Thursday, October 31, 2019

FMRI ( T) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

FMRI ( T) - Essay Example Therefore, it is needed to be avoided for preventing the future banking crisis. For this purpose, the proposals have been suggested in the second part of the paper. It is suggested that the division of bank into commercial and investment banking has fewer risks and it is a desirable option in contrast to the unified banking which is more risky but fostered more growth of the banks. The paper is meant to discuss the serious issue of banking crisis and suggest ways to mitigate the chance of future economic crisis globally. For this purpose, the paper covers two major sections in which the first part explains the term systemic risk and systemically important financial institutions. However, the second part describes and evaluates various proposals for introducing banking reforms concerned with the separation of the commercial banking and investment banking sector. The systemic risk can be defined as the condition in which the entire financial setup receives a major setback (Cox, & Larsen, 2011). It can be contrasted to the risk of damage done to the one financial aspect only and implies the collapse of a whole financial system. In other words, it is the major financial downfall which results from the various external and internal causes. It has also been described as the financial instability or disruption of a financial system which is generally catastrophic in nature. Hendricks (2009) has defined systemic risk in following words: "A systemic risk is the risk of a phase transition from one equilibrium to another, much less optimal equilibrium, characterized by multiple self-reinforcing feedback mechanisms making it difficult to reverse." The definition given above used theoretical terms to explain the concept of systemic risk and does not include economic terms in it. However, it suggests that systemic risk is the type of risk which can occur when a particular change occurs in terms of a transition from one phase to

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Knights of Columbus Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The Knights of Columbus - Case Study Example According to the research findings, the Knights of Columbus has over 1200 employees and a revenue turnover of over $1.2 billion.The services provided are insurance and financial services that are aimed at supporting the families that are affected by the death of their loved ones. The organization has over 1.7 million members and over 13000 councils in countries such as the Philippines, Canada, Mexico, Guam the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Cuba, the Poland Dominican Republic amongst other states. The main purpose of its existence is that of instilling practical Catholic discipline on its members so that they can understand the norms and beliefs of the religion. Knights of Columbus also promote Catholic education and charity to its members so that they can learn how to carry out their activities in the future. The core values of this organization are charitable work, Catholicism, and acts of volunteering. For example in the year 2003, over $130 million efforts were contributed and over $ 6 0 million hours were contributed to the church and other projects. They promote the intellectual and social integration to its members through the provision of education, charitable work, social welfare and relief in both the war and the public domain. With time Knights of Columbus was able to venture into the insurance industry whereby they were to offer financial compensation to its members in case a financial loss occurred. According to Anderson, the main mission of the Company is to protect the interests of the Catholic families with life insurance. A service refers to the work done by people on behalf of their customers so that they can derive some benefit from it. The management of the organization issues insurance policies to its customers in form of thousands of dollars who are of ages 18 to 60 years so that they can benefit from the services provided to them within the stipulated period of time. It also ensures that its members do not have financial difficulties when they f ace problems that are related to death or illness. The service interaction refers to the process of identifying a service that can allow a provider to question the principal concerning pertinent information so as to clarify principals' preferences of different kinds of information that can improve on their living standards. These services are provided to the customers so that they can fulfill their needs and desires within a stipulated period of time. The management of Knights of Columbus is expected to compensate the members who incur losses since they contribute on a monthly basis to cover for any uncertainties that occur during their stay in the organization. Service Chain analysis is a strategy that is used by a business organization so that they can have a competitive advantage over their customers.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Investigation Of Kinetic And Kinematic Parameters Physical Education Essay

Investigation Of Kinetic And Kinematic Parameters Physical Education Essay This study reviewing the biomechanical effects of the orthosis on human gait pattern and a specific type of ankle foot orthosis (AFO) with rocker bottom was used for the pilot study. Walking gait cycle background theory and related terms definition is explained as the introduction. A complete review on AFO functionality and efficacy on gait correction via laboratory testing is done. The review is mainly expressed from biomechanics approach with the use of kinematics and kinetic knowledge. From the reviewed process, it is no doubt to clarify that AFO enable to prevent and correct pathological gait for better improvement. Motion analysis technique using camera based system to conduct laboratory experiment on human gait is studied too. A sequence of procedures is design for further study, which consist of subject acquirement, rocker AFO fabrication, customization, laboratory experiment testing using Vicon motion analysis system, data collection and analyse. Besides, pilot studys results are included in result and discussion. A healthy woman was used as the subject in the pilot study who undergo 2 types of walking, which are walked barefoot and with AFO condition. As conclusion, the review provides evidence that the influence of AFO in altering human walking gait is significant and further study is necessary to be proceeded for better describe AFO functionality. Acknowledgement The first thank goes to Prof. Dr. Ir. Wan Abu Bakar Wan Abas, my supervisor for this graduation project. His willingness and patient in teaching and guide me either to