, August. 30, 2008)Down the long concourse they came unsteadily, Enid favouring her damaged hip, Alfred paddling at the air with loose-hinged hands and slapping the airport carpeting with poorl y controlled feet, both of them carrying Nordic Pleasurelines shoulder bags and concentrating on the floor in front of them, measuring out the hazardous distance three paces at a time. (Jonathan Franzen, The Corrections. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2001) Source Macmillan Teach Yourself Grammar and Style in Twenty Four Hours, 2000.

The Scarlet Letter6 essays

The Scarlet Letter6 essays Multiple meanings and discussion providing insight into the letter The letter A was to be worn as a punishment, to be worn in shame, to be worn as adulteress. This may not have been clearly and directly stated to the reader, but throughout reading the book, you gather possible hidden meanings of Hesters scarlet letter. Although the sense of the meaning adulteress is constant, the metaphoric, emotional, and moralistic meanings of the scarlet letter vary from positive to negative interpretations throughout the novel The Scarlet Letter. The Puritan community was a dark, strict society, feeling indifferent to the humanity of the woman standing before them on the scaffold, with her infant daughter against her chest. The beautifully embroidered letter does not glow in the eyes of the people. The letter shapes the way they look at Hester and the way they treat her. They isolate Hester not only socially but also through her location, which ultimately causes her own emotional isolation. It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity and inclosing her in a sphere by herself. (40) However, the peoples attitude does change. It goes through various roller-coasters of positive and negative meanings throughout the course of the novel. The symbolism of the scarlet letter is expanded in Chapter Five, Hester at Her Needle. Whereas at first it represented Hester's adultery and also her needlework skills, it now takes on more meanings. The letter begins to represent the hidden shame of the community. This shame is shown through Hesters reactions around the community, like when she almost covers up the letter with her hand. Preachers will stop in the street and give sermons when they see Hester. The letter therefore becomes an example of crime and acts as a deterrent for others in the community. Throughout the beginning chapters Hester is is...

Hear, Hear!

Hear, Hear! Hear, Hear! Hear, Hear! By Maeve Maddox Dave Moloney has asked for a post on the pernicious misuse of the term hear hear as†¦Here here. Ive tried to find examples of the misspelling here, here on the web, but without much success. I did find a CD with the title Here, Here, and Here. If youve ever watched a session of the House of Commons on television, youll have heard shouts of Hear, hear! These are shouts of approval. The shouters are expressing agreement with whatever a speaker has said. For example, the Daily Mail (Online) describes the response to a remark by David Cameron that the previous administration had broken the nations covenant with [the British] armed forces: The moment he spoke this line the hall erupted in defiant shouts of hear hear and, from one man near me, bloody right. The phrase is a contraction of Hear him, Hear him, meaning listen to what the mans saying. According to some commentators, it is sometimes used ironically. Caitlyn Jenner, you are a normal woman right now, today. You dont need a man to make you a woman. Hear, hear! We reached out to Thomas, who contacted us about the Facebook meme, to tell him it was a fake. He said it just goes to show, â€Å"Everything you read on Facebook isn’t the gospel truth written in stone by Moses. You need to check your sources.† Hear, hear! Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Comparative Forms of Adjectives75 Idioms and Expressions That Include â€Å"Break†10 Tips to Improve Your Writing Skills

Linear algebra Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Linear algebra - Research Proposal Example ed perception that linear algebra is just about lines and vectors, of X’s and Y’s or variables and constants (Larson, Kanold & Stiff 277) that are so far away from the layman’s life. In addition, the internet is widely used now by most entrepreneurs who are the focus of this study who would greatly benefit in knowing how their businesses will succeed in a number of months or years. These projections will not only catch a large number of entrepreneurs’ attention but will also let them appreciate the faculty of this study, seeing the beauty of algebra in the solution of such disciplines as economics as well as engineering, physics and geometry (Ellis & Gullick 67). Background: I will conduct my study through online and face to face interviews with at least twenty entrepreneurs. I will avail of copies of their monthly online sales, which if the entrepreneur would not be willing to give could be in terms of the nearest approximate figures. This information will then be used as data for projecting sales in the future using graphs as well as tables and sets of ordered pairs as these are important methods of communication in business, science and social studies (Baley & Holstege 101). Scope: I will have ten face to face interviews and ten online interviews to complete the desired number of samples. I will particularly ask questions about their capital, the date of the start of business, their monthly income and their projection of sales in six months, one year and two years. I will also ask about their basis for these projections to be compared to a more scientific process with the use of linear algebra. Theoretical Framework: I will be doing the study in the context of solutions to equalities, involving two variables (Larson et al. 277) which will be time and sales. Mathematical modeling will also be used in an accurate and simple manner for it to yield meaningful answers and to be usable not only by those who specialize in numbers and graphs but also by

Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut - Essay Example It appears that in a world where no superficial handicaps were added, Hazel would have had less-than-average intelligence, which was the reference point for other people’s abilities in the current world. She cannot think about things for long periods of time and seems to lack any ambitions concerning her future; therefore, she is not a threat to the powers that be. They do not have to worry about her because her mental abilities would not be a potential threat to the status quo as seen through her assertions. On the bottom paragraph of page 1, Hazel talks about how envious she is of her husband who gets to hear all this different sounds, and even suggests that she would have used chimes on Sunday to respect religion. Such sentiments would only come from a person whose mental abilities are highly wanting; she even confessed that she has no idea what normal means. George is highly burdened by his handicaps because they cause severe exhaustion and unusual vigilance on his part; if he lets go of these handicaps or even lightens the load, he might face the possibility of imprisonment or huge monetary fines. In an effort to make everyone mentally equal, the authorities have had to impose undue burden on the physical aspects of average and above average intelligent people. George has to carry the handicaps everywhere he goes even when he wants to sleep, yet people like Hazel bear no such burden. In essence, true equality has not been achieved because one segment of society; that is, the majority, has to live life with heavy loads, constant surveillance and intrusive noises while another section does not. The author describes Harrison as something akin to the god â€Å"Thor†; he is physical fit, tall and quite handsome; one can deduce this from the excess handicaps placed on him as well as the other artificial deformities that disguise his physical

