Thursday, November 28, 2019

7 Strategies for Getting a Raise

7 Strategies for Getting a Raise No one ever wrote a song about performance review time, calling it the â€Å"most wonderful tiiiiime of the year.† Nobody loves it, except maybe the most devoted members of Human Resources. It’s extra work for you, your boss, and your company. However, it’s worth it- it not only lets you know how you’re doing, but it also might net you a bonus or raise. The time to start thinking about that raise is not 10 minutes before your self-evaluation is due. Planning ahead can bring great rewards.1. Set goals  early. REALLY early.If possible, you can even set these goals  before you have the job. If you spend a lot of time discussing the skill-building and growth you expect to see in your first year in the job, it helps your new employer set a baseline for your performance. Of course, realism is the key here. If you say you’re going to increase revenue by X% and you don’t meet that, you’ve just set yourself up for failure. Instead, set your self up for success†¦ and future profit.2. Know your goalposts throughout the year.If your boss expects you’ll hit certain milestones or complete particular projects, take extra care with those- they’ll be the concrete proof of your raise-worthy year. Make sure you keep a paper trail for big projects to help remind you later what you accomplished. If you get glowing reviews from a colleague or a client, save them! You can casually bust those out during a year-end discussion, and use them to how just how valuable you are to the team. If you’re collecting data and keeping track of things all year, you won’t have to make a rushed pitch at the end of the year and risk forgetting accomplishments or projects that would make an excellent case for a raise.3. Don’t limit yourself to just your responsibilities  If your company has committees, join one. If there are employee social events, volunteer to help set up or clean up. If you see a way to provi de excellent service, but it would be a minor inconvenience to you, try to do it anyway. Things like these show that you’re willing to get your hands dirty in support of the company. You’re a team player who does what needs to be done, and doesn’t just wait around to be told what to do. If you want to look valuable, be valuable. You’d be surprised at how â€Å"small† things add up by the end of the year.4. Don’t lie or bluff about your accomplishments.Your boss will know if you are over-inflating numbers or making it look like you have a skill you don’t quite have. Be positive about your accomplishments and your skills, and talk them up as much as possible- just don’t feel the need to embellish. You don’t want anyone to question your integrity.5. Treat your review like a re-interview.Instead of letting your boss (or whoever is reviewing you) run through a monologue of your year while you sit quietly and sign the forms at the end, try to make sure it’s a dialogue. If she mentions a particular project, make sure the background and context are clear and that the takeaway- your success- is clear.6.  Turn your mistakes into accomplishments.If you didn’t have a perfect year (and who does?) it doesn’t mean you’ll be disqualified from a raise or that you don’t deserve one. Again, this is a chance to play up your strengths. If something didn’t go well and it comes up in your review, make sure you put some spin on it. Talk about what you learned from the process and how you’ve grown/what you’ve done to fix the issue after the fact.7. Don’t plead poverty.A discussion about a raise is a discussion about your work performance. That’s it. You may very well need the money, but your employer is not obligated to give raises out of pity or because you’re a nice person. Make sure the focus stays on the reasons Professional You deserves mor e compensation. Once you make it personal, you also give more leverage to your employer. If they know you really, really need more money for Fluffington McWhiskers’ plastic surgery, they can try to lowball you because they know you’ll take less than you might be able to negotiate for yourself as part of a neutral, job-data-only presentation.If you start preparing well before you’re scheduled to meet for a review- or if you’ve picked a time during the rest of the year to make your case for a raise- you’re in a great position. If you’ve built a careful and clear case about why you deserve more, you have also created some built-in confidence. All you need to do is cross the finish line, hopefully a little richer than you were before.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Complete List Colleges With No Application Fee(Updated)

