Friday, September 6, 2019
Crossing the West and Unite Essay Example for Free
Crossing the West and Unite Essay Is Pan- Africanism merely an ideology of beliefs that belongs to a past? Historically it can be traced that Africans in their country of origin have a great civilization but why in the world would this great people need to walk a crusade like one of its forerunner’s Du Bois when he said that: â€Å"The Last Battle of the West†in liberation of the Africans. This was reechoed to the world when racial ideologies become severe in the West, in Latin America, and under the British Colony.            In the paper written by Araia it was mentioned in detail how Pan-africanism followed throughout history how the Africans were discriminated from repatriation towards the movement of the Diaspora. Some of them are also the black slaves who are treated well and given freedom by some of their masters. This loyalty taught the Diaspora to adapt the ways their masters taught them. The Africans and Diaspora experienced the same discrimination and both have adjusted to their present environs.  It was also proven that one color is not a proof of unity since man seeks to have different clichà ©s or the need to belong to a certain group. In some cases, adoption to a certain laws and culture makes a person get antagonized by two identities especially if the one being introduced is exactly opposed to his or her tradition. And with that, instead of unification a person has the guilt of having adulterated ones culture or we may say to experience a culture shock.            That shock divides, and Pan-African organizations have travelled a long way to reunite its brood. An issue that goes with identity crises is repatriation which has bad and good consequences like founding its way for a new black republic in the western hemisphere. That beginnings fostered confidence to the Diaspora and to the Africans in the continent. These are somehow, providential that the Africans scatter the world like someone says that from evil there is an abundance of good. In this scenario, we can conclude that those early Africans who crossed the continent have struggled, though some may loose their birth right marks, many have hold on to his true identity.            In one of the conferences, African’s echoed the need to be respected like all other humans as Malcolm X stated that â€Å"†¦, so that Africa too becomes respected as other huge continents are respected, then, wherever people of African origin, African heritage or African blood go, they will be respected – but only when and because they have something much larger that looks like them behind them (GAraia).† His words explained the impact of Pan-Africanism ideology towards the African experience and the Black Diaspora. To him, the proof of a good race is the good examples that will be left behind by that color and creed.  Malcolm X words mean to say, the need for the Africans to show to the world that the race came from a good and descent stock while explaining that respect begets respect. But first and foremost respect for oneself should come first.            The elevation of the human nature is based on its dignity, and for this reason it is necessary to look back to where this race belongs. It is important to see how the older ones have struggled and how did they fought squarely the battle of searching for one’s identity. Thus when it is found, is it an experience of neither dismay nor courage. The integral part of this soul searching is whether it is accepted or not but the most important thing is to gain confidence and repair whatever damage is done.            The reformist Du Boisian pan-Africanism had more influence and ideological impact on Africans in the Continent during the early part of reunification but on the later part the transatlantic Pan-Africanism focused on nationalist ideologies thru Nkrumah.     However, the vision of Garvey became relevant until today because it has promoted unity and well-being among Africans, re-examination of public policy against racism and other forms of discrimination which has resulted to security and equality, and provision of sovereignty and respect towards individual culture. Identity crisis was changed into acceptance in spite that points of view can not always be the same.            The Brazzaville and Casablanca could have been fueled by the so called identity crisis too which could have gotten down to the marrow of the new generations of the Africans in the middle of the 19th Century. The former against the bearing of a socialist mentality and the other gets intimidated of begging or having dependence on the Western aid. Those are two opposing ideological differences that have affected the political and economic perspectives of that time.            However, in the course of time different Africans groups learned to focus on their similarities to bridge the gap that has existed due to various groupings. This meeting of the minds ended in the formation of the African Unity which led by Nkrumah created the UNIA under the influence of the philosophy of Marcus Garvey to the Negritude of Cesaire and Senghor. This movement led to the search of the African identity till it is known today as African Union (AU) which was previously called Organization of African Unity (OAU).  Today, we may say that the Pan-Africanism movement has matured and was able to handle whatever difficulties they would get entangled within their individual principles and personal circumstances. Through viable global communications brought by new technology, a connection was built between Africa and its Diasporas which forge Pan-African unity transcending all unproductive dichotomies. Today’s relevance of the Pan-African            Pan-Africanism will remain the instrument of fostering unity and empowerment as long as there is marginalized Africans and Diaspora that has been continually growing in numbers. It will be the voice to call and unite, and to remind wherever this colored men are, telling each one is his brother’s keeper.            