accomplish the tasks or when I facing problems during the time, were indeed appreciated. My grateful thank goes to Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman with his enthusiasm of sharing valuable knowledge and all kind of challenges gave by him, were definitely brought me chances to work as an professional biomedical engineer. I express much gratitude to Miss Arezoo Eshraghi too, for her guidance and assistance brought to the smoothness of my thesis study. Nevertheless, I would like to thank for all the hard work done by my faculty, especially to the Coordinator for the Graduation Project, Dr.Belinda Murphy, assistant for the project Miss Khairunnisa Hasikin and all the stuff of Biomedical Engineering Department. Table of Contents List of Figures List of Tables List of Symbols and Abbreviations AFO Ankle Foot Orthosis IC Initial contact LR Loading Response MST Mid Stance TST Terminal Stance TO Toe Off ISW Initial Swing MSW Mid Swing TSW Terminal Swing DF Dorsiflexion PF Plantarflexion KF Knee Flexion KE Knee Extension HF Hip Flexion HE Hip Extension PTB Patellar Tendon Bearing ToA Types of AFO CGC Control Group Condition Introduction Human locomotion defined as movement from one place to another and a numbers of ways could be done to achieve it, walking, use of a bicycle, wheelchair are examples of locomotion (Smidt, 1990). In this study, walking gait is the targeted locomotion. Walking is a cyclic movement interlaced between left and right foot with at least one foot being contact with the ground at all times in a certain periodic pattern (Ounpuu, 1995). A systemic analysis and parameter is required to evaluate walking gait effectively and biomechanics knowledge has been introduced to solve for this. It is a brand new term developed around the year of 1970s which integrating engineering mechanics knowledge into biological system. Biomechanics is actually applied in gait analysis by the ancient scientists few centuries ago (Martin, 1999). Biomechanics study on the gait analysis has been started since the year of 1680 by Aristotle on the gait of animals and in the year of 1890, Christian Wilhelm Braune an anatomist and Otto Fischer were started investigating human gait from biomechanics aspects (Martin, 1999). Scientists enthusiasm toward human gait analysis never shelved, it continue evolutes until today. At present, biomechanics investigation in gait analysis is able to provide profusion information for clinical practitioner to assess patient locomotion effectively. For instances, a pathology gait pattern by patient can be visualized by measuring biomechanical parameters, step length, length, joint angles, forces and etcetera. To evaluate how well the treatment improves patient ambulatory level, biomechanics knowledge applied too. Main interest of this study is not only focus on human walking gait, but also to investigate the manner orthotics alters its users gait pattern from biomechanics aspect. Orthosis is a medical appliance major used in orthopedics field for the purpose to support, alter, and align injured body segments involve in body movement (Edelstein Bruckner, 2001). In this study, the ankle foot orthosis (AFO) with additional rocker sole is chose as the orthosis in this study. Figure 1.1(a) shown a solid AFO and (b) rocker bottom. Figure 1. Solid AFO Rocker AFO is a kind of treatment apply to diabetic patient who has plantar foot ulceration risk and with ankle joint mobility difficulty. From statistical analysis from University Malaya Medical Centre Diabetic Foot Clinics, plantar foot wound treatments on diabetic patient possess the highest number of among other kind of treatment and also footwear is the highest treatment modality among others in 2008 and 2009. This statement has support and encourages the necessity to carry out this study as number of diabetic patient is increase gradually every year. AFO is worn on lower extremity and around foot to support and correct ankle position. Patient having diabetes, experienced bones segment fracture, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, tendon dysfunction and limb disorder patient who ankle failed to support their body weight while walking are commonly suggested by orthotist to use an AFO to improve gait routine and to minimise further injury risk (Edelstein Bruckner, 2001). Besides that, rocker sole is a creature use to reduce pressure on the forefoot and use to transmit pressure from high pressure to low pressure area meanwhile off loading the pressure exerted to risky area (Albright Woodhull-Smith, 2009). To be relative to orthosis definition, an AFO with rocker sole should not bring more burdens to patient in increase energy demand or cause any long term side effects. Consequently, investigating AFO biomechanical performance in aiding and influencing wearer locomotion therefore becomes an important study. Three dimensional (3D) gait analysis systems are laboratory equipment involve the use of reflective markers that placed on subjects interest body segments as the landmarks (Davis, Deluca, Ounpuu, 2000). It has been use widely in clinical gait analysis services and research. The video camera based system employ 2 to 7 infrared cameras allocated on the measurement volume to record subject motion or markers trajectories in precise as shown in Figure 1.2 (a) (b). The entire system applies stereophotogrammetric techniques to produce each markers 3D coordinates from the two dimensional (2D) images capture by each of the camera (Davis, et al., 2000). This 3D system digitized subject movement in real time into frames depending on sampling rate set. The frame to frame analysis provides better motion visualization and subsequently from the 3D images generated it makes the possibility to compute a more complete description towards the dynamic gait in terms of biomechanical parameters. Kinemat ic, kinetic, and temporal parameters or some other dynamic gait variables are able to be obtained from this system. During the entire study, Vicon Nexus 1.4 motion analysis system is employ to record and examine subjects walking gait pattern. Kinematic and kinetic parameters are extracting to further illustrate rocker AFO effects on its user gait pattern. Figure 1.2(c) presented a monkey hooping frame image capture using 3D motion analysis systems. http://rehablab.creighton.edu/share/sharedfiles/UserFiles/image/Camera1.jpghttp://www.med.nyu.edu/rehabengineering/images/vicon8cameras.jpg (b) (c) Figure 1. (a) Infrared Camera (b) Overview of Motion Analysis Laboratory (c) Frame Images Capture from Infrared Camera 1.1 Theory Walking gait Normal one complete gait cycle consists of stance phase and swing phase in a proportion of 60% and 40%, respectively. A normal adult will spent approximately 60% of total gait duration for heel strike to toe off (stance phase) and 40% for initial swing to terminal swing (swing phase). Stance phase is the event when foot touch on ground and body passes over the top of it whereas swing phase is when the same foot moves forwards in the air. Figure 1. Stance and Swing Phase Propotion. Stance phase is defined from initial contact, loading response, mid stance and terminal stance (toe off). Swing phase is defined from the instance toe off, initial swing, mid swing and terminal swing (Ounpuu, 1995). Figure 1.4 illustrates the phases of the gait cycle shown with the corresponding position for sagittal plane motion. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/picrender.fcgi?book=physmedrehabpart=A8414blobname=ch6f6-2.jpg Figure 1. Gait cycle phases (Carson, M.D. 1995) Stance phase Initial contact(IC) (0% of the gait cycle), it occur when foot contact to ground. Loading response (LR) (0-10% of the gait cycle), during this stage, shock absorption occurred with stability remain and body more forwarded. This is the first double support happened. Mid stance (MST) (10%-30% of the gait cycle), the first single leg support instance, purpose of this phase is to advance body over the stance phase limb while stability is maintained. Terminal stance (TST) (30%-50% of gait cycle), or sometimes called toe off(TF) single support ended when the sound limb contact with floor and in this phase, body still being advanced through the stance foot through the forward fall of the trunk. Toe off (TO) (60% of the gait cycle), when foots toes are about to leave floor. Swing Phase Initial Swing (ISW) (60%-73% of the gait cycle), second single support phase and begins when the foot leaves the ground until it passes opposite the stance limb. Mid swing (MSW) (73%-87%), continue advance the swing limb while providing clearance of stance foot. Terminal swing (TSW) (87%-100%), swing leg already in preparation for the next stance phase. In order for a person to walk normally, the locomotor system must fulfill four requirements. Firstly, stability of foot is essential to ensure each foot capable to withstand body weight with no collapsing. Secondly, during single leg support in stance phase, balance shall sustain for that particular period. Thirdly, swinging leg must be able to move in a sequence reaching the position where it can take over the supporting leg. Lastly, locomotor system must provided substantial power to induce limb movements and to advance the body (Whittle, 1993). Pathological gait produce abnormal walking patterns when it fails to obey any of the four requirements stated above. It can be indentified obviously by visual or using appropriate clinical gait analysis method. This abnormal gait maybe performed unintended by the subject due to the weakness, spasticity or deformity occurred onto them. Besides, sometimes the abnormal gait is also consequences of the compensatory motion by some other problem. Any abnormal gait should be corrected using an orthotics or braces in order to minimize overload harms on muscles, joints and bones. Kinematic and kinetics of human gait The terms kinematic and kinetics are branches of biomechanics, which are commonly employed in gait assessment. Kinematic describing a body movement without considering its causes for example forces and torque. Camera is a example of kinematic equipment which only used to observe limbs movement without but without providing information of force involved (Whittle, 1993). Meanwhile, kinetic is more in explaining the body motion with it causes like mass and forces exert onto the system. Moment, force, mass, and acceleration are the examples which usually utilize the kinetic of the systems. Example of kinematic equipment in gait analysis is force plate, which measure force exerted by foot but without the position and angle of the leg segment (Whittle, 1993). Kinematic of human gait: Angle Pelvis, hip, knee and ankle angle are the common kinematic parameters used in gait analysis. Each anatomical angle can be observed from sagittal, coronal and transverse plane. During normal gait, most of the motion occurred in sagittal plane meanwhile coronal and transverse plane have greater motion in pathological gait(Ounpuu, 1995). Table 1.1 is a summary on the each segment movement with respect to gait cycles phases. Table 1. Summary of the Major components of gait with respect to the phase of the gait cycle. Phase Joint Movement Ankle Knee IC Neutral Position Fully KE LR PF KF MST DF KE TST DF KE TF PF KF ISW Peak PF then DF rapidly KF rapidly to peak MSW Peak DF Start with peak KF and KE rapidly TSW PF KE PlantarFlexion(PF), DorsiFlexion(DF), Knee Flexion(KF), Knee Extension(KE), Hip Flexion(HF) and Hip Extension (HE) Kinetics of human gait: Ground reaction forces When a person is walking, forces will apply toward ground on each step taken. According to Newtons Third Law, a force will generate that is equal magnitude but in the opposite direction to the force applied by the foot, and it is called ground reaction forces. The vertical component of ground reaction forces is raise from heel strike and shot 112% of body weight during 25% of gait. At the mean time, the opposite leg propels the centre of gravity upward and thus vertical force descends to around 80% of body weight. At the instance of heel off, centre of gravity start to move downward therefore vertical forces raise again to around 115% of body weight at almost 80% of stance phase. Vertical forces descend greatly right after the peak vertical forces as the foot is propel to swing phase. Figure 1.5 shown the overview of vertical forces exert on the stance leg. Figure 1. Ground reaction forces Literature Review Types of AFO AFO is categorized into many types depending on its functionality, design approach and usages. AFOs are generally classified into five main branches: rigid AFOs, hinged AFOs, Patellar Tendon Bearing (PTB) AFOs, posterior leaf spring AFOs and ground reaction AFOs. Each AFOs functionality will be discussed in detail later. Table 2. Summary on Types of AFO and description (Edelstein Bruckner, 2001) Types of AFO Features Solid AFOSolid ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), Plastazote-lined (Photo courtesy of Hersco Orthotic Labs.) Trimmed anterior to malleoli surrounds ankle. Restrict ankle motion without allows any plantarflexion. During loading response, maintain a rigid foot and ankle alignment Hinged AFOhttp://www.appliedbiomechanics.com/Home/Home/Hinged_AFO.gif Add mechanical joint around ankle to permit motion. Degrees of motion are determined by the joint design. Allow dorsiflexion and plantar flexion without restriction. PTB AFOhttp://www.capstoneorthopedic.com/Orthoservicespages/afo/afo_clip_image018.png Cast until patella area as to transfer weight from plantar foot to patella tendon Responsible for off