Complete List Colleges With No Application Fee(Updated) SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Trying to save money on college applications? Good news! There are actually quite a few colleges that allow you to apply for free. In this article, I'll provide some general information about application fees along with a comprehensive list of all the schools that offer free applications. Application Fees at a Glance Most colleges charge application fees in the $40-50 range, but they can sometimes be as high as $90 (looking at you, Stanford).Many top schools charge application fees of $75 or more. To put this in context, suppose you are applying to five different schools. If three have $50 application fees and two have $75 application fees, you'll be spending $300 on applications alone. Then there's the matter of sending your test scores. Sending SAT scores to five schools at $.25 per report will cost you another $56.25, so you're spending over $350 just to send in all the required materials.That’s not small change for most people, so application fees are something you might take into account in your college search process. Fortunately, many schools, even ones that have very high application fees, offer waivers to students with financial need.In order to be eligible for a fee waiver, you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria: You were provided with a fee waiver to take the SAT or ACT You are enrolled in a Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program Your family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service You’re enrolled in a federal, state or local program that aids students from low-income families Your family receives public assistance You live in federally subsidized housing or a foster home You can request a fee waiver form here.Once you fill out the form, your guidance counselor has to sign it, and then you should mail it to the admissions office of the college you have selected. Alternatively, if you want to avoid paying hundreds of dollars in application fees or going through the process of obtaining a fee waiver, you should consider applying to some of the schools with free applications that are listed in this article. Making Smart Choices With Application Fees If your dream school has a $50 application fee and you’re considering not applying because of the cost, you need to consider the costs versus the long term benefits. Compared to the total cost of attending college, that fee is a drop in the bucket. Over the course of four years, if you plan on attenting a private college, you'll end up paying close to $200,000 on average in total cost. Even for public schools the price tag will be close to $100,000. The fee is a very small part of the overall expenses that come along with attending college. Don’t sacrifice the opportunity to attend a school that’s a perfect fit for you because of an application fee. You'llmost likely end up regretting your decision later. Similarly, you should try not to choose schools that don't fit what you're looking for just because they have lower application fees.If you check out some of the no fee schools that I’ve listed and find that you really like them, then it’s a win-win, but don’t let it influence you too much if there are other fee-charging schools that you think you will really love! Want to build the best possible college application? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. Colleges That Don’t Require Application Fees (By State) Note that some schools require a fee for paper applications, which I've indicated in the list. If you submit your materials online the fee will be waived. Alabama Huntingdon College Miles College Spring Hill College Alaska Alaska Pacific University Arizona Williams Baptist College Arkansas Arkansas Tech University Henderson State University Hendrix College University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff California Brandman University California College San Diego Deep Springs College Dominican University of California Holy Names University($20 fee for paper application) La Sierra University Menlo College Northwest College Notre Dame de Namur University Pacific Union College University of the Pacific Thomas Aquinas College Colorado Colorado Mountain College Johnson Wales University - Denver Regis University US Air Force Academy Connecticut US Coast Guard Academy University of Hartford($35 fee for paper application) Mitchell College($30 fee for paper application) University of Saint Joseph($30 fee for paper application) Delaware Wesley College Florida Ave Maria University Florida Gateway College Florida Institute of Technology Indian River State College Johnson Wales University - North MiamiPolk State College Saint Leo University Santa Fe College State College of Florida - Manatee-Sarasota Georgia Agnes Scott College Bainbridge College Berry College Oglethorpe University Piedmont College Savannah State University Wesleyan College($30 fee for paper application) Idaho College of Southern Idaho($10 fee for paper application) College of Idaho Illinois Augustana College Aurora University Bradley University Elmhurst College Eureka College Greenville College Illinois College Illinois Institute of Technology Illinois Wesleyan University Lake Forest College Loyola University Chicago McKendree University Millikin University Monmouth College Rockford University Saint Augustine College University of St. Francis Indiana Anderson University Ancilla College Butler University Calumet College of St. Joseph DePauw University Earlham College Franklin College Grace College($30 fee for paper application) Hanover College Holy Cross College Indiana Wesleyan University Manchester University($25 fee for paper application) Purdue University-North Central Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology St. Joseph’s College St. Mary's College Trine University University of Evansville University of Indianapolis Valparaiso University Iowa Buena Vista University Central College Coe College Cornell College($30 fee for paper application) Drake University Graceland University Grand View University Grinnell College Iowa Wesleyan College Loras College Luther College Morningside College Mount Mercy University Northwestern College Simpson College St. Ambrose University Upper Iowa University Wartburg College Kansas Baker University Barclay College Bethany College MidAmerica Nazarene University Sterling College Kentucky Alice Lloyd College Asbury University Berea College Centre College Lindsey Wilson College University of Pikeville Thomas More College Transylvania University Louisiana Centenary College Loyola University New Orleans Tulane University Maine Colby College St. Joseph's College Unity College Maryland Capitol Technology University($25 fee for paper application) Hood College St. John's College Stevenson University($40 fee for paper application) US Naval Academy Washington Adventist University Want to build the best possible college application? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. Massachusetts Bay Path College Becker College Eastern Nazarene College Emmanuel College($60 fee for paper application) Fisher College($50 fee for paper application) Hampshire College Lasell College($40 fee for paper application) Lesley University MCPHS University Merrimack College Mount Holyoke College($60 fee for paper application) Mount Ida College Newbury College Nichols College Simmons College Smith College Springfield College Wellesley College Wheelock College Michigan Adrian College Albion College Alma College Aquinas College Calvin College College for Creative Studies($10 fee to upload portfolio samples for application) Concordia University University of Detroit Mercy Ferris State University Finlandia University Hillsdale College($30 fee for paper application) Kalamazoo College Kettering University Madonna University Michigan Technological University Northwood University Oakland University Olivet College Siena Heights University Wayne State University Minnesota Augsburg College Bethany Lutheran College Bethel University Carleton College College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University Concordia College Gustavus Adolphus College Hamline University Metropolitan State University Saint John’s University Saint Mary's University of Minnesota St. Catherine University St. Olaf College College of St. Scholastica University of St. Thomas Mississippi Alcorn State University Jackson State University Millsaps College Mississippi University for Women Mississippi Valley State University Rust College($10 fee for paper application) Missouri Avila University College of the Ozarks Culver-Stockton College Drury University Fontbonne University Maryville University of St. Louis Northwest Missouri State University Ranken Technical College Rockhurst University Saint Louis University Stephens College Truman State University Westminster College William Jewell College William Woods University Montana Carroll College($35 fee for paper application) University of Great Falls Salish Kootenai College Nebraska Chadron State College Concordia University-Nebraska Creighton University Doane College-Crete Hastings College Midland University Nebraska Wesleyan University Peru State College Union College Wayne State College Nevada Sierra Nevada College New Hampshire Colby-Sawyer College($40 fee for paper applications) Granite State College New England College New Jersey College of Saint Elizabeth Georgian Court University Saint Peter’s University New Mexico Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus Navajo Technical University Northern New Mexico College St. John's College New York Canisius College Cazenovia College Clarkson University($50 fee for paper applications) D'Youville College Daemen College($25 for paper applications) Davis College Hartwick College Hilbert College Hobart William Smith Colleges Keuka College Le Moyne College($35 fee for paper applications) Medaille College College of Mount Saint Vincent Mount Saint Mary College Nazareth College Niagara University Roberts Wesleyan College Sage College of Albany St. Bonaventure University St. John's University College of New Rochelle College of St. Rose Touro College Union College US Merchant Marine Academy US Military Academy (West Point) North Carolina Barton College Belmont Abbey College Catawba College Guilford College Johnson Wales University - Charlotte University of Mount Olive Queens University of Charlotte Salem College Warren Wilson College North Dakota University of Jamestown Ohio Ashland University Baldwin Wallace University Chatfield College($10 fee for paper application) College of Wooster University of Dayton Defiance College($25 fee for paper application) Denison University($40 fee for paper application) University of Findlay Franciscan University of Steubenville Franklin University Hiram College John Carroll University Kenyon College Lake Erie College($30 fee for paper application) University of Mount Union Notre Dame College Oberlin College Ohio Northern University Ohio Wesleyan University Shawnee State University University of Rio Grande Ursuline College Wilmington College Wittenberg University Xavier University Oklahoma Oklahoma Baptist University Oklahoma Wesleyan University Oregon Concordia University of Portland Eastern Oregon University Lewis Clark College Linfield College-McMinnville Campus Northwest Christian University Reed College Pennsylvania Albright College Allegheny College Arcadia University($30 fee for paper application) Bryn Mawr College($50 fee for paper application) Carlow University Cedar Crest College($35 fee for paper application) Central Pennsylvania College Chatham University Delaware Valley College Elizabethtown College($30 fee for paper application) Gannon University($25 for paper application) Gwynedd-Mercy University($25 for paper application) Immaculata University Juniata College King's College La Roche College La Salle University Lebanon Valley College Lincoln University of Pennsylvania Lycoming College Marywood University($35 fee for paper application) Mercyhurst University Moravian College Neumann University($35 fee for paper application) Point Park University Robert Morris University Rosemont College Saint Francis University University of Scranton University of the Sciences($45 fee for paper application) Susquehanna University Ursinus College Washington Jefferson College($25 fee for paper application) Westminster College Wilson College Rhode Island Johnson Wales University - Providence South Carolina Allen University Coker College Columbia College Columbia International University Converse College Erskine College Limestone College Presbyterian College South Dakota Augustana College University of Sioux Falls($25 fee for paper application) Tennessee Christian Brothers University Freed-Hardeman University Lane College Martin Methodist College Maryville College Rhodes College Sewanee: The University of the South Tusculum College Texas Austin College Baylor University Houston Baptist University Howard Payne University LeTourneau University Saint Edward’s University Southwestern Adventist University Southwestern University St. Mary's University University of St. Thomas University of Houston-Victoria University of Texas-El Paso University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley University of Texas of the Permian Basin Texas Wesleyan University Trinity University($50 fee for paper application) Utah Stevens-Henager College - Murray Vermont Champlain College Green Mountain College($30 fee for paper application) Virginia Averett University Bridgewater College Christendom College($25 fee for paper application) Emory Henry College Hampden-Sydney College($30 fee for paper application) Hollins University Liberty University Lynchburg College($30 fee for paper application) Randolph-Macon College($30 fee for paper application) Randolph College Roanoke College Sweet Briar College Washington Cornish College of the Arts Olympic College Pacific Lutheran University Saint Martin’s University Whitworth University West Virginia Alderson Broaddus University Bethany College Bluefield State College Concord University Davis Elkins College West Liberty University West Virginia University at Parkersburg West Virginia Wesleyan College Wheeling Jesuit University Wisconsin Alverno College Beloit College Cardinal Stritch University Carroll University Lakeland College Marquette University Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design Milwaukee School of Engineering Mount Mary University Northland College St. Norbert College Wisconsin Lutheran College What's Next? The Common Application makes it easy to apply to a bunch of different schools through a single online platform. Find out which colleges use it. Are you worried about standardized tests and their role in your college application? Read this article to find out when these tests might not matter for you.Also take a look at this list of colleges that don't require SAT scores. Everyone knows about the really selective colleges, but what are some colleges that are actually easy to get into? Find out here. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The affect of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on Housing and Urban Development Essay