What was the most valuable thing that you learned in BUS656 this term Essay

What was the most valuable thing that you learned in BUS656 this term - Essay Example This concept provides numerous ways to create market segments that can be used to leverage business potential. The highlighted point is that of defensible market segments, which would actually help in capturing market share for a large as well as small business. The defensible market segments not only create business but also sideline competition from others in the industry. Creation of defensible market segments allows a particular business to stay on the top until competitors surpass the defensible segments with better products and/or customers’ needs change. Defensible segments can be of value with the positioning strategy of the business, especially in weak market segments. Understanding customers’ buying behavior and needs help in creating defensible segments. In addition, customer behavior in terms of frequency of purchase, attitude towards a particular product and a new product of the same brand can be advantageous to creation of defensible market strategy. Positioning strategy of products aimed at defensible segments provides opportunity to increase market share of new products. Greater product differentiation and an established brand automatically increase purchase size of customers, but cannot create defensible segments. This module highlighted the significance of defensible segments and acquiring market share as well as identifying market segments that can be used to find a slot for a particular product. Understanding markets will also help in designing products to meet the market/customer demands, which may be used for positioning the products. Once the market and customer needs are identified, it becomes simpler to find positioning strategies accordingly. It is difficult to capture greater market share of products that create defensible segments. Here, a strong positioning strategy would be of great value for the business. Positioning strategy helps in putting

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

Physics - Essay Example With relation to topic of World, physics encompasses essentially all of nature including the laws and properties of matter and the forces acting upon them. Especially the causes, that modify the general properties of bodies, like light, magnetism, electricity, quantum effects, gravity etc. Physics studies every motion, from objects as small as neutrons to as massive as planets. It also studies the forces, and the interactions between bodies. It is the study of the most fundamental interactions between time, space, energy and matter. "We have sought for firm ground and found none. The deeper we penetrate, the more restless becomes the universe, all is rushing about and vibrating in a wild dance."(Max Born) Physics answers these and many such questions. Let us consider our last question, we often wonder why an object in motion stops suddenly, it is due to the Frictional force. There are many things in this world that makes the presence of Friction felt. For example, when we try to push a table across a room, we experience a resisting force which makes our work much more difficult, and this is the frictional force. It is a well known phenomenon in the universe that any bod... . Physics answers these and many such questions. Let us consider our last question, we often wonder why an object in motion stops suddenly, it is due to the Frictional force. There are many things in this world that makes the presence of Friction felt. For example, when we try to push a table across a room, we experience a resisting force which makes our work much more difficult, and this is the frictional force. FRICTION: It is a well known phenomenon in the universe that any body which is in state of motion on any plane, left to itself automatically comes to rest after traveling through some distance, this is due to Friction. It is the resistive force acting between bodies that tends to oppose and damp out motion. Types of friction: 1. Static friction 2. Kinetic/dynamic friction 3. Rolling Friction Static friction: The Static force of friction ( fs ) is the force of friction between two objects when there is no motion. Consider a block' B' which is resting on a horizontal table. Let a small pan be attached the block by means of a horizontal thread passing over a smooth frictionless pulley. When the weight in the pan is less, the block does not move because the pulling force or applied force' p' is balanced by the frictional force' f' which is called static friction.. If the weight in the pan increases further then the block tends to slide over the surface. At this stage the force of friction also reaches a maximum value called limited friction. Thus the maximum or limiting value of force of friction that comes into play when the body just begins to slide over the surface of another body is known as Limiting Friction. Dynamic Friction or Kinetic Friction: The Kinetic force of friction ( fk ) is the force of friction between two objects

Field Project Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Field Project Research Paper - Essay Example In my personal audit, the following relevant information were collected and gathered: (1) identifying and examining if my identity is safe; (2) the reasons why I need to protect myself from identity theft; and (3) how I could protect myself using very basis guidelines against potentially exposing myself for incidents of identity theft ( (Identity Theft Protection (IDPST), 2012). During the course of the personal security audit, as I was made aware that through answering and going through the questions, the following areas were the identified strengths: (1) logging off and locking my computer every night; (2) responsible use of access information by not sharing it to others; and (3) being extra careful on transmitting personal information through email. However, one noted that there was an eminent weakness in the use of passwords. In one instance, I discovered through friends that there were sent some messages through email apparently being sent from my email address. In this regard, there was potential risk in my password being compromised. As needed, I immediately changed my password and the incident did not happen again. Through browsing more information on doing a personal security audit, I learned that by believing that I would not become a victim of identity theft, I was actually exposing myself to the risks of being unprotected and exposed to security risks. In the LifeLock official website, an organization that aims to provide proactive identity theft protection to members who opt to register, it was disclosed that through do-it-yourself personal security audits using free credit bureau reports (AnnualCreditReport, 2012), I would only receive the minimum amount of information for personal security audit. Credit monitoring done by financial institutions generates credit alerts, address monitoring and information from the credit bureau reports. The LifeLock Identity Theft Protection boasts of covering proactive protection, advanced internet monitoring, cre dit alerts, non-credit alerts, address monitoring, lost wallet protection and credit bureau reports (LifeLock, 2012) for prices such as $25.00 / month or $275.00 / year for a LifeLock Ultimate package or a minimum of $10.00 / month or $110.00 / year for a LifeLock package (LifeLock, 2012). The safety tips provided by the IDPST site are likewise helpful in making me more aware of areas to focus on, such as the need to dispose of mail or correspondences that has my personal address and information; never carrying the SSS card; never using the SSS card as an identification number; being careful of credit card receipts; being careful of using debit cards when shopping online; and keeping personal information within my area of residence and not to be carried along. By doing so, the personal security audit enhanced my awareness on areas to be most careful of and to follow the simple guidelines that would assist in protecting myself from identity theft. In sum, the personal security audit made me realize that my personal practices in terms of identity protection (never carrying my SSS card in my wallet; locking up personal ids and information in a safe box at home); credit cards (using a virtually difficult signature to replicate and indicating that a photo ID is required; having photocopies of the credit cards safely at home; checking and monitoring all credit card transactions) and improving my password all ensure that I would be duly protected from identity the