loading effect. Posterior Leaf Spring AFOhttp://www.neuromuscular-orthotics.com.au/images/PLS%20AFO.jpg Trimmed posterior to malleoli, allow plastic to recoil Function as a spring during swing phase off loaded, allow plantar flexion. Ankle motion is permitted by deformation and recoil of the plastic strip. Gait analysis method Reliability of the result obtained from motion analysis is mainly relay on the markers placement (Ferrari, et al., 2008; A. Leardini Benedetti, 1999). Therefore, marker positioning is depending strongly to the objective of the research or study. The inconsistency of marker placement is generally a crucial factor contribute to the data variation because each marker represent different body landmark respectively too. A full body marker set is often applying to investigate whole body posture and gait. A total of 60 markers with 22 on each leg, 5 on pelvis and 11 on trunk are consider as a complete marker set. It has been applied to evaluate treatment gait pattern correction or diseases caused pathological gait for example cerebral palsy and diabetic patient (Radtka, Skinner, Elise Johanson, 2005; Sawacha, et al., 2009). Only lower limb markers set were use more often in gait motion analysis (Abel Juhl, 1998; Fatone, Gard, Malas, 2009; Alberto Leardini, et al., 2007; Yokoyama Sashik a, 2005). There also few study make their focus on gait assessment on AFO user which only applied reflective marker on lower limb as anatomic landmarks for the whole experiment (Abel Juhl, 1998; Fatone, et al., 2009). When come across with gait analysis, researchers putting more interest on the lower limbs kinetic and kinematic parameters rather than upper limb because the locomotion trajectories occurred mainly in leg segments. In analyzing treatment effect for a particular illness or disease, control group or control variable present to serve a better comparison to the tested result. While evaluating the relation of orthosis treatment and gait assessment caused by it, subject under barefoot condition sometimes appeared as the control variable (Abel Juhl, 1998; Lam, Leong, Li, Hu, Lu, 2005; Romkes Brunner, 2002). However, in some cases, barefoot control does not provide a comparable opportunity and it is not practical as in real life subjects usually walk with foot wear. Besides, as of experimental approach, it has shown that subjects walking with footwear is more relative to evaluate AFO efficacy with contrast to barefoot ((Radtka, et al., 2005)Churchill et al., 2003; Radtka et al., 2005). Two reviewed articles obtained result with subject walking while wore footwear alone (Bleyenheuft Hanson, 2010; Fatone, et al., 2009). There is one of the article used able bodied subject with footwear alone to acqui re control variables (Fatone et al., 2009). Either way of choosing control group is proportion to the research behavior and objectives. Therefore, appropriate consideration should be taken while designing a research methodology. Gait analysis parameters In general, AFO is use as prevention of foot deformity, limit joint movement, position and provide stability. The effect of AFO in serving all these functionality is been studied via various method from simple to more sophisticated gait analysis technique. Majority of the reviewed papers adopted video-camera based system to collect and record data. (Abel Juhl, 1998; Fatone, et al., 2009; Lam, et al., 2005; Radtka, et al., 2005; Romkes Brunner, 2002; Yokoyama Sashika, 2005). Kinematic and temperal parameters are the two common results obtained from ambulation analysis. Temperal parameter Cadance Cadence, defined as number of steps taken in a given period and its unit is steps over minute. In gait analysis, cadence becomes a popular parameter to evaluate AFO efficacy. Researches which have examined subjects gait with dynamic AFO and without dynamic AFO proved that cadence is one variable altered by the manipulation on AFO (Lam, et al., 2004; Romkes et al., 2001; Bleyenheuft et al., 2007). Lam and Romkes studies have shown a decrease of cadence while subject walked with dynamic AFO compare to walk with barefoot. However, in Bleyenheuft study, changes of cadence value are less significant compare to others. In hinged AFO, two papers reported a increase on cadence compare to barefoot ( Romkes et al., 2001; Tyson et al., 1998) and one shown decrease effect (Radtka et al., 2004). Four reviewed papers tested subjects walked with solid AFO reported decrease of cadence compare to without solid AFO (Abel et al., 1998; Radtka et al., 2004; Lam et al., 2004; Bleyenheuft et al., 2007). C adence in a new design AFO which use oil damper resistance to restrict ankle movement also reported a decrease phenomenon on subjects walking gait with against barefoot trials. Dynamic AFO reported to have higher cadence compare to solid AFO in Lam, 2004 and Bleyenheuft, 2007 studies. Meanwhile, between hinged AFO and dynamic AFO, hinged types AFO having higher cadence value ( Romkes et al., 2001). By reviewing this, an instance conclusion can be making that hinged AFO provide a high cadence. Resultant cadence variation is likely due to the design of types of the AFO. Manipulate ankle movement degree certainly influence entire locomotion trajectories, consequently cadence are involved. Velocity Velocity is a resultant product of stride length time cadence. Any changes of these two variables may vary walking velocity. Solid AFO, dynamic AFO, and hinged AFO were all result higher velocities and stride length compare to the condition without AFO on tested walking trials (Abel et al., 1998; Lam et al., 2004; Radtka et al., 2004; Bleyenheuft et al., 2007; Romkes et al., 2001; Fatone et al., 2009). However, a less significant increase observed while analyzes hinged AFO and solid AFO toward barefoot condition in Fatone, 2009 and Lam, 2004 researches, respectively. From these two cases, a common observation found between them is the insignificant of stride lengths alterations. Kinematic of Gait Analysis DF at IC (Stance Phase) Currently, AFO are design to restrict exceed ankle PF, simultaneously improve pre-positioning of the foot during IC f gait cycle. However, DF ability of AFO is strictly relying on the design and trimming pattern of particular AFO (Yokoyama et al., 2005). All types of AFO being study in this section have shown reasonable increase of DF angle compare to barefoot or without AFO condition (Abel et al., 1998; Lam et al., 2004; Radtka et al., 2004; Bleyenheuft et al., 2007; Romkes et al., 2001; Fatone et al., 2009; Yokoyama et al., 2005). This outcome is consistent with the basic functionality and characteristic of AFOs. For hinged and dynamic types, both allows free ankle DF during stance and meanwhile limit PF (Romkes et al., 2001). From review, subjects wore dynamic AFO have noticeable better