The affect of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Audits - Essay Example It also called for public company accounting reform and investor protection act 2002. When the accounting scandals of reputed companies are made public, the companies stand to lose the trust of the people. A quasi public agency named as public company accounting oversight board (PCAOB) was established to prevent companies from getting into fraudulent activities. It also helped to conduct proper investigations in this regard. According to this act the public companies must disclose their internal account practices to make public their effectiveness. The independence of the auditor is to be maintained and any listed public company should have an independent audit committee to look over the relations between the auditor and the company. This enabled smoother interactions between the auditors and the companies. As more number of people are involved in the auditing process, any serious disagreement stood the chance of becoming public. The loans taken by directors and executive officers are restricted to prevent the public money from being misused. Previously they used to take money in form of unsecured loans. Public money was at stake as if any loss was reported, recovery of these loans would be difficult. Misuse of public money by the directors could be checked in this way. The reporting of insider trading was made compulsory to protect the interests of share holders. Insider trading was reduced to a large extent by imposing fines along with a sentence of imprisonment for executives who involve in that practice. Along with protecting the investments, provisions were also made to protect the employee's interests. These enabled employees and whistle blowers to file complaints regarding the harassment and dismissals in order to get quicker responses. The auditor's attestation was made mandatory and this made companies to be more responsible and accountable in their account practices and disclosures. The auditor, who attests, will be made responsible for any fraudulent disclosures in the statements, even at future. This makes the financial disclosures accountable. The most important and critical section in the law which makes the disclosure of financial statements responsible is section 404. This section compels the management to establish internal controls in order to make them selves accountable for the details revealed in the financial statements. The companies have to certify that the internal controls were efficient and trouble free. Sarbanes-Oxley Acts relationship and affect on Not-for-profit entities: The provision of restriction of loans to the directors of non profit organisation

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Why the federal government should continue to fund NASA Essay

Why the federal government should continue to fund NASA - Essay Example The NASA is a scheme that encourages the growth of technology hence enhancing the creation of employment. Besides, NASA purchases heavy machinery from American and foreign manufacturers. Moreover, NASA motivates innovation in the economy (Haerens, 2012). Apart from the creation of employment, NASA prompts the growth of the private sector. After working with the technologies and materials invented by the association, many companies are registering success. For instance, the Tempur-Pedic mattresses obtained their production idea from the experiments of NASA scientists who were trying to create comfortable seats for the pilots. The company is currently a success in the private industry. Despite the arguments that the economy is under strain, such programs as NASA are advances that make the lives of human beings comfortable. With the assistance of NASA, many manmade satellites exist around the earth. The devices that many people use today, like the GPS systems, satellite televisions, cell phones, weather satellites, all require the man made satellites in order to perform (Showstack, 2015). These satellites require continuous servicing and upgrades, as more advanced systems come up to cope with the increased demand for technology in the current economic and social world. Consequently, reduced expenditure will hurt the efforts of this association in creating advanced systems, and hinder the tapping of important professionals in space science. As indirect as the contribution of NASA may seem, it also provides defense for the whole planet from threats that are extraterrestrial in natures. Such threats as asteroids can be devastating to human life, as previous scientists claim it destroyed dinosaurs leading to their extinction millions of years ago (Dance, 2012). Similar experiences have been in several parts of the world including in Siberia, where the asteroid demolished an entire city. Nevertheless, the detection satellites

Monday, November 18, 2019

Ukraines Transition from Socialism to Capitalism Essay

Ukraines Transition from Socialism to Capitalism - Essay Example Following the revolt, the rulers of Ukraine turned to Russia for protection and hence laid down the path towards Russian imperialism. This colonialism made a new distinction among the workforce in Ukraine. A large-scale labor migration from Russia occurred which acquired high skill and better pay job opportunities while the domestic workers suffered from a low wage and bad working conditions. The protests against such unjust and exploitative attitude lead to the upheaval of the 1917-1920 and 1942-1947 revolution. The struggle weakened because of the withdrawal of the Bolshevik members of Ukraine. In October 1917, the revolutions of Russia and Ukraine fused but the leaders in the parliament, Rada, who were against the notion of a Russian workers’ republic, decelerated the progress towards a Ukrainian socialist uprising. The Rada had diverged so much from the objectives of the Ukrainian mass that during its disposition in 1918 (by the Red Army) it had already lost its ground of support. In this so-called defense of sovereignty, the incident that took place was that these Rada leaders gave Ukraine away to German, Austrian, and Polish occupations. The year 1920 saw another upsurge to dispose of Russian colonialism by the Ukrainian Communist protesters. However, with the strengthening of the powers of Stalin and Russia, the dynamics of centralism shattered the rest of the hopes of national equality. In the 1930’s, a mixture of rapid industrialization and enforced collectivization sowed the seeds of a mass aggression. Millions of people died in the false famine of 1932-33 and a considerable number were deported to Siberia. Those who thought to venerate, analyze, or dissent these tragic incidents were either imprisoned or tortured.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Ethical Egoism And Psychological Egoism

Ethical Egoism And Psychological Egoism In Platos Republic and in Rachels Egoism and Moral Skepticism, both authors address two important facets of human morality: epistemologically objective. Ethical egoism is a normative claim, which states that moral beings ought to do what is in their best interests. Psychological egoism, on the other hand, is a descriptive claim that all moral beings can only act in their own self-interests, even when appearing to act in the interests of others. The difference between both claims lies in the fact that one is a normative claim and the other is a descriptive claim. A normative claim involves judging what people should do and creates a moral standard. A descriptive claim then, essentially describes the actions of moral beings and creates a moral standard based off their behavior. Due to the relatedness of both claims, I must first clearly distinguish the key features of each argument. In Glaucons Challenge Plato creates a long dialogue between Socrates and Platos brother, Glaucon. In his dialogue, Glaucon supports the view that people only act justly because they will believe it will help them attain beneficial ends for themselves and argues that human beings are not ethical egoists but rather psychological egoists. In Rachels essay, he attempts to distinguish between what psychological and moral egoism are and how inevitably neither are justified. Therefore, by drawing on the arguments from Glaucon and the claims discussed by Rachels, I will disprove the claim of ethical egoism and prove that human beings can, in fact, act solely for their own self-interest. First, I will begin by examining Glaucons Challenge on ethical and psychological egoism. In Platos Republic, Socrates raises the issue of whether goodness and virtue are truly worthwhile for the individual. In Gyges Ring, Socrates presents a story where a man named Glaucon discovers a ring, which makes him invisible. In it, he poses the question of whether we would act justly, despite the fact that we could get away with immoral conduct. In essence, he asks whether we should live a life of virtue. Next he asks us to imagine if two such rings existed, where a virtuous man and rogue each received one of the rings. Glaucon claims that the rogue would naturally use the ring for his own personal pleasure with no moral constraints. As for the moral man, Glaucon suggests that he will act no better than the rogue. He defends this position by claiming that no one has enough will to resist the temptation to do things for their own self-interest. In this argument Glaucon asks why there is any r eason for a moral person to act any differently from an immoral person. While his argument appears sound, critics argue that some acts appear to be unselfish in nature. As well, critics arguing for ethical egoism also state that we must desire things other than my own self-interests in order to get self-interests. Therefore, if we derive self-interest from playing soccer, unless we desired, for our own sake, to play soccer, we would not derive some self-interest from playing. However, if our self-interests consist simply in the satisfaction of self-regarding our interests, then human beings are still regarded as psychological egoists. Psychological egoists such as Glaucon claim their points using two arguments. The first being simply that the life of an unjust person is much better than the life of a just person. The second argument being that for psychological egoism, selfless actions always create self-satisfaction in the moral agent and this produces a pleasant state of conscious ness. Therefore, the action performed by the moral agent is really done to create an enjoyable state of consciousness rather than to aid the interests of others. Using such arguments, Glaucon is able to rule out situations such as altruistic behavior or motivation by thoughts of duty alone as proves for ethical egoism. Second, I will examine Rachels essay on ethical and psychological egoism. In his first argument Rachel suggests selfless actions are really just done voluntarily and that the agent is really just doing what they wanted to do. An example used by Rachel would be if Mr. Smith stayed behind to help a friend rather than go on vacation. While this may appear altruistic, what is really happening is that Mr. Smith wanted to stay behind to help his friend more than he wanted to go on vacation. In this way, his action is no longer selfless but rather selfish since he was only doing what he wanted to do. By examining Mr. Smiths decision from a different view, it is clear that what appears to a voluntary act of kindness is really just an act out of self-interest. His second argument for psychological egoism is that unselfish actions always produce a sense of self-satisfaction for the moral agent. Therefore, any selfless action by the moral agent is only unselfish at a sort of superficial level. Rachel uses a story where Lincoln once expressed this debate in describing the position between ethical and psychological egoism. In this story, Lincoln and a fellow passenger are discussing how all men are prompted by selfishness in doing any good. As they pass over a bridge in their carriage, both hear a sow yelling for help as her pigs are about to drown. Lincoln then gets out of his carriage and saves the pigs, then returns to his carriage. His companion remarks 1Abe, where do selfishness come in on this little episode? Lincoln then replies, Why bless your soul, that was the very essence of selfishness. I should have no peace of mind all day had I gone and left them. Lincoln uses the incident with the suffering sow in order to show that his altruistic act was done out of his belief in psychological rather than ethical egoism. Had he not helped the sow, he would have had no peace of mind all day while riding with his companion. Instead, he selfishly saves the pigs in order to hel p himself. Rachel attempts to refute this claim by stating that it is the object of any action rather than the personal desire that will determine whether an action is unselfish or not. Ethical egoists, on the other hand, argue that even though altruism is possible to act on, there is no reason why anyone should act selflessly. Rachels is able to refute this by arguing that no reasons are required in performing actions that help others. However, since all human beings innately do not care about the effects of their actions on others, this arguments premise is incorrect. Therefore, it is clear that the view of ethical egoism as a moral standard of what people ought to do is clearly incorrect since no matter what situation is produced, the moral agent will always act in their self-interest and that any positive outcomes on others is just a positive consequence. Thus, no matter what situations are presented to argue that moral beings ought to do what is in their best interests, it has been shown that all moral beings can only act in their own self-interests, even when appearing to act in the interests of others. In conclusion, after examining Glaucons Challenge from Platos Republic and Rachels essay on ethical egoism, it is clear that Glaucon was correct in stating that there is no reason for man to be moral. 1 Gendler, T., Siegel, S., Cahn, S. M. (2008). Egoism and Moral Skepticism. The Elements of Philosophy: Readings from Past and Present (p. 235). Oxford : Oxford University Press.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