Research and Business Plan-based on my business idea Paper

And Business Plan-based on my business idea - Research Paper Example Actions done in the span of a few seconds may have great effect on someone else’s life. It is the driving factor in emergency cases. If immediate medical attention is not given particularly during life and death situations, a mishap could prove to be fatal. It is essential for a health care team to conduct necessary care and medical action to prevent the loss of life most especially during emergency situations. Much has been done to improve turnaround time in the medical field. Paramedics and emergency teams are well trained in ensuring swift and accurate handling of medical emergency cases. With this, the writers would like to introduce an innovation that would address challenges in establishing patient identity and medical history such that medical practitioners would no longer have to go through the motions of interviewing the patient or his companions/ relatives prior to implementing medical care. 911 Health Care Services Corporation is the driving force behind the 911 Eme rgency Health Care System, a product that aims to reduce the number of accidental deaths by providing instant medical history with just a scan of an eye. The objective of this product is to provide a secure product that will save lives without compromising identity. The management envisions eliminating the current turnaround time for administering emergency care services, and make patient identification as easy as it could be. The product will have a pilot launch in Massachusetts. Distribution will initially be limited to this state but management is looking at expanding to other cities and states, and eventually to other parts of the world. II. VALUE PROPOSITION Saving time and saving lives are the two value propositions of the product. 911 Emergency Health Care System aims to make patient identification quick and accurate, thereby resulting in fast and accurate administration of applicable drugs and health care. 911 Emergency Health Care System introduces the handheld retinal scan ning device to be used in recognizing patients. The device communicates with a software program where patient data is stored. Once a patient is scanned, the medical team handling the case may proceed updating the medical records to ensure that the next handling team will be supplied accurate medical information as well. The service provides physicians and patients with timely access to patient medical information to save lives. On the patient side, we want to assure him that with this device, his eyes will say it all – his identity, his medical needs and history. He would not have to worry about not being to divulge all information needed. This is important particularly in emergency situations, where the patient is alone or is unable to communicate due to his situation. On the medical team’s side, the scanning device will improve their response time for emergency situations. Giving appropriate medicine and health care is important, and they would not be able to do this without any patient background and information. III. PRODUCT FEATURES AND BENEFITS With 911 Emergency Health Care System, even patients with no identification papers will receive appropriate medical care. Other benefits of the product are as follows: Medical team will have easy access to the patient’s personal and medical information. They can also update the information accordingly. The product aims to reduce accidental deaths or health care errors The scanning device and software reduces paperwork

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

Physics - Essay Example With relation to topic of World, physics encompasses essentially all of nature including the laws and properties of matter and the forces acting upon them. Especially the causes, that modify the general properties of bodies, like light, magnetism, electricity, quantum effects, gravity etc. Physics studies every motion, from objects as small as neutrons to as massive as planets. It also studies the forces, and the interactions between bodies. It is the study of the most fundamental interactions between time, space, energy and matter. "We have sought for firm ground and found none. The deeper we penetrate, the more restless becomes the universe, all is rushing about and vibrating in a wild dance."(Max Born) Physics answers these and many such questions. Let us consider our last question, we often wonder why an object in motion stops suddenly, it is due to the Frictional force. There are many things in this world that makes the presence of Friction felt. For example, when we try to push a table across a room, we experience a resisting force which makes our work much more difficult, and this is the frictional force. It is a well known phenomenon in the universe that any bod... . Physics answers these and many such questions. Let us consider our last question, we often wonder why an object in motion stops suddenly, it is due to the Frictional force. There are many things in this world that makes the presence of Friction felt. For example, when we try to push a table across a room, we experience a resisting force which makes our work much more difficult, and this is the frictional force. FRICTION: It is a well known phenomenon in the universe that any body which is in state of motion on any plane, left to itself automatically comes to rest after traveling through some distance, this is due to Friction. It is the resistive force acting between bodies that tends to oppose and damp out motion. Types of friction: 1. Static friction 2. Kinetic/dynamic friction 3. Rolling Friction Static friction: The Static force of friction ( fs ) is the force of friction between two objects when there is no motion. Consider a block' B' which is resting on a horizontal table. Let a small pan be attached the block by means of a horizontal thread passing over a smooth frictionless pulley. When the weight in the pan is less, the block does not move because the pulling force or applied force' p' is balanced by the frictional force' f' which is called static friction.. If the weight in the pan increases further then the block tends to slide over the surface. At this stage the force of friction also reaches a maximum value called limited friction. Thus the maximum or limiting value of force of friction that comes into play when the body just begins to slide over the surface of another body is known as Limiting Friction. Dynamic Friction or Kinetic Friction: The Kinetic force of friction ( fk ) is the force of friction between two objects