DF than solid AFO and barefoot (Lam et al., 2004; Bleyenheuft et al, 2007). KF during IC (Stance phase) Knee fully extends just before heel contact and this is named as stance phase flexion. Patient walked with dynamic AFO showed significant increased in KF during initial stance compare to barefoot and there was less significant compared to solid type AFO (Lam et al., 2004; Bleyenheuft et al., 2007). Nevertheless, a slightly decreased on KF during initial contact is observed too. Both dynamic and hinged AFO shown little attenuate of KF angle compare to barefoot in Romkes, 2001 studies. In Radtka, 2005 research, the abnormal KF during barefoot walking remained although subject walk with hinged and solid AFO and this is consistent with Rethlefsen, 1999 findings. PF during TST (stance Phase) At the instance stance foot leave ground and preparing for swinging, plantar foot is flex as to push off body forwarded. Hinged AFO have impressed decreasing of PF during terminal stance if compare to walked with barefoot ( Radtka et al., 2005; Romkes et al., 2001). In Romkes, 2001 study, it revealed that hinged AFO has better push off effect compare to dynamic AFO according to their flexing ability. Besides that, in Radtka 2005s study, researchers concluded hinged AFO has better rocker effect as to proceed swing phase compared to solid AFO. DF during MSW (Swing Phase) DF is necessary to prevent foot drop as to provide toe clearance for patient to have better gait performance. In all the reviewed papers, DF were all increased during MSW (Abel et al., 1998; Lam et al., 2004; Radtka et al., 2004; Bleyenheuft et al., 2007; Romkes et al., 2001; Fatone et al., 2009; Yokoyama et al., 2005). Table 2. Summary on Variables Comparison of Types of AFO (ToA) with respect to Control Group Condition (CGC) Author, Year ToA CGC Variables comparison on ToA with respect to CGC Cadence Velocity DF at IC KF at IC PF at TST Abel et al., 1998 Fixed AFO Barefoot Decrease Increase Increase Increase Blenyenheuft et al., 2007 Dynamic AFO Shoe only Not significant Increase Increase Increase prefabricated AFO Shoe only Decrease Increase Increase Decrease Fatone et al., 2009 Hinged AFO Shoe only Not significant Not significant Increase Increase Lam et al., 2004 Solid AFO Barefoot Decrease Not significant Increase Increase Decrease Dynamic AFO Barefoot Decrease Increase Increase Increase Decrease Radtka et al., 2004 Solid AFO Barefoot Decrease Increase Increase Decrease Hinged AFO Barefoot Decrease Increase Increase Not significant Decrease Romkes et al., 2001 Dynamic AFO Barefoot Decrease Increase Increase Decrease Decrease Hinged AFO Barefoot Increase Increase Increase Decrease Decrease Tyson, 1998 Hinged AFO Barefoot Increase Increase Increase Yokoyama et al., 2005 Oil damper resistance AFO Shoe only Increase Increase Increase Increase Decrease Kinetic of human gait: Ground reaction forces and Peak pressure High peak plantar pressure (PPP) on foot is significant in contributing ulceration and callus formation on diabetic patient (Caselli, 2002; Veyes, Murray, Buoulton, 1992). If PPP occurred on the same area for a repeated period it might associated with callus or skin break down on that particular area (Boulton AJ, 1993). Incidence of skin breakdown in the forefoot chance is higher compare to in rear foot (Mueller, Zou, Lott, 2005). It has been prove in few studies that metatarsal head is the most frequent areas having skin injury problem rather than at heel in diabetic patient (Caselli, 2002; Sinacore, 1996). By using rocker sole in diabetic subjects, reviewed papers shown a significant PPP reduction over the high pressure area especially over forefoot and rear foot area (Albright Woodhull-Smith, 2009; Brown Wertsch, 2004; Schaff Cavanagh, 1990). Rocker sole is designed in a way that to redistribute plantar pressure from a conventional pressure distribution to a newly designed pressure map(Brown Wertsch, 2004). Aims and Objectives Examine orthosis efficacy in walking gait is the foremost objective in this study. AFO is prescribing enable to make better alignment of foot on patient with pathological gait. A rocker bottom is claimed to serve better plantar pressure distribution and as treatment to avoid further foot deformity. Basic approach in this study is to investigate the effectiveness of rocker AFO in prevent and utilize better ambulation pattern on diabetic patient from abnormal walking mechanism. Joint mobility caused by rocker AFO believed serve a better gait pattern and harmless to the connected leg segment. Rocker effect on the AFO is tending to reduce ground reaction forces to AFO user foot. Biomechanics and engineering knowledge is applied for better description. To test this hypothesis the following key objectives were undertaken: To study and enhance better gait mechanism knowledge from engineering and medical approach. To quantify and compare joint mobility with and without rocker AFO using lower limb component motion range analysis. To observe the relationship between the rocker bottom to kinetic changing on patient gait. Methodology Introduction Method to conduct this study is structured into few stages from recruiting subjects to conclude the study objectives. In order to keep align with this study objectives, each procedure taken has to be design carefully to reduce the possibility of data confusion and the occurrence of technical errors. Mostly, methodology to investigate orthosis efficacy usually being categorized into subject acquirement, subject assessment, AFO fabrication, AFO customize process, gait analysis laboratory testing, data acquisition and data analyzing ( Fatone et al., 2009). Subject acquirement In this study, AFO with rocker bottom is fixed to be the interest orthosis to investigate for the entire process. From literature, an AFO rocker sole mostly applied for the purpose of offloading on diabetic patient, thus the targeted subject is diabetic patient who possess potential to occur ulceration at plantar foot (Zimmy et al., 2004; Albright et al., 2009). 5 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy are recruiting as the subjects. Subject should be free from any other physical abnormality, surgery or injury on the lower limb extremities. To be prior to their participation, informed concern was acquired from all the subjects. Equipment: AFO Fabrication Only unilateral study will be carry out which means rocker AFO will be only fabricate for either leg depends on the foot condition. Each participant will be customizing a rocker AFO which is unique with their ulceration area and foot sizes. Participants are evaluated barefoot and going through anthropometrical measurement on the affected leg by the orthotists. The AFO are custom molded by polypropylene and with a suggested 4.8 mm thick (Lam eta al., 2005). Neutral position of the AFO will be 90Â ° at foot shank ankle. Foot length of the AFO will extended distally under the toes end and trimmed along the mediolateral border of the foot. Upper part of the AFO will trimmed on posterior until about 2.5cm below fibula. Rocker sole apex has to be position according to subject pressure distribution. Usually subject affected areas are location with metatarsal and forefoot area. A consistent rocker sole design is purposed with the apex fall behind of the fifth metatarsal with an angle of 15à ‚ °. Figure 3.1 shown the rocker AFO suggested: Figure 3. Rocker AFO After rocker AFO finishing, subject request to test the fitness of the AFO. If the custom made rocker AFO raises any comfort ability issue, adjustment being done to fix it. Gait analysis laboratory testi