control in brave new world :: essays research papers

Control in Brave New World   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In his novel Brave New World, Aldous Huxley illustrates ways in which government and advanced science control society. Through actual visualization of this Utopian society, the reader is able to see how this state affects Huxley’s characters. Throughout the book, the author deals with many different aspects of control. Whether it is of his subjects’ feelings and emotions or of the society’s restraint of population growth, Huxley depicts government’s and science’s role in the brave new world of tomorrow.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One aspect of control that is touched upon from the beginning of the novel until the end is the control of the population birth and growth. As a way to maintain the society’s motto of â€Å"Community, Identity and Stability,† the number of inhabitants is managed through the artificiality of the brave new world’s use of technology. In the first chapter of the novel, the reader is introduced to the process of creating humans in this Utopia. The advancement of science made it possible for the building of an artificial arrangement with the reproductive glands and equipment needed for fertilizing and hatching the resulting eggs. The fact that machines do what is done by human reproductive systems shows how science has dominated over man in this world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The actual process of creating humans is made possible through the use of a single ovary which makes thousands of identical people. Since these people are similar in appearance, thought and relations, they are able to live in perfect harmony with each other. Huxley uses Lenina and Fanny, two of his female characters who are distant relatives from the same ovary, as people who get along well and are on the same page on issues concerning Utopian lifestyles. This is how the government of Utopia, made up of only ten controllers, is able to maintain stability among its people. Since stability is part of the brave new world’s motto, it is a crucial deal for the government to uphold.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Something else that is controlled by government and science is any thing to do with marriage, romance and pregnancy. It is a rule by the government for everyone to freely have sex with anybody at anytime they want. It is against the rules of the Utopia to date anyone regularly. Government forbids anyone to go towards thoughts of monogamy and romance because they require too much time and bring no stability to life.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Fall in Elderly