Research and Business Plan-based on my business idea Paper

And Business Plan-based on my business idea - Research Paper Example Actions done in the span of a few seconds may have great effect on someone else’s life. It is the driving factor in emergency cases. If immediate medical attention is not given particularly during life and death situations, a mishap could prove to be fatal. It is essential for a health care team to conduct necessary care and medical action to prevent the loss of life most especially during emergency situations. Much has been done to improve turnaround time in the medical field. Paramedics and emergency teams are well trained in ensuring swift and accurate handling of medical emergency cases. With this, the writers would like to introduce an innovation that would address challenges in establishing patient identity and medical history such that medical practitioners would no longer have to go through the motions of interviewing the patient or his companions/ relatives prior to implementing medical care. 911 Health Care Services Corporation is the driving force behind the 911 Eme rgency Health Care System, a product that aims to reduce the number of accidental deaths by providing instant medical history with just a scan of an eye. The objective of this product is to provide a secure product that will save lives without compromising identity. The management envisions eliminating the current turnaround time for administering emergency care services, and make patient identification as easy as it could be. The product will have a pilot launch in Massachusetts. Distribution will initially be limited to this state but management is looking at expanding to other cities and states, and eventually to other parts of the world. II. VALUE PROPOSITION Saving time and saving lives are the two value propositions of the product. 911 Emergency Health Care System aims to make patient identification quick and accurate, thereby resulting in fast and accurate administration of applicable drugs and health care. 911 Emergency Health Care System introduces the handheld retinal scan ning device to be used in recognizing patients. The device communicates with a software program where patient data is stored. Once a patient is scanned, the medical team handling the case may proceed updating the medical records to ensure that the next handling team will be supplied accurate medical information as well. The service provides physicians and patients with timely access to patient medical information to save lives. On the patient side, we want to assure him that with this device, his eyes will say it all – his identity, his medical needs and history. He would not have to worry about not being to divulge all information needed. This is important particularly in emergency situations, where the patient is alone or is unable to communicate due to his situation. On the medical team’s side, the scanning device will improve their response time for emergency situations. Giving appropriate medicine and health care is important, and they would not be able to do this without any patient background and information. III. PRODUCT FEATURES AND BENEFITS With 911 Emergency Health Care System, even patients with no identification papers will receive appropriate medical care. Other benefits of the product are as follows: Medical team will have easy access to the patient’s personal and medical information. They can also update the information accordingly. The product aims to reduce accidental deaths or health care errors The scanning device and software reduces paperwork

Library Classification Essay Example for Free

Library Classification Essay A library classification is a system of coding and organizing library materials (books, serials, audiovisual materials, computer files, maps, manuscripts, realia) according to their subject and allocating a call number to that information resource. Similar to classification systems used in biology, bibliographic classification systems group entities together that are similar, typically arranged in a hierarchical tree structure. A different kind of classification system, called a faceted classification system, is also widely used which allows the assignment of multiple classifications to an object, enabling the classifications to be ordered in multiple ways. DescriptionLibrary classification forms part of the field of library and information science. It is a form of bibliographic classification (library classifications are used in library catalogs, while bibliographic classification also covers classification used in other kinds of bibliographic databases). It goes hand in hand with library (descriptive) cataloging under the rubric of cataloging and classification, sometimes grouped together as technical services. The library professional who engages in the process of cataloging and classifying library materials is called a cataloguer or catalog librarian. Library classification systems are one of the two tools used to facilitate subject access. The other consists of alphabetical indexing languages such as Thesauri and Subject Headings systems. Library classification of a piece of work consists of two steps. Firstly the aboutness of the material is ascertained. Next, a call number (essentially a books address), based on the classification system in use at the particular library will be assigned to the work using the notation of the system. It is important to note that unlike subject heading or thesauri where multiple terms can be assigned to the same work, in library classification systems, each work can only be placed in one class. This is due to shelving purposes: A book can have only one physical place. However in classified catalogs one may have main entries as well as added entries. Most classification systems like the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and Library of Congress classification also add a cutter number to each work which adds a code for the author of the work. Classification systems in libraries generally play two roles. Firstly they facilitate subject access by allowing the user to find out what works or documents the library has on a certain subject. [1] Secondly, they provide a known location for the information source to be located (e. g. where it is shelved). Until the 19th century, most libraries had closed stacks, so the library classification only served to organize the subject catalog. In the 20th century, libraries opened their stacks to the public and started to shelve the library material itself according to some library classification to simplify subject browsing. Some classification systems are more suitable for aiding subject access, rather than for shelf location. For example, UDC which uses a complicated notation including plus, colons are more difficult to use for the purpose of shelf arrangement but are more expressive compared to DDC in terms of showing relationships between subjects. Similarly faceted classification schemes are more difficult to use for shelf arrangement, unless the user has knowledge of the citation order. Depending on the size of the library collection, some libraries might use classification systems solely for one purpose or the other. In extreme cases a public library with a small collection might just use a classification system for location of resources but might not use a complicated subject classification system. Instead all resources might just be put into a couple of wide classes (Travel, Crime, Magazines etc. ). This is known as a mark and park classification method, more formally called reader interest classification. . see more from: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Library_system.