Friday, October 25, 2019

To his Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell and The Flea by John Donne Essay

To his Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell and The Flea by John Donne Two of the poems in Best Words are seduction poems, rather than love poems. These are To his coy mistress by Andrew Marvell and The Flea by John Donne. Compare these two poems by analysing: -  · Each poets intention  · Form of the poem  · Language used in the poem  · Your reaction to the unromantic poems. ‘Let me not to the marriage of true minders/Admit impediments, love is not love’, is one of many famous love sonnets written by William Shakespeare. He had examined different parts of love and descried to explain them in a sonnet; where as other poets have written poems with different forms and structure on their points of views about relationships and seduction. In my essay I intend to compare the similarities and differences in two different poems. They are, ‘To his coy mistress’ by Andrew Marvell which is about time and ‘The Flea’ by John Donne, to answer, ‘Are these poems really dominant with seduction?’ Firstly one similarity between Marvell’s ‘To his coy mistress’ and Donne’s ‘The Flea’ is how they both have the same intention of seducing their mistress. This is shown by ‘oh stay, thee lives in one flea spare’ and ‘and now, like amorous birds of prey. It is evident that love is not a key feature of the poet’s relationship. It’s more like a balancing act of power between them. However their mistress refuses to succumb to their master’s advantages, which lets the women be in control. This is seen by how in the 17th century, men had the say for everything that happened, so the two versifier try to seduce their mistress. It is evident that the two authors go about it in different ways. In ‘To his coy mistress’ by Marvell he... ...and Donne had generally similar ideas, on how to bed their mistress. This is shown by sharing the same, aim of the poem, through their very own mistress. The similarities can be seen by the structure and language that are also. However if that was me in that position, I would tried to out wit Donne, by showing how his intellectual powers, wouldn’t out mind me; because I would try and impersonate what the poet was trying to do, so that the poet’s intentions wouldn’t of happened, as I would make sure I was in control of the relationship. Now I will let you think of something and that is†¦What would you have done back in the 17th century? And what do you think of the poet’s back then now in the 21st century? I’ll leave that to you to think about that and how women were treated for the use of sex and not treated for their personality within that time period.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Melodramatic stage Essay

â€Å"It isn’t so free here either, Rodolfo, like you think. I seen greenhorns sometimes get in trouble that way – they think just because girls do not go around with a shawl around her head that she isn’t strict, y’know?† Girls don’t have to wear black dresses to be strict. Know what I mean?†Ã‚  Although Eddie did not absolutely loose his temper he has forewarned Rodolfo very frankly in front of the whole of household that he should keep his distance from Catherine. â€Å"Well, I always have respect †Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I know, but in your town you wouldn’t just drag off some girl without permission, you know what I mean Marco?†Ã‚  Marco who has been quiet until now cautiously says yes, he does not want to interfere between Rodolfo and Catherine but does not want to answer Eddie ‘no’ as this would make Eddie distrustful of him, which he wants to avoid.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Well he didn’t just drag her off though, Eddie.†Ã‚  Beatrice on the other hand gets fractious by this and sharply replies to Eddie, Eddie aware of her criticising force softens up but doesn’t stop. He goes on to say –  Ã¢â‚¬Å"It might be a little different here, but it is just as strict.† Rodolfo now realises Eddie’s anger for him and in a tender-hearted voice asks him-  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Did I do anything wrong.†Ã‚  Eddie now propitiates and tells him that he is not her father, but before he could finish, Beatrice ungraciously interrupts and rebukes him to be her uncle. Eddie realising her indignation keeps his temper under control, as he wants to show Rodolfo who is the person in jurisdiction of the house  Marco who has been without intervention listening to the whole matter gets up in a censurable way and asks Beatrice and Eddie to tell Rodolfo, if he has made any mistakes. Marco probably does not fully actualizes Eddie’s anger against Rodolfo yet, he thinks it is ephemeral and tries to make things more transparent and satisfy Eddie. Beatrice tells Eddie that the reason why Rodolfo and Catherine came late was because the movie ended late, but Marco tries to calm Eddie by asking Rodolfo to come home early. Eddie sensing Marco on his side tries to restrict Rodolfo’s movements and stop him going out with Catherine by saying –  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Look, kid, I am not only talking about her. The more you run around like this more chance there is that you get picked by immigration bureau†.  