1 The Role of Tai Chi Exercise in Promoting Health Benefits for Older Persons Fuzhong Li, Ph. D. , Oregon Research Institute Tai Chi, or Taijiquan to be exact, originated in China about 300 hundreds years ago (China Sports, 1980) and began as a form of martial arts like boxing. It has continued to evolve from being originally used as a combative and self-defense form to a health-enhancing exercise, practiced by individuals of all ages to maintain health and prevent disease. As an alternative exercise, Tai Chi has drawn increasing research interest, with accumulating evidence showing the therapeutic value of Tai Chi to overall health and well-being. The goal of this paper is to summarize current research findings with a particular focus on geriatric populations, discuss findings with respect to their practical implications, and highlight future research directions. Overview of Research Findings A number of excellent review articles exist showing evidence that Tai Chi generates various health benefits for individuals of varying age groups and patient populations (Fasko & Grueninger, 2001; Lan, Lai, & Chen, 2002; Li, Hong, & Chan, 2001; Verhagen, Immink, va der Meulen et al. , 2004; Wang, Collet, & Lau, 2004; Wayne, Krebs, Wolf, et al. , 2004; Wu, 2002). Without overdue redundancy, the following provides a summary review of research studies that involve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) although results from non-RCTs are reported in the absence of RCTs. With aging processes, declines in physical and mental status in older adults often result in balance control impairments, functional limitations in locomotor activities, disability in particular activities, and decreased quality of life. Therefore, this review also focuses on health outcomes that have been shown to be clinically most relevant to this population. These include balance and falls, musculoskeletal conditions, sleep quality, cardiovascular and respiratory function, and psychosocial wellbeing. Balance Control, Falls, and Fear of Falling Falls are significant public health problem among older adults (Murphy, 2000; Stevens, 2005), making it a major threat to the independence and quality of life of older adults, as well as imposing significant burden to individuals, society, and national health systems (National Action Plan, 2005). As a stand-alone exercise intervention, Tai Chi has been shown to reduce the risk for falls. Wolf and his colleagues (1996) conducted the very first randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of two methods of exercise on falls. Community living healthy adults were randomized to one of three groups: Tai Chi training; computerized balance training; and an attention control. Results of this 15-week trial showed that Tai Chi participants experienced significant reductions (by about 47%) in falls compared to the exercise control participants. In a follow-up 48-week RCT, Wolf et al (2003) evaluated Tai Chi with older adults who were less robust (that is, transitioning to frailty). No significant between-experimental group reductions in falls were observed. However, by analyzing fall data from month four through month twelve, the study showed a significantly reduced risk of falls in the Tai chi group compared with the exercise control group. In an independent study, Li et al. (2005) confirmed the general findings of those reported by Wolf and his colleagues. These researchers reported that, at the end of a 6-month Tai Chi intervention, significantly fewer falls (38 versus 73), lower proportions of fallers (28% versus 46%), and injurious falls (7% versus 18%) were observed in the Tai Chi condition, compared to a low-impact stretching control condition. Overall, the risk of multiple falls in the Tai Chi group was 55% lower than that of the stretching controls. In addition, compared to stretching control participants, Tai Chi participants showed significant improvements in measures of functional balance, physical performance, and reduced fear of falling. Of equal importance, intervention gains in these measures were maintained at a 6-month postintervention follow-up in the Tai Chi group (Li et al. 2004). Musculoskeletal Conditions Evidence to date indicates that Tai Chi training preserves or even increases lower-extremity muscle strength. Wolfson et al. (1996) showed that 6 months of Tai Chi training (following their primary interventions) did not improve lower-extremity muscle strength, compared to an exercise control group. However, their data did indicate that Tai Chi training preserved lowerextremity strength gains developed by the intervention. In a 20-week pilot study, Christou et al. 2003) showed that, compared to those in the control condition, Tai Chi participants significantly improved knee extensor strength and force control among older adults. Tai Chi also appears to be safe and beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In a randomized trial among older women with osteoarthritis, Song et al (2003) showed a 12-week Tai Chi program resulted in significant improvements in pain and stiffness in joint s, balance, and abdominal strength, and fewer reported perceived difficulties in physical functioning, compared to those of control subjects. Another randomized trial, Hartman et al (2000) showed that a 12week program significantly improved osteoarthritis symptoms such as fatigue, arthritis selfefficacy, feelings of tension, and satisfaction with general health status. More recent evidence points to the potential of Tai Chi as a weight-bearing exercise for retarding bone loss in older women. In a 12-month randomized trial, Chan et al (2004) tested the hypothesis that Tai Chi may retard bone loss in early postmenopausal women. At the end of the trial, bone mineral density (BMD) measurements revealed a general bone loss in both Tai Chi and control subjects at all measured skeletal sites, but with a slower rate in the Tai Chi group. Although the BMD findings were equivocal, the findings lend some support for the potential of Tai Chi to retard bone loss. Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function Although numerous studies have evaluated the effects of Tai Chi on cardiovascular and respiratory function, no RCTs have been reported that involve older adults. A number of Taiwanbased observational studies have shown improvements in cardiorespiratory function resulting from Tai Chi. For example, among long-term older adults practicing Tai Chi, significantly better cardiorespiratory function has been reported (Lai, Lan, Wong, & Teng, 1995; Lan, Lai, Chen, & Wong, 1998), and improvements were also observed among coronary artery bypass surgery patients deemed to be at low risk during their participation in a Tai Chi exercise program (Lan, Chen, Lai, & Wong, 1999). Hypertension Tai Chi is a low-impact activity with self-paced and fluid movements, making it appropriate as a means to reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. Two intervention trials compared the effects of Tai Chi and aerobic exercise on blood pressure – a surrogate for hypertension. An earlier study by Channer et al (1996) showed that over 11 sessions of exercise, both Tai Chi and aerobic exercise were associated with reductions in systolic blood pressure; Tai Chi was also associated with reductions in diastolic blood pressure in a sample of patients recovering from acute myocardial infraction. In a different study by Young et al. (1999), physically inactive older women with systolic blood pressure 130-159 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure > 95 mmHg were randomized to a 12-week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program or a Tai Chi program of light activity. At the end of the intervention, the Tai Chi group decreased 7. 0 mmHg of systolic and 2. 4 mmHg of diastolic blood pressure. No significant differences were observed between the two exercise activities. The authored concluded that programs of moderate intensity aerobic exercise and light exercise may have similar effects on blood pressure in previously sedentary older individuals. Quality of Sleep Self-reported sleep complaints are common among older adults (Neubauer, 1999) and it is estimated that up to 50% of elderly persons complain about their sleep (Alessi, 2000). Li et al. (2003) conducted a six-month intervention trial to examine the impact of a simpler Tai Chi program on improving quality of sleep and reducing daytime sleepiness among older adults reporting moderate sleep complaints. Participants were randomly assigned to a Tai Chi group or an exercise control group. At the end of the study, Tai Chi participants reported significant improvements in several sleep-quality related measures in comparison to the control participants; with reduced sleep latency (by about 18 minutes per night) and daytime sleepiness, and improved sleep duration (by about 48 minutes per night). The study provided preliminary evidence linking the benefits of Tai Chi exercise to improved quality of sleep and reduced daytime sleepiness in older adults. Psychosocial Wellbeing and Confidence Li and his colleagues (2001a,b,c,d, 2002a, 2002b) provided a series of reports examining the extent to which Tai Chi enhanced older adults’ multidimensional psychological well-being and health-related quality of life indicators. In a 6-month randomized controlled trial, healthy older adults were randomly assigned to either a control condition or Tai Chi. Results indicated that Tai Chi participants reported higher levels of health perceptions, life satisfaction, positive affect, and well-being, and lower levels of depression, negative affect, and psychological distress (Li et al. 2001a). Participants also showed higher levels of both domain-specific physical self-esteem (Li et al. , 2002b) and exercise self-efficacy relevant to movement confidence (Li et al. , 2001c). Change in the level of movement self-efficacy was found to be significantly related to change in physical functioning (Li et al. , 2001b). Similar profiles have been reported by other researchers (Kutner, Barnhart, Wolf, McNeely, & Xu 1997) in that Tai Chi practice resulted in improved well-being, increased alertness, relaxation, better mental outlook, achievement, and greater confidence. Practical Implications The previous summary and review makes it clear that Tai Chi provides multiple health and therapeutic benefits for older adults. Thus, some discussion of practical implications appears to be in order. Fall Prevention Falls can result in devastating consequences for older adults. Accumulating evidence to date suggest that Tai Chi may be an effective means of improving deficits in balance and functional limitations, and therefore, may serve as a therapeutic exercise for balance and strength, and consequently, reduce the risk of falling and the rate of falls in older adults. Tai Chi may also be considered as an exercise modality that generates confidence building to counteract fear of falling, a common psychological symptom of falls among community adults. However, Tai Chi does not provide a quick fix for the fall problem. Most research in this area has focused on short-term results. Findings from current RCTs show that, however, a minimum of three months training is required before clinically meaningful reductions in risks of falling can be achieved, suggesting the need for long-term, sustained, and frequent practice, perhaps on a day-to-day basis, to obtain the full benefit. Tai Chi as an Alternative, Therapeutic Exercise Tai Chi has been recommended for treating many chronic conditions. For example, as a lowimpact, low-intensity alternative exercise therapy, Tai Chi has also been proposed as a potential option for the management of osteoarthritis (Lumsden, Baccala & Aartire, 1998). As a fall prevention activity, Tai Chi has emerged as an appropriate stand-alone balance training program for older adults to improve balance and prevent falls (JAGS, 2001). But even though Tai Chi appears to have numerous benefits to participants, it is still too early for physicians to begin prescribing Tai Chi as a remedy for chronic health problems because many of the studies have design limitations (Wang et al. , 2004), making it difficult to generalize results to broader patient populations. In this regard, patients with chronic health problems need to take precautions before beginning a Tai Chi program, because for some people Tai Chi could worsen medical conditions or problems/ symptoms. In some cases, appropriate odifications may be needed to better accommodate patients’ special needs or physical limitations. Program Costs, Logistics, and Protocols One of the most desirable aspects of Tai Chi is its absence of a need for high technology in promoting health. Tai Chi is easily distinguished from highly technical computerized balance training protocols, and may be just as successful in achieving fall reduction or balance improvement objectiv es; certainly, Tai Chi is more practical. Tai Chi is a low-cost exercise regimen because special equipment or facilities are not needed (Lan et al. 2002; Li et al. , 2003). Li et al (2001b) reported that, in a 6-month RCT, the total direct cost was approximately $9000 (an average of $3. 50 per person per session). Others (Wilson & Datta, 2001) have reported that a twice weekly Tai Chi program was cost-saving whether direct benefits alone (hip fracture costs averted) or direct plus indirect benefits were considered, with a total net cost savings of $1274. 43 per person per year. When considering direct cots only, the net cost savings were $8. 04 per participant per year. Lower costs ensure that more community-dwelling older adults have 5 sufficient access to programs, and abundant opportunities to participate, which is likely to have profound public health implications. While costs of learning Tai Chi are potentially low, one should not underestimate the fact that Tai Chi is a complex system of movements that, when performed, requires body awareness, motor coordination, and agility; features that could make Tai Chi less immediately deliverable to community adults (Li et al. 2003). Therefore, even though the benefits of regular Tai Chi exercise are quite clear, the challenge of maximizing the opportunity for older persons remains because certain movements may be beyond the capabilities of some elderly individuals or others with disabilities. Thus, there is a need to modify existing Tai Chi protocols to develop forms that are simple, easy to perform, and enjoyable (Chen, 2002; Li et al. , 2003; Wolf et al. , 1997), and that do not require years of sust ained practice to master. Tai Chi Styles There are several styles of Tai Chi, some of which are historic/traditional and some of which are of more recent origin. The earliest known form can be traced to the Chen style and evolved and progressed into multiple styles or schools. Currently, there are five main schools of Tai Chi (People’s Sports, 1996), each named after the style’s founding family: (a) Chen, (b) Yang, (c) Sun, (d) Wu (Jian Qian), and (e) Wu (He Qin). Each style has a characteristic protocol that differs from other styles in the postures or forms included, the order in which they appear, the pace at which movements are executed, and the level of difficulty. For example, one significant difference between Chen and Yang styles is that Yang style movements are relaxed and evenly paced. By comparison, the Chen style is characterized by alternating slow movements with quick and vigorous movements, including restrained and controlled actions/motions, reflecting its martial origin. Yang Style Tai Chi, which evolved from the Chen school, is probably the most popular Tai Chi style being practiced today (e. g. , Swaim, 1999; Yu & Johnson, 1999). Yang style movements are performed in a relaxed and flowing manner, with the trunk erect as the axis of all movements, making it immediately suitable for elderly, frail, or disabled populations. To date, the Yang style, with its variations, has been used as an therapeutic exercise modality