Physiological Demands Of The Marathon

Physiological Demands Of The Marathon Mark Speedie is a national level runner, aged 25. Historically his training has involved continuous running training but he understands that interval training and/or resistance training may further enhance his performance. The aim of the marathon is to maintain a high power output over the official 42.195km distance, a feat which requires substantial physical and psychological preparedness (John A. Hawley Fiona J. Spargo, 2007; McLaughlin, Howley, Bassett, Thompson, Fitzhugh, 2010). Success in the event depends upon a number of physiological, psychological and environmental factors. National level marathon running demands a high aerobic capacity and the ability to perform at a high fraction of it for a sustained period of time. A complex interplay of cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, and metabolic systems is necessary to achieve this. The purpose of this summary is to outline the physiological demands of the marathon, the mechanisms of performance resultant of the aforementioned characteristics and to introduce training methods documented in recent literature to enhance attributes and performance (time) of the marathon at national level. A.V Hill (1926) reports a high VO2Max to be the key determinant underpinning endurance performance. Astrand and Rodahl (1986) describe VO2Max as the highest rate at which the body can uptake and utilise oxygen (O2) during severe exercise at sea level; it sets the ceiling of ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation and is a key determinant of marathon performance. VO2max is traditionally increased as a result of performing high volume, low intensity (60% VO2Max) long slow distance (LSD) running. The volume of oxygen consumed (VO2) (Berger, Campbell, Wilkerson, Jones) at a given work rate, is more commonly termed running economy (RE) or described as the metabolic cost of running (Cr). McLaughlin et al., (2010) report a strong correlation between RE and 16km time (r =0.812), Billet et al. (2001) suggest a strong correlation between VO2Peak and Cr (r=0.65, P= 0.04), and Midgley et al. (2006) detail highly correlated (r=0.62) improvements in RE with LSD training (Midgley, McNaughton, Wilkinson, 2006; McLaughlin, et al., 2010), similarly resistance training has been reported to derive similar improvements in RE ( Bonacci, Chapman, Blanch, Vicenzino, 2009; Storen, Helgerud, Stoa, Hoff, 2008a). Research on lactate threshold (LT) suggest it is a sound predictor of marathon race velocity (Coyle, 2007). Once considered largely a waste product of glycolysis lactate (La-) is now considered an important metabolic fuel (Gladden, 2004). La- increases are indicative of work rates exceeding possible levels of fat oxidation required to sustain ATP production, therefore intracellular signalling stimulates glycogenolysis and glycolysis to meet ATP demands (Joyner Coyle, 2008; Spriet, 2007). The efficacy of alternative training protocols said to enhance physiological traits of marathon performance are emerging. Improvements of up to 7% in RE are been reported following resistance training protocols (Berryman, Maurel, Bosquet, 2010; Paavolainen, Hakkinen, Hamalainen, Nummela, Rusko, 1999; Saunders, et al., 2006; Spurrs, Murphy, Watsford, 2003), primarily due to superior stretch shortening cycle (SSC) function in consequence of increased musculotendinous stiffness (A. N. M. C. Turner Jeffreys, 2010). Similarly, SIT is purported to improve endurance performance through possible mechanisms including muscle La- buffering capacity (Laursen, 2010), enhanced enzymatic functioning, skeletal muscle remodelling (Burgomaster, et al., 2008) and metabolic adaptations such as mitochondrial biogenesis (Hawley, et al., 2007). Moreover hypothesis surrounding muscle fibre type transitions and hybrid myosin isoforms, suggest SIT and high intensity interval training (HIIT) may elicit str uctural changes resulting in a greater oxidative capacity of muscle and improved endurance performance (Kubukeli, Noakes, Dennis, 2002). The following article will discuss these mechanisms in further and include recommendations of various training protocols, reported to improve performance. . Word count: 574 Athlete Profile Mark Speedie National athlete, Mark Speedie, has traditionally employed continuous training protocols for race preparation, 71% of total training volume comprising of low intensity training ( Table 1. Athlete Profile: Mark Speedie, sub-elite marathon runner NZ Ranking 4th Current career goals 2016 Olympic podium contender Age (years) 25 Weight (kg) 60 Height (cm) 172 PRM (hr:min:ss) 2:22:00 vMarathon (km.hr-1) 17.8 VO2Peak (mL.kg-1.min-1) 70 LT (%VO2Peak) Unknown Cr: (mL.kg-1.km-1) Unknown MHR (BPM) 195 Cr = Metabolic cost of running (aka running economy), LT = Lactate Threshold, MHR = Maximum heart rate, PRM = personal record for the marathon, vMarathon = velocity for marathon distance In addition to the efficient, integrated nature of body systems required to produce elite performance, body mass and composition, as described by Pollock et.al.,(1977) reported elite marathoners ideally weigh between 59.6 and 66.2 kg with a body fat percentage of approximately 5  ± 2%. A lean stature has been reported to more economical during endurance events for movement efficiency, aerobic economy and heat dissipation (Billat, et al., 2001; Pollock, et al., 1977). Assessments Before recommending new training protocols, it is important to determine the current physiological status of Mark using appropriate, valid and reliable assessment strategies. Laboratory Assessment Intermittent or continuous treadmill protocols performed in the laboratory are used to obtain information pertaining to aerobic function, including VO2Max, RER and metabolic cost of exercise (Cr, RE). Intermittent treadmill protocol is widely used, and has the advantage of 30s recovery periods in which blood samples can be taken to measure substrate levels such as lactate (BLa-). A minimum 3 minute increment is recommended by ACSM (ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 2010, p79) increasing velocity and/or inclination each increment until one of the following occurs; VO2 reaches a plateau despite increasing velocity or inclination; RER à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ 1.15; (Esteve-Lanao, et al., 2005) peak HR >95% age-predicted max or RPE of >19 (ACSM p83) after which VO2Max is determined. Similarly, volitional exhaustion may end the test, the highest steady state VO2 is recorded as VO2Peak. Midgley et al. (2006) report significant differences in vVO2Max (km.hr-1) following three tr eadmill protocols, which demonstrates the importance of considering the methodological variations of test protocols and training intensities based upon them when prescribing exercise intensity. It should be mentioned that some articles cited within this report, use the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) to determine anaerobic and aerobic function in cyclists, however in a recent study, WAnT was not significantly associated with and therefore not a valid tool, for assessing aerobic function in endurance runners (Legaz-Arrese, Munguà ­a-Izquierdo, Carranza-Garcà ­a, Torres-Dà ¡vila, 2011). BLa- is measured during intermittent treadmill test recovery stages using the Lactate Pro blood lactate analyser, a minimally invasive, fast, accurate and valid test (Pyne, Boston, Martin, Logan, 2000) where blood (5ÃŽÂ ¼l) is taken from either the ear lobe or tip of the second digit after appropriate sterilisation of the area. It is important when re-testing that the same sample point is used as the ear and finger may reflect varying measures of BLa-. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR), as recommended by ACSM (p83) is monitored during incremental treadmill testing, a numerical scale (RPE) and heart rate monitoring device (Polar, Finland) are used during testing, respectively. ECG is used where possible to measure HR as a more accurate and intricate measure. Training intensities can then be quantified and prescribed relative to VO2Max, RER, vVO2Max and BLa-, using HR and RPE, to improve program efficacy. Muscle Performance Prior to recommending resistance training protocols it is essential to obtain baseline measures so as to accurately prescribed loads, and progress. Typically the leg press is recommended to assess lower body strength (ACSM p 90 92), however given the different kinematic variables between leg press movements and running gait; a 1RM squat test will be used as kinematics closer represent gait. The athlete must be familiarised with the movement; test protocols must be standardized using appropriate warm up, trial numbers and progressive load increments; and standardisation of squat depth, stance and bar placement are crucial. The use of a linear position transducer during the squat test provides a fast, efficient and reliable means of measuring useful information such as force, power and velocity, beneficial to program prescription and efficacy (Garcà ­a-Pallarà ©s, Sà ¡nchez-Medina, Carrasco, Dà ­az, Izquierdo, 2009; Harris, Cronin, Hopkins, Hansen, 2008). The modified reactive strength index (RSI) is a reliable and valid scientific tool for measuring SSC efficiency. Recall that improvements in RE are documented to be due to an increase in SSC function. The modified RSI replaces depth jump with the counter movement jump (CMJ), swapping ground contact time with takeoff time to calculate SSC efficiency. CMJ involves eccentric (load), amortization and concentric (unload) phases of the SSC mechanisms (Ebben Petushek, 2010; Flanagan, Ebben, Jensen, 2008). Additional to baseline measures, it is important to track ongoing training status to avoid potential overtraining, and to ensure appropriate training stimulus is being prescribed. Research is currently assessing the reliability and validity of heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery time (HRRT), as assessment tools, used to indicate the readiness of the athletes next training bout or race. Manzi et a. (2009) suggest the HRV may indicate a high level of performance or exercise readiness (Manzi, et al., 2009), suggesting HRV to be a useful tool to determine training progression. Furthermore, Buchheit et al (2009) report HRRà Ã¢â‚¬Å¾ to be a useful non-invasive means of measuring the athletes physiological status (Buchheit, et al., 2008; Manzi, et al., 2009). Further research is required to assess the reliability of HRR and HRV in elite and sub-elite athletes undertaking a combined endurance and strength training regime however may be useful for testing readiness followin g aerobic and anaerobic training sessions. Field Test In addition to laboratory based testing, it is important to assess performance measures using activities which simulate race conditions. For Mark, a 10km track run is performed to determine performance time (10PT). Coyle et al. (2007) report marathon race velocity to be à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‹â€ 10% slower when compared with 10PT and to be an appropriate test to measure physiological improvements in marathon athletes. Training Models Training adaptations require appropriate stimulus and prescription of mode, duration, frequency, loads and intensities, while balancing accompanied stress responses to elicit performance improvements. While the dose-response relationship is gaining more ground in scientific research a previously mentioned, training models and intensities are well documented. Training Zones have been widely used in association with data points determined during gas and blood analysis to mark training intensity. These include percentage of, or HR at, VO2Max, LT or vVO2Max. A number of associated training models are discussed in the literature with respect to endurance running, additional to traditional training methods. The Polarized Training Model, whereby athletes perform a high percentage (75%) of training volume in Zone 1( The Threshold Training Model, more commonly used with untrained and moderately trained individuals, involves the athlete performing a large portion of their training in Zone 2 (60 75% VO2Max)(Esteve-Lanao et al, 2007), at or around the ventilatory threshold or maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) (Laursen, 2010). It has been documented that LT, is closely related to marathon velocity (Coyle, 2007; Roecker, S., Niess, H., Dickhuth., 1998). Prolonged training at this higher intensity, however, is shown to down-regulate the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), subsequently, due to a decrease in catecholamine secretion and sensitivity, reducing Q and blood distribution resulting in reduced performance (Esteve-Lanao, et al., 2007; Lehmann, et al., 1992). HIT is effective however, when prescribed over short duration, concomitant to reduced volume and monitoring. Acevedo and Goldfarb (1989) report improvements in 10PT of 3%, despite no change in VO2Max or ventilatory threshold, after HIT bouts in well-trained long-distance runners (Acevedo Goldfarb, 1989). In a study on highly trained middle and long distance runners Denadai et al., (2006) report 1.2 4.2% improvements in vVO2max, RE (2.6-6.3%) and 1500m performance (0.8-1.9%) following four weeks HIT, twice per week, performed at 95% to 100% vVO2Max for 60% of the time that subjects were able to remain at that velocity during assessment (Denadai, de Mello, Greco, Ortiz, 2006). More recently, sprint interval training (SIT) performed at all out maximal efforts has been shown to elicit similar metabolic responses in well trained endurance cyclists (Burgomaster, Heigenhauser, Gibala, 2004; Lindsay, et al., 1996; Talanian, Macklin, Peiffer, Parker, Quintana, 2003) and distance runners (Macpherson, Hazell, Olver, Paterson, Lemon, 2011; Mujika, 2010), with concomitant improvements in endurance performance, metabolic control, RE (5.7 7.6 %) (Iaia, et al., 2009) and skeletal muscle adaptations. Alterations in aerobic power and peripheral mechanisms as documented in a study by Macpherson et.al (2011), report significant improvements in VO2Max (P = 0.001) of 11.5% (46.8  ± 1.6 to 52.2  ± 2.0 mL.kg.