Beatrice senses Eddie’s intentions and again ungraciously interrupts him between his conversations and says that there is the same chance in the daytime. Until now Eddie has been attempting to make his point Non contentiously, but after being ungraciously rebuked by Beatrice, he gracelessly tells cousins that he thought they were both coming here to work and earn money, not fool around. This exceptionally strikes with Marco as he has responsibility for feeding his wife and children. Marco confirms with Eddie, that this is still the case. This embarrasses Marco, because by saying that if you are here to work than you should work, Eddie is essentially saying you can only live in my house if, you work hard and particularly mind your own business. This is of exceptional significance to Marco as he has four children and a wife who he has to send money which provides for their food and medicine, or else they would die. This is also the first awkwardness between Marco and Eddie as until now Eddie has regarded Marco as a hard working man and always respected him. Catherine who is the focal point of this entire repercussion between cousins and Eddie is now glowing with revolt against him. Catherine who is a grown up girl, who wants to be free and spend more time with Rodolfo views Eddie as someone preventing her from outside world, indeed, Eddie is obsessed with Catherine and is extremely over-protective towards her. He wants to dominate every aspect of her life, from the clothes she wears to the person she waves to and where she should go for a job. And now Catherine flushed with anger tries to disobey Eddie by inviting Rodolfo to dance with her on ‘Paper Doll’. Rodolfo, who is afraid that Eddie may make an issue of this, shows some fictional unwillingness in difference to Eddie. Beatrice countenances Rodolfo to go ahead and dance. Catherine takes Rodolfo’s hand and he stiffly rises, feeling Eddie’s eyes on his back they dance. The tension between the characters can be easily seen in their actions. Catherine’s rebellious behaviour is easily visible, when she goes to Rodolfo and takes his hand in her hand and invites him to dance. Rodolfo doesn’t easily agrees to dance, he first shows fictional unwillingness feeling Eddie’s eyes on his back, but after being inspired by Beatrice stiffly rises and goes to dance.  Eddie perceiving the tension in the house does not react to Catherine dancing with Rodolfo, but turns his head away in a very deprecate demeanour. At this point in the play, audience know that Eddie Carbone is very prophylactic towards his niece and he despises Rodolfo. This new crisis has taken a categorically different turn; Catherine is becoming more and more mutinous and Beatrice is advocating Rodolfo and Catherine. Eddie seems to be the only person secluded trying to what he thinks, protect Catherine from Rodolfo. Audience anticipate this extremity to be deciphered possibly by Beatrice. Throughout the whole play Beatrice has been impersonated by Miller as the most consequential person on Eddie Carbone, she has also actively tried to diffuse the tensions by jokes and in some contentions she has taken sides and silenced Eddie. She is also the person who is most consequential and proximate to Eddie. However, Carbone household is once again under strain, as Eddie Carbone the prophylactic, unpretentious character soon finds out that he is  Un-proficient to control his indignation, covetousness and detestation towards Rodolfo. Until now, Eddie has only been manifesting his indignation towards Rodolfo through declamation, but this melodramatically changes after Catherine, crimsoned with rebellion, disgusted with Eddie’s intervention in every countenance of her life invites Rodolfo to dance with her. This brings out an exorbitant indignation from Eddie, now we see Eddie expressing his vehemence not only through words but also through actions. After the dance, Eddie Carbone infuriated by his indignation delivers an atrocious dialogue to the whole of the household about Rodolfo.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"He’s lucky, believe me. That’s why the waterfront is no place for him. I mean like me – I can’t cook, I can’t sing, I can’t make dresses, so I’m on the waterfront. But if I could cook, if I could sing, if I could make dresses, I wouldn’t be on the water front.†Ã‚  This speech is of un-describable significance to the play. In this speech Eddie nearly exposes the whole issue in front of the whole household, by his dialogue but more by his actions. Eddie, by the end of his speech is perfunctorily twisting the newspaper in his hand in to a tight roll when it unexpectedly tears in half. This shows exasperated and how fretful Eddie has become of Rodolfo’s relationship with Catherine, and now Eddie’s indignation has reached a new level against Rodolfo and now his furore a nd ire can be seen in his actions. As seen throughout the whole play Miller uses melodramatic stage directions and often characters dramatize actions which changes the course of the whole play. For example, Eddie’s furore and ire against Rodolfo are disclosed, when Eddie rolls the newspaper in to a tight roll and then it tears in two. These types of actions not only give audiences clues of how this particular character will react to this character and to this kind of situation next time, but also gives them clues of what will happen next in the play.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Overview of the Solar Panel Industry

Global Business Operations Solar Panel Industry Student Name: student Number: Introduction The solar panel industry is a niche market dominated by a small number of large firms. Five out of the top ten biggest players In the Industry are Chinese firms. Solar panels capture sunlight and convert It Into electricity, In one of two forms; industry, due to the large market share dominated by a small number of players, furthermore, the solar panel industry not only cooperates with, but also competes with other industries such as power production and component manufacturing industries.The Solar Panel Industry The Shape of the Solar Panel Industry With five out of the biggest solar panel producers worldwide being Chinese, it is no surprise that 45% of solar panel production across the globe is by Chinese firms. The solar panel industry is the fastest growing power technology in the world, with reported yearly increases in capacity of 50%. Consisting of mainly 10 firms, the industry isn't lar ge in terms of suppliers, however, the combined revenues of these 10 firms account for $21. Ban, thus the industry is large in revenue as well as production. Growth & Global Presence The growth of the solar panel industry is fairly new, beginning in the early sass's, thus the industry is not only dominated by a few large players, but it is also maintaining its volume position as it is not going through consolidation and turning into a fragmented industry; the large firms are still growing. Competition within the industry is tight, especially since all major firms have a global presence.Any large firm involved in solar panel production without a global presence is sure to be overtaken by competitors. Product Variety & Core Business Solar panels are generally a very homogeneous product, all firms that produce them apply essentially the same product with minor variations, this makes it even more difficult to develop a true competitive advantage within the industry. The industry is main ly based on business-to-business