in most medical and behavioral research. Although there are multiple versions of the Yang style (both short and long, covering 24-, 48-, 88-, and 108-Forms) (China National Sports Commission, 1983), the 24-Form, based on the most popular sequences of the Yang Chengfu school (China Sports, 1980; People Sports, 1996), is the most readily adaptable to the lifestyles and living situations of older adult populations. It is also the most accommodating, requiring minimal demands of personal strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, and motor skills for participation. Is Tai Chi Ready for Dissemination? In a 2001 joint communique on the prevention of falls among the elderly, the American Geriatrics Society, the British Geriatrics Society, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons suggested that Tai Chi â€Å"†¦is a promising type of exercise, although it requires further evaluation before it can be recommended as the preferred balance training† (JAGS, 2001). Since the publication of this joint communique, one large successful RCTs has been published (Li et al. , 2005) providing supporting evidence documented by Wolf et al. ’s earlier work (1996). As a result of these studies, we should be asking questions about how we can most effectively translate and disseminate the Tai Chi program. With this accumulated evidence, the time is near 6 for Tai Chi to be recommended as a preferred exercise for balance training and be routinely prescribed for older patients at risk for falling following appropriate screening. Future Research Directions Despite the increasing interest in studying the effectiveness of Tai Chi training and the resulting evidence of health benefits, there remain areas that require further research. We highlight a few of these. A Need to Understand the Mechanisms of the Benefits Shown Although findings from Tai Chi intervention studies are important from a public health perspective, they provide little information relative to the underlying mechanisms that may produce such effects. In this regard, little attention has been given considering intervention/treatment mediators or moderators that help identify causal pathways between treatment and outcome, and possible mechanisms through which a treatment might achieve its effects. For example, although Tai Chi has repeatedly been shown to improve balance, possible mechanisms by which Tai Chi improves this outcome, and prevent subsequent falls, remains to be determined. Future studies should target specifically older adults with balance impairments, and consider integrated laboratory and/or clinical measures that may help identify specific mechanisms whereby Tai Chi can remedy balance disorders. A Need to Better Understand Effects to Patients with Chronic Conditions A review by Wang et al. (2004) concluded that there is insufficient information to recommend Tai Chi to patients with chronic conditions. For example, the impact of Tai Chi on several important geriatric syndromes such as frailty, dementia, and sarcopenia are worthy of study or further research. Large clinical trials, involving populations with specific medical conditions are needed before health professionals can recommend Tai Chi exercise as an alternative to the more conventional exercise forms that have been shown to produce health benefits. The potential application of Tai Chi to important geriatric issues yet to be studied include: obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, neurological disorders (e. g. , Parkinson’s disease; peripheral neuropathy). A Need to Study Long-Term Effects Tai Chi intervention studies are typically conducted with a short-duration (e. g. , 3 months, 6 months). Long-term effects of Tai Chi training (e. g. , 12 months up to 2 or 3 years) are largely undetermined. Therefore, questions such as how long the established effects on clinical endpoints will sustain over a longer period of time remains to be determined. Certain outcomes may take a longer time to show an effect. Reductions in falls are a good example. Other outcomes such as BMD, may require up to one year to demonstrate clinically meaningful change because Tai Chi is a low-impact activity. Also, research from the general exercise literature indicates that people who participate in an exercise program often fall back into their older inactive lifestyle after a program ends (van der Bij, Laurant, & Wensing, 2002). Although anecdotal evidence suggest that participants remained active upon program termination (Li et al. , 2001b; Wolf et al. , 1996), critical issues such as getting people to initiate and maintain the Tai Chi activity over a long-term need to be addressed. A Need to Evaluate Programs That Can Be Disseminated in Broader Community Settings Ultimately, for the results of the research-based evidence to have greater public health impact they must be diffused and made accessible to the community. However, it remains unclear whether the general community can readily implement or adopt these Tai Chi training protocols despite evidence of their tested efficacy. To date, there is no widespread, nationally available Tai Chi-based falls prevention program that is based on the effectiveness of scientifically controlled studies. In this regard, program evaluation research is needed to translate effective interventions into a program that is implementable in community settings. The Oregon Research Institute is currently conducting a project to move effective interventions into community practice. The project has identified randomized controlled studies of scientifically-based effective Tai Chi fall interventions and focuses on issues related to â€Å"reach† (i. e. , proportion of older adults who are willing to participate in a given Tai Chi program initiative), â€Å"uptake† (adoption; i. e. , the proportion of settings and service agencies who are willing to initiate a program), and â€Å"implementation† (i. e. the intervention agents' fidelity to the various elements of a Tai Chi training protocol, including consistency of delivery as intended and the time and cost of the intervention). The intended results of this translation and dissemination project will provide an effective, evidence-based falls prevention package that can be implemented in community settings to improve functional ability and reduce fall prevalence among communit y-dwelling older adults. Summary The extant research evidence provides strong support for what was originally considered â€Å"anecdotal evidence† about the health benefits of Tai Chi for older adults. Overall, Tai Chi has been shown to have physiologic and psychosocial benefits and appears to be safe and effective in promoting balance control and muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness for older adults. More research is needed, with rigorous scientific methodologies, to fully understand the mechanisms whereby Tai Chi produces these health benefits. From a public health perspective, immediate efforts are needed to translate programs that can be disseminated in local settings that target community healthy older adults. Fuzhong Li, Ph. D. , is a Senior Research Scientist at the Oregon Research Institute, Eugene, OR. References Alessi, C. A. (2000). Sleep disorders. In Beers MH, Berkow R, eds. The Merck Manual of Geriatrics. 3rd edition. NJ: Merck & Co, 459-463. American Geriatrics Society, British Geriatrics Society, and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Panel on Falls Prevention (2001). Guideline for the prevention of falls in older persons. Journal of American Geriatri cs Society, 49, 664-672. Chan, K. , Qin, L. , Lau. M et al. (2004). A randomized, prospective study of the effects of Tai Chi Chun exercise on bone mineral density. Archrivals of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation 85, 717-722. Channer, K. , S. , Barrow, D. , Barrow, R. , Osborne, M. , & Ives, G. (1996). Changes in haemodynamic parameters following tai chi chuan and aerobic exercise in patients recovering from acute myocardial infarction. Postgard Medicine, 72, 349-351. Chen, S. (2002). A modified Tai Chi program for individuals with physical disabilities. Palaestra, 18(2), 43–47. China National Sports Commission. (1983). Simplified Taijiquan. Beijing, China: People’s Sports. China Sports (1980). Simplified â€Å"Taijuquan. † Beijing: Foreign Language Printing House. Christou, E. A. , Yang, Y. , & Rosengren, K. S. (2003). Taiji training improves knee extensor strength and force control in older adults. Journal of Gerontology: Medicine Sciences, 58, 763-766. Fasko, D. , & Grueninger, R. W. (2001). T’ai Chi Ch’uan and physical and psychological health: A review. Clinical Kinesiology, 55, 4-12. Hartman, C. A. , Manos, T. M. , Winter, C. et al. effects of Tai Chi training on function and quality of life indicators in older adults with osteoarthritis Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 48, 1553-1559. Kutner, N. G. , Barnhart, H. , Wolf, S. L. , McNeely, E. , & Xu, T. (1997). Self-report benefits of Tai Chi practice by older adults. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Science, 52, 242–246. Lai, J. , S. , Lan, C. , Wong, M. K. , & Teng, S. H. (1995). Two-year trends in cardiorespiratory function among older tai chi chuan practitioners and sedentary subjects. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 43, 1222-1227. Lan, C. , Lai, J. S. , & Chen, S. Y. (2002). Tai Chi Chuan: An ancient wisdom on exercise and health promotion. Sports Medicine, 32, 217-224. 9 Lan, C, Lai, J. S. , Chen, S. , Y. , Wong, M. K. (1998). 12-month Tai Chi training in the elderly: its effect on health fitness. Medicine Science & Sports Exercise, 30, 345-351. Lan, C. , Chen, S. Y. , Lai, J. S. , & Wong, M. K. (1999). The effect of Tai Chi on cardiorespiratory function in patients with coronary artery bypass surgery. Medicine Science & Sports Exercise, 31, 634-638. Li, J. X. , Hong, Y. , & Chan, K. M. (2001). Tai Chi: Physiological characteristics and beneficial effects on health. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 35, 148–156. Li, F. , Duncan, T. E. , Duncan, S. C. , McAuley, E. , Chaumeton, N. R. , & Harmer, P. (2001a). Enhancing the psychological well-being of elderly individuals through Tai Chi exercise: A latent growth curve analysis. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 8, 53-83. Li, F. , Fisher, K. J. , Harmer, P. , Irbe, D. , Tearse, R. G. , & Weimer, C. (2004). Tai Chi and selfrated quality of sleep and daytime sleepiness in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 52, 892-900. Li, F. , Fisher, K. J. , Harmer, P. , & McAuley, M. (2002a). Delineating the impact of Tai Chi training of physical function among the elderly. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 23, 92–97. Li, F. , Harmer, P. , Duncan, T. E. , Duncan, S. C. , & Chaumeton, N. R. (2002b). Tai Chi as a means to enhance self-esteem: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 21, 70–89. Li, F. , Harmer, P. , Fisher, K. J. , & McAuley, E. (2004). Tai Chi: improving functional balance and predicting subsequent falls in older adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 36, 2046-52. Li, F. , Harmer, P. , Fisher, K J. , McAuley, E. , Chaumeton, N. Eckstrom, E. , & Wilson, N. L. (2005). Tai Chi and fall reductions in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, 60A, 66-74. Li, F. , Harmer, P. , McAuley, E. , Duncan, T. E. , Duncan, S. C. Chaumeton, N. , & Fisher, K. J. (2001b). An evaluation of the effects of Tai Chi exercise on physical function among older persons: A randomized controlled trial. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 23, 139–146. Li, F. , McAuley, E. , Harmer, P. , Duncan, T. , & Chaumeton, N. R. (2001c). Tai Chi enhances self-efficacy and exercise behavior in older adults. Journal of A ging and Physical Activity, 9, 161–171. Li, F. , McAuley, E. , Harmer, P. , Duncan, T. E. , Duncan, S. C. , & Chaumeton, N. R. (2001d). Tai Chi, self-efficacy, and perceived physical function. Prevention Science, 2, 229-239. 10 Lumsden, D. B. , Baccala, A. & Aartire, J. (1998). Tai Chi for osteoarthritis: an introduction for primary care physicians. Geriatrics, 53, 87-88. National Action Plan (2005). Falls Free: Promoting a national falls prevention action plan: Nation Action Plan. Neubauer, D. N. (1999). Sleep problems in the elderly. Am Family Physician, 59, 25512558. Murphy, S. L. (2000). Deaths: Final data for 1998. National Vital Statistics Reports, Vol. 48, No. 11. Hyattsville (MD): National Center for Health Statistics. People Sports. (1996). Tai Chi Chuan: Collected works. Beijing, China: People’s Sports Publications (Chinese). Preventive Services Task Force (1996). Guide to clinical preventive services: report of the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2nd ed (pp. 659-685). Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins. Song, R. , Lee, E. O. , Lam, P et al. Effects of tai chi exercise on pain, balance, muscle strength, and perceived difficulties in physical functioning in older women with osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Rheumatology, 30, 2039-1049. Stevens, J. A. (2005). Falls among older adults – Risk factors and prevention strategies. Falls free: Promoting a national falls prevention action plan. Swaim, L. (1999). Fu Zhongwen: Mastering Yang style Taijiquan. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books. van der Bij, A. K. Laurant, M. G. H. & Wensing, M. (2002). Effectiveness of physical activity intervention for older adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 33, 120-133. Verhagen, A. P. , Immink, M. , va der Meulen et al. (2004). The efficacy of Tai Chi Chuan in older adults: a systematic review. Family Practice, 21, 107-113. Wayne, P. M. , Krebs, D. E. , Wolf, S. L. , Gill-body, JK. M. , Scarborough, D. M. , McGibbon, C. A. , Kaptchuk, T. J. , & Parker, S. W. (2004). Can Tai Chi improve vestibulopathic postural control? Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85, 142-152. Wang, C. , Collet, J. P, & Lau, J. (2004). The effect of Tai Chi on health outcomes in patients with chronic conditions. Archives of Internal Medicine, 164, 493-501. Wilson, C. J. , & Datta, S. K. (2001). Tai chi for the prevention of fractures in nursing home population: an economic analysis. Journal of Clinical Outcome Management, 8, 19-27. Wolf, S. L. , Barnbart, H. X. , Kutner, N. G. , McNeely, E. , Coogler, C. , Xu, T. , & the 11 Atlanta FICSIT Group. (1996). Reducing frailty and falls in older persons: An investigation of Tai Chi and computerized balance training. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 44, 489–497. Wolf, S. L. , Coogler, C. , & Xu, T. (1997). Exploring the basis for Tai Chi Chuan as a therapeutic exercise approach. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 78, 886– 892. Wolf, S. L. , Sattin, R. W. , Kutner, M. et al. (2003). Intense Tai Chi exercise training and fall occurrences in older, transitionally frail adults: A randomized, controlled trial. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 51, 1693-1701. Wolfson, L. , Whipple, R. , Derby, C. , Judge, J. , King, M. Amerman, P. , Schmidt J. , & Smyers, D. (1996). Balance and strength training in older adults: intervention gains and Tai Chi maintenance. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 44, 498-506. Wu, G. (2002). Evaluation of the effectiveness of Tai Chi for improving balance and preventing falls in the older population – A review. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 50, 746-754. Young, D. R. , Appel, L. J. , Jee, S. H. , & Miller, E. R. (1999). The effects of aerobic exercise and T’ai Chi on blood pressure in older people: Results of a randomized trial. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 47, 277–284. Yu, T. , & Johnson, J. (1999). T’ai Chi fundamentals for health care professionals and instructors: A simplified approach for mastering T’ai Chi basics. Uncharted Country.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Free Essays on CHILDREN AND DIVORCE