-1.min-1) and a(VO2)difference (7.1%) without changes in SV or Q, suggesting aerobic improvements after SIT are as a result of peripheral alterations. Moreover SIT has been shown to induce alterations in skeletal muscle mitochondrial enzymes; citrate synthase CS, 3- hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase ß-HAD, suggestive of increased lipid oxidation; pyruvate dehydrogenase PDH, indicating decrease in skeletal muscle CHO oxidation, muscle glycogenolysis and PCr utilisation similar to that reported after endurance training (Burgomaster, et al., 2008). ß-HAD stimulation following SIT, is potentially the result of a rapid decrease in muscle PCr availability in conjunction with continued high work rates required to generate maximal power (Spriet, 2007). In a study by Hazell et al. (2011) authors suggest that the coupling of PCr hydrolysis and oxidative phosphorylation provide an acute challenge to the mitochondria resulting in adaptation and that insufficient recoveries between exercise bouts force skeletal muscle to regenerate ATP as anaerobic contribution decreases, may contribute to improved aerobic power following SIT (Hazell, MacPherson, Gravelle, Lemon, 2010). Furthermore, increases in skeletal muscle buffering capacity (ßm) (à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‹â€  200 240 ÃŽÂ ¼atom H+ /g dry wt/pH unit), content of MCT 1 (monocarboxylate 1), found predominantly in type I fibres and required for La- transportation into muscle fibres for ATP production; and MCT 4, found in type II fibres, required for La- transport out of muscle fibres of 70% and 30% respectively (Kubukeli, et al., 2002) has been documented relative to improved anaerobic performance (Gibala, et al., 2006) following SIT. Additionally, Gibala et.al. (2009), report increases in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and calcium signalling mechanisms all of which are purported to be involved in the regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1ÃŽÂ ±), which coordinates mitochondrial biogenesis. The oxidative enzyme expression regulation in skeletal muscle, suggests potential skeletal muscle remodelling (Gibala, et al., 2006) following SIT. Skeletal muscle plasticity is inconclusive however a recent publication by McCarthy (2011) indicates the coordination of fibre-type transitions through non-coding RNA (MiRNA) suggest coordination of fibre-type changes in response to altered training stimulus supporting the theory of skeletal muscle remodelling (McCarthy, 2011). Evidence suggests that various resistance training protocols can improve long distance running performance, by enhancing biomechanical structures to reduce fatigue and injury as a result of inefficient movement. Further, resistance training has been well documented to improve RE and endurance performance (Mikkola, Rusko, Nummela, Pollari, Hakkinen, 2007; Paavolainen, et al., 1999; Storen, et al., 2008a). Performance improvements are indicative of neuromuscular stretch shortening cycle (SSC) adaptations (Saunders, et al., 2006) and reportedly due to an increase in ÃŽÂ ±-motor neuron potentiation and subsequent increase in motor unit (MU) innervation; greater contractile force; improved neural connections at spinal level; increase MU synchronisation, and consequent rate of force development (RFD) (Wilmore, 2008 pp206; Drinkwater et al. 2009); and alterations to neural inhibitory mechanisms decreasing co-activation of antagonist muscles (Hoff Helgerud, 2004; Millet, Jaouen, Borrani, Candau, 2002). Hoff et.al., (2004) suggest RFD increases (52.3%) in soccer players improve overall economy; moreover, reported a positive correlation between arterial flow transit time and a(VO2) difference potentially increasing time to fatigue at submaximal velocities (Hoff Helgerud, 2004; Storen, Helgerud, Stoa, Hoff, 2008b). Furthermore, Turner et. al. (2010) suggest that plyometric training induc es increased musculotendinous stiffness (MTS), positively correlated with improved power, force and velocity (Bosjen-Moller et. al., 2005), shorter ground contact times (Kuitunen et. al., 2002) and enhanced propulsive forces during toe off (A. M. Turner, Owings, Schwane, 2003; A. N. M. C. Turner Jeffreys, 2010) contribute to improved SSC function. Exercise Prescription Recommendations The progressive implementation of resistance training protocols for a marathon athlete such as Mark, is required to produce adaptations safely and effectively. He is advised to employ a two to three day per week model initially, graduating intensity, complexity, frequency and/or duration accordingly as performance indicators improve and tolerance levels adjust. General, functional full body exercises (low weight, high repetition) aimed at improving muscular endurance; musculoskeletal condition and motor coordination are recommended in accordance to Esteve-Lanao (2007). The athletes psychological state is important when altering training parameters, circuit training protocols which elicit a HR response, include eight to 10 exercises, followed by short running intervals (400m) may be beneficial to the athletes transition to resistance training. Following the initial conditioning phase, a heavy strength cycle of four to eight weeks, performed two to three days per week, with low (one to five) repetitions of heavy loads as derived from strength assessments is recommended. Improvements of approximately 5% demonstrated during four to 10 week interventions (Kelly et. al., 2008, Storen et.al., 2008, Millet et.al., 2002) are detailed in Table 2. Exercises should remain functional multi-joint movements (squats, deadlifts, lunges) and aim to develop neural alterations to musculature highly involved in running gait at SSC movements. Explosive and eccentric training protocols, including power exercises (jump squats, hang clean), gait development (single leg squat), and eccentric load (Nordic curls) should follow in the late stages of the conditioning phase. These methods have been shown to improve RFD and muscle power factors. Research suggests one to two days of explosive training, over a four to eight week period is adequate for obtaining desired power adaptations, and maintaining strength. Some low volume, low intensity plyometric training may be included during this phase also (Berryman et. al., 2010, Paavolanien et.al., 1999) aimed at condition SSC mechanisms. Plyometric training (jumping, hopping, bounding and skipping) has been reported to produce improvements in RE and endurance performance of up to 7% and 4.8% respectively, in highly trained endurance runners when performed at high intensities, in as little as one to three sessions per week over a six to eight week period (Berryman et. al., 2010). High intensity plyometric training can be implemented leading up to competition phase and is specifically designed to improve SSC function. Functional resistance run training, including running with vests, sleds, chutes, hills, sand or mud, during this phase is recommended. Estevo-Lanao (2007) suggests this should be performed at specific competition velocity and should be coordinated with a reduced running volume leading into the late competition phase. Mark is advised to continue with one maintenance strength session per week, at low load and intensity with adequate recovery intervals so as not to cause any muscle damage leading into his main races, allowing approximately