sales; power production firms order solar panels from the producers.Other revenue streams come from foreign solar panel retailers purchasing small orders and distributing them to private buyers such as homes or offices. Innovation, R&D, and Demand conditions In order to develop and maintain a competitive advantage within the solar panel industry, it is paramount to invest in innovating and research & development. As it stands, the industry remains very linear in terms of product innovation; investments are heavy however no new technologies have yet been discovered or implemented.Since its inception, the technology implemented within solar panels has definitely increased, however there have been no significant breakthroughs that would fairly stable; prices have been more or less constant and competition tight but not extensive as the players aren't many. The industry took a blow in 2007 following the global crisis, however it recovered in 2010 and has been growing more than ever at an unprecedented pace.Vertical Integration & Production Process The Chinese firms mainly adopt vertical integration from the raw materials to the finished product, whereas USA and Japanese firms, which are the other big players, tend to outsource some production as well as import components from suppliers such as Busch. This difference arises due to the costs involved in producing and assembling solar panels; in China, availability of resources is very high, as well as cheap labor and land, thus incurring less costs, hence why Chinese firms prefer to vertically integrate their production process.Whereas for American and Japanese firms, cheap labor and production space is not available, thus it is more cost effective to outsource production and import components. Vertical integration itself is not a fully efficient way of production in the long run, as demonstrated by the automotive industry in the early 20th century. Ford adopted a full vertical integ ration production process, and while for years it remained the market leader in the USA, eventually Toyota adopted a Just-in-time production process and overtook Ford in USA market share.This is mainly due to the incurred sots of vertical integration; at an early stage of an industry as a whole, vertical integration is cheaper, however as an industry and its accompanying technologies advance, third-party firms enter niche markets of component production and it eventually becomes cheaper to outsource most of the production process. Economies of Scale The biggest advantages to the large solar panel producers arise due to their economies of scale. With a huge production capacity and an efficient supply chain, every step of the value chain from production to delivery becomes much cheaper per unit.Economies of scale acquired by solar panel producers are down to their rapid growth mainly due to their early entry into the market. There are no physical barriers to entering the solar panel i ndustry; governments actually subsidize firms who get involved in renewable energies through tax exemptions and monetary aid. However, the barriers to entry are known as ‘natural barriers', meaning that the barriers to entry that do exist are not due to regulation, but rather to the strength and size of the competitors, which in turn relates to their economies of scale which allow them to sustain production at such high capacity and cost efficiency.Value Chain Configuration Sunsets is Chinese solar panel producer, up to 2010 it was the world market leader in the solar panel industry, today it has gone down to be the 5th biggest firm. After a series of financial troubles related to defaulting on US government bonds in 2011, the firm has reported revenues of $3. 1 ban and net loss of $1 Ban (2011). Sunsets was founded in 2001 and went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2005, share price dropped 40% following its first default on government bonds.The following diagram shows Sentence's value chain process, which will be explained in more detail underneath the diagram: The first segment of the value chain is inbound logistics, since Sunsets is a vertically integrated firm, it produces its own components which are later used in the production of solar panels. The next part of the value chain is operations; this part is the most important in Sentence's value chain as it is where production takes place. The core business of Sunsets is the production of solar panels, without an impeccable product they would quickly cease to be one of the market leaders.The third step shown in the diagram is outbound logistics, this involves Sunsets distributing the finished product to its customers. Supply chain management is very important, especially since Sunsets is vertically integrated, they have their own distribution channels rather than outsourcing them, thus their customers must receive their products on time and in good condition. Marketing and sales isn't such an integral part of the value chain, as the core revenue stream for solar panel producers is business-to-business sales rather than business-to-customer, thus jugular marketing methods are not as effective.The final step of the value chain is service, mainly involving post-sale service. Given the nature of the product, solar panels actually have an average life span of 25-30 years, thus minimal service is required, however, Sunsets focuses more on actually turning the service step into a long-term relationship with customers for repeat business and long-term contracts. Sunsets is present globally, with large volume sales to Australia, USA, China, Spain, AJAX, and Brazil, it is basically present in every continent. The main customers forSunsets and other solar panel producers are power plants and solar farms, who in turn sell on the electricity they produce with the solar panels. It is a large market with very few players as power production is one of the hardest markets to enter, with extensive barriers to entry. Sentence's overall performance is dubious. On the one hand, it lead the market for many years due to its excellent quality and reputation in production, and on the other hand, it crashed due to mismanagement of resources and financial troubles.In terms of cost efficiency, Sentence's vertical integration is seemingly flawless as the hole production process is streamlined and very well coordinated, thus the conclusion in terms of performance is that operationally Sunsets is performing exceptionally well, however administratively it is performing horribly and is definitely behind its competitors. Out of the top 10 dominating firms, only two firms are running at a loss, one of which is Sunsets. Recommendations The main issue for Sunsets is mismanagement of funds, thus the main recommendations would be to change the CEO, which has actually been done.