Divorce has become the alternative to an unhappy marriage for so many Americans in today’s society. Many times the life in the family has become so unbearable that divorce seems to be the only answer. However, married couples are often not the only ones who feel the effects of a parental separation. Some forty percent of all children will experience a parental separation or divorce before reaching adulthood (Amato 1269). Children of divorce experience the consequences of divorce and develop different coping strategies, which has brought up studies and other tools useful in helping deal with society’s divorce-stricken youth. Every year, over one million children are involved in new divorce cases (Walter, et al. 79). It is estimated today that nearly half of all first-time marriages will fizzle out. In the mid nineteen hundreds, only about five percent of all marriages ended in divorce (Amato 1269). Divorce in the family marks the beginning of an uncertain future for children (Walter, et al. 74). In the nineteen-eighties, the effects of divorce on children declined from the earlier decades. Researchers say that this is most likely due to the fact that divorce has become, in so many ways, much more socially acceptable. Research would also comment that parents seem to be working harder to lessen the impact of the divorce on their offspring (Amato 1278). However, the divorce experience effects even the healthiest children in some way (Berger 115). In many cases, the direct behavior of the parents towards their children has a greater impact on behavior than the divorce itself. The attitudes of the parents can play a crucial factor. Studies show that many â€Å"divorced parents invest less time, are less supportive, have fewer rules, give harsher discipline, provide less supervision, and engage in more conflict with their children†(Amato 1279). The quality of parental functions is a key factor in predicting the well-... Free Essays on CHILDREN AND DIVORCE Free Essays on CHILDREN AND DIVORCE Divorce has become the alternative to an unhappy marriage for so many Americans in today’s society. Many times the life in the family has become so unbearable that divorce seems to be the only answer. However, married couples are often not the only ones who feel the effects of a parental separation. Some forty percent of all children will experience a parental separation or divorce before reaching adulthood (Amato 1269). Children of divorce experience the consequences of divorce and develop different coping strategies, which has brought up studies and other tools useful in helping deal with society’s divorce-stricken youth. Every year, over one million children are involved in new divorce cases (Walter, et al. 79). It is estimated today that nearly half of all first-time marriages will fizzle out. In the mid nineteen hundreds, only about five percent of all marriages ended in divorce (Amato 1269). Divorce in the family marks the beginning of an uncertain future for children (Walter, et al. 74). In the nineteen-eighties, the effects of divorce on children declined from the earlier decades. Researchers say that this is most likely due to the fact that divorce has become, in so many ways, much more socially acceptable. Research would also comment that parents seem to be working harder to lessen the impact of the divorce on their offspring (Amato 1278). However, the divorce experience effects even the healthiest children in some way (Berger 115). In many cases, the direct behavior of the parents towards their children has a greater impact on behavior than the divorce itself. The attitudes of the parents can play a crucial factor. Studies show that many â€Å"divorced parents invest less time, are less supportive, have fewer rules, give harsher discipline, provide less supervision, and engage in more conflict with their children†(Amato 1279). The quality of parental functions is a key factor in predicting the well-...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