one to two weeks taper, whereby no resistance training should be performed. Re-testing of performance and strength parameters prior to commencing a new training phase is recommended to assess and make changes accordingly for the subsequent training cycles. During the base phase of training, HIT and SIT may be used supplementary to LSD training. Reports have shown that replacing 25% to 90% (Burgomaster, et al., 2008) of LSD volume with HIT/SIT has not changed performance times, however has produceed similar metabolic responses when compared to LSD. As the literature fails to report performance improvements, it is advised that these extreme volumes of LSD are not removed from Marks schedule; however a reduction a volume is recommended when implementing SIT. It is adequate to say that responses from HIT and SIT occur substantially and quickly, requiring no more than four to six weeks at high volumes (J. Esteve-Lanao, et al., 2007; Gibala, et al., 2006; Hazell, et al., 2010). Typically, SIT protocols include four to six 30-s all out bouts of running, separated by two to four minutes of recovery (Burgomaster, et al., 2008; Gibala, et al., 2006). Training progression should also be applied to SIT, increasing the number of all out bouts from four to six repetitions over the recommended four to six week duration, after which, ATP is reduced significantly and no further metabolic or skeletal changes evident. With this in mind, HIT and SIT protocols should be introduced at approximately six weeks out from the first main priority race in the competition phase, after appropriate re-testing signifying required adaptations (Gibala, et al., 2006). Cardiovascular, metabolic and neural alterations and also muscular improvements contribute to race performance by 2% to 8% in distance runners in a recent study by Lunden (2010). Conversely, single fibre power of MHC IIa muscle fibres appear to be a prevalent adaptation, and likely contributor to the 3% improvement in running performance reported by Luden et al. (2010) as such a taper period of one to two weeks with a load decrease of 50% in week one and a further 25% in week two, is recommended, in order to yield the physiological alterations of training (Luden, et al., 2010). To summarise, metabolic adaptations, similar to those seen after continuous training protocols, have been reported after four to six week interventions of SIT at a substantially lower training volumes than LSD, making this an effective method of training to maintain metabolic condition while reducing training volume. MHC isoform transitions, resulting in more oxidative IIa fibres, although requiring further research, indicates that SIT/HIT be beneficial for enhancing neuromuscular parameters and also peripheral factors (O2 utilisation) associated with endurance performance at the elite level. Potentially, a greater population of IIa fibres, in conjunction with metabolic alterations resulting in more efficient lipid oxidation and CHO sparing, may contribute to greater power output from higher order fibres, with maximum metabolic efficiency, particularly in the final stages of the marathon, where lower order fibres and fuel sources are depleted. Future research is required to determine cardio-respiratory factors which may be affected as a result of reducing training volume in order to prescribe optimal volume reductions, without implicating performance. HRV and HRRT may provide useful assessment tools for this research to determine adequate training stimuli and recovery. Moreover, resistance training has been shown to improve RE and performance by up to 7%, while reducing the risk of injury and biomechanical fatigue, although some reports conflict this, there is outstanding evidence in the literature that resistance training is beneficial at the elite level. In conclusion, it is recommended that after appropriate assessment, SIT and resistance training protocols are gradually introduced to Marks training regime. It is important to reduce total training volume during high intensity cycles of training, however suitable progression and test-re-test monitoring to track performance alterations is suggested in order to track any decline in cardio-respiratory or musculoskeletal condition. Additionally a one to four yearly plan is recommended in order to develop Mark safely and effectively towards his 2016 Olympic goals. Word count: 3340 Table 2. Resistance training, alterations to running economy and endurance performance Study Subjects (total number, caliber, gender) Training Method Frequency and Duration Volume Control RE (%) RP km %/sec Turner et al., 2003 18 Moderately trained Mixed Plyometric Training 3d/w x 6 wks 1 set 5 25 reps Regular Endurance Running à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ2.3* Spurrs et al., 2003 8 Moderately trained Males Plyometric Training 2-3d/w x 6 wk 2 3 sets x 8-15 reps Regular Endurance Running à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ5.7* à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ 3km 2.7% 16.6 sec Saunders et al., 2006 15 Highly trained Plyometric Training 3d/w x 9 wk 30 mins 107  ± 43 km of running per week à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ 4.1* Berryman et al., 2010 35 Highly trained Males Plyometric 1 d/w x 8 weeks 3 6 sets x 8 repetitions Endurance Running 3 x per week à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ7* à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ 3km 4.8% 36 sec Paavolanien et al. 1999 10 Moderately trained Males Sport Specific Explosive Strength Training 2d/w x 9 wks 15 90 mins Endurance running, circuit training à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ8.1* à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ 5k 3.1% Mikkola et al., 2007 25 Moderately trained Mixed Explosive Strength Training 3d/w x 8 wks 2 3 set x 6 -10 repetitions Endurance Running à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬  à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬  Guglielmo et al. 2009 16 Highly trained Explosive Strength 2d/w x 4 wks 3,4,5 x 12 RM Endurance training (60 80km.wk-1) à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬  Berryman et al., 2010 35 Highly trained Males Explosive Training 1 d/w x 8 weeks 3 6 sets x 8 repetitions Endurance Running 3 x per week à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ 4% à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ 3km 4% 31 sec Millet et al., 2002 15 Highly trained Males (triathletes) Strength Training 2d/w x 14 wk 3-5 sets, 3 5 RM Endurance Training (Swim, Bike, Run) à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ 5.6 7 Storen et al., 2008 17 Moderately trained Mixed Strength Training 8 wk 4sets x 4RM Regular Endurance Running à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ5 Kelly et al., 2008 16 Recreational Females Strength Training 3d/w x 10 week 3 x 3 5 RM Regular Endurance running à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ5.4 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ 3km 106 ±91 sec APA Style References ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 8th Edition, 2010. pp79, 83, 90 -92 Acevedo, E. 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