The Sword in the Stone vs. The Once and Future King essays

The Sword in the Stone vs. The Once and Future King essays The 1963 Disney film, the Sword in the Stone (2) was the first Disney film to give sole directorial credit to anyone involved in the film process (3). In the case of this movie that credit went to Wolfgang Reitherman. The movie was adapted from T. H. Whites Once and Future King, (1) and was understandably a very large undertaking, necessitating the use of a sole director. The change of medium used to depict this story resulted in the changing of parts of the story. The restrictions and conventions of movie making, namely, time span, and target audience, had the largest part in shaping the direction the movie took with the adaptation of Whites classic. The work of the writer and director of the film in the changing of the medium will be examined in the first few scenes of the movie, where Wart meets Merlin for the first time. This will be compared against the depiction of the tale in Whites book, and the shaping forces of movie convention pointed out. In Disneys Sword and the Stone, Wart meets Merlin in the following way: Wart and Kay are spending part of their afternoon hunting deer in a clear, sunny field. Wart poises and steadies himself on the branch of an old dead tree, waiting quietly for Kay to release an arrow at a deer. As fate would have it the branch snaps, Wart falls onto Kay, and subsequently causes the arrow to shoot far off its original planned trajectory into the deep, dark regions of the woods. Kay vows to whoop Wart good, if you will, so Wart runs into the forest in search of the arrow, furthermore ignoring Kays remark about the multitude of wolves lurking there. A nasty wolf does, indeed, begin stalking the Wart, unbeknownst to him, but fails to ever be noticed or accomplish the task of eating the boy. Merlin, of course, is already aware that Wart is on his way to drop in, and busies himself drawing water from a well with a chain and bucket, a...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Evolution of al Qaeda Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Evolution of al Qaeda - Essay Example In addition, this research will attempt to show that the United States should have been more cognizant of the beginning of this terrorist group. The origin of this terrorist group started in 1979 when the Soviet invaded Afghanistan. Osama Bin Laden, the primary founder of the group, first visited Afghanistan in 1979 and later relocated to areas around Pakistan in 1986 (John, 2011). During the early 1980s, Bin Laden and Abdulla Azzam formed the Maktab al Khidamat commonly known as the ‘Office of Services’, whose main agenda was to recruit for the anti-Soviet jihad (John, 2011). Azzam was an influential figure in the Muslim Brotherhood based on Jordan (Seth, 2014). The Maktab al Khidamat had recruited many fighters, estimated at the time to be between 10000 and 20000 (John, 2011). In 1988, Bin Laden and Azzam, in conjunction with other associates started to think of how the group could be utilized. In the same year, this base group or Al Qaeda (Arabic word for based) was identified as the force to intervene wherever Muslims were seen to have been threatened (John, 2011). This was the birth of al Qaeda. After the a ssassination of Azzam in 1989, and Bin Laden gained control of the Maktab funds and was the primary leader of the al Qaeda group. Years following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, al Qaeda started to form alliances with other militant groups in some Muslim countries (John, 2011). For example, while living in Sudan in 1994, Bin Laden managed to establish the Islamic Army Shura which brought together militant groups from countries such as Jordan, Egypt, Algeria and Somalia among others. Bin Laden also offered help to groups such as Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Jemaah Islamiyah based in Philippines and Indonesia respectively (John, 2011). Al Qaeda’s influence grew, and its financial resources expanded. There were a number of terrorist attacks in the early to the late 1990s

Friday, November 1, 2019

HRD Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

HRD - Essay Example Recruitment can be defined as the process of inviting people on a timely manner, in adequate numbers, with suitable qualifications, and then inspiring them to apply for positions with a company or firm. Thus, internet recruiting may be defined as the act of utilizing the internet to identify individuals who are actively searching for jobs and people also content with the immediate positions; passive job seekers. Internet recruiting is a field of dynamic growth and relentless change which has given way to a dynamic mega-rich industry. The involvement of the internet in the recruitment process, does not change the meaning of the process, however, terms in the definition may assume different meanings (Harvey et. al 91). For example, the timely manner may mean several months in the traditional recruitment approach while in the internet recruitment may mean some weeks or days. Both employers and employees are approving the internet as the new way of recruiting, and this inclination may po ssibly shift to an advanced stage in the future. The internet presents many advantages to the recruitment process. Internet recruitment has changed the recruitment setting. Its effect has already produced unparalleled volumes of time and costs savings. One advantage of internet recruiting is that it effortlessly reaches the exact audience and prunes it down to attain the number of qualified applicants only. Internet recruitment has numerous tools to extend the scope of the exploration then ascertain and categorize the almost infinite number of job seekers resulting in a group of highly-qualified candidates. Past studies state that most applicants who utilize internet recruitment are well educated, more techno-savvy, young and portray interest for the organization (Bunting 97). Internet recruitment has also offered organizations several choices from an exceptionally large number of links