With the growing world spearheading towards globalization, there is a great need for Pan-Africanism to be a state led project in the emancipation of its great role in the 21st Century. There will be new challenges facing the Africa and the Diaspora despite of its historical achievements of decolonization and civil rights. The ideology of collective empowerment can provide a great leap for Pan-African states and societies who are merely pawns in the world arena. According to Nkrumah there is a need to pull all resources like the socio-cultural, eco-political aspects and demographic capitals to attain the Pan-African vision of the socio-economic development of all its civil societies namely the Africans and the Diasporas.            It is very striking to know that African migrants (Diaspora) today are very much educated as compared to people of its country’s origin. Making the brain drain problem severe in Africa but these international migrants who are skilled are assets for the developing countries in terms of remittances and brain mobility. Those who migrated towards the north are very much educated however they only comprise of the minority. Majority migrated to other African countries. In other words, the Diaspora represents a growing mighty force for the development of Pan-Africanism today. The African Diasporas because of their dual identities acquired from their host countries became more flexible and at the same time equipped with enormous social capital that could defend the future of Africa.            However, the government only views the Diasporas as an economic resource or by way a dollar remittance arm. They do not only exceed foreign investments cash capital but with their civic and cultural awareness could access global markets, create a more vigorous democracy that could strengthen a society that encourages growth of new philanthropic cultures. Diasporas are regarded as people with multiple identities but with commitments firmly rooted to their country of origin.            The new generation of the African Diasporas will surely bridged the gap of the Atlantic and Africa and the African American created by prejudices and the racist media. One can perceived today the growing awareness in the Pan-American consciousness for instance the assertiveness of the blacks in Brazil, the affirmation of Afrocentric culture in the US, and Afropolitan identities of the diasporas in European Countries. They are collective struggles that show the world that these African migrants are reconstructing their identities by renegotiating their place in wherever host societies they belong which is in congruent that they will attain full democratic citizenship and status, a dream that has been long awaited by their peers and fore parents.            In the long run, this presence of the Diaspora will be felt by the whole world and in order to facilitate their presence, African policy makers and Pan-Africanism should take the Diaspora options seriously. This requires networks that facilitate brain mobility, formation of diverse knowledge, and the defense to Africa which have been defamed in Euro-America.            AU with its 20 councils, promoted social and cultural contexts towards its civic organizations in order to unify and integrate Africa, an enduring dream for Pan-Africanism derived from the rising of the Diaspora’s homogenization from one’s host country. The AU is more robust organization, and is more people friendly. The OAU was preoccupied with politics, sovereignty and elite’s camaraderie. However, both are achievers in the vision of Pan-Africanism.            In its present trend, AU launched the â€Å"African Union-African Diaspora Summit at all levels of the State and Governments, with a theme â€Å"Towards the realization of a united and integrated Africa and its Diaspora†in short, after crossing the West – the African will be united. This unity hopefully will lead to a full cooperation and better understanding of every member of the Pan-African nations including the cooperation of the Diaspora host countries worldwide.            The self acceptance of the Diaspora rejuvenated Pan-Africanism with its contemporary dictum of being able to combine the old and new. Their demands are no longer driven by political independence but learning the complex ties that separate and unites them to their origin. With this knowledge, unity will not be an elusive dream to the Pan-Africanism but a way of life transcending global marginalism that has been caused by inequality of power and privileges.            The passing of time may have healed the wounds in the past; the present generations are no longer alienated to the prejudices, but men and women who are proud of their colors and traditional beliefs. These Africans are more capable of confronting the problems of today than merely following the course of history. These are men who see the world, fair and square but able to form kinship and friendship even with those who had inflicted wounds on them.            Pan-Africanism is not just an ideology it’s praxis, a chain that links all Africans of the world. It has guided the race through out history and will always be a gleaming light for those who find that multiple identities seem quite confusing. It will be a bosom for all Africans to convene, and to learn that adopting other technologies and means is not to be come inferior but teaching this race the value of genuine patriotism.            The so called ideology came from a long journey, it infiltrated the West and the Atlantic continent, and it has surrounded the world as bent on becoming a one and united dynamic race. They will be people who will not be saddened by their past mistakes but more of a people who have stand and struggled to gain respect.            These are people with human culture that is unique and these beliefs are needed to be upheld and preserved. The Pan-African vision will guide these beliefs through time which must be guided by wisdom. Loving ones country does not hate the other; nationalism is not wrong as long as we do not hate or inflict wrong another nation. Better still, we must love our own country but also loving the rest of the world and that’s what you call patriotism.            For those who are lucky to cross the West, and the other Diaspora, and those who belong to each others continent it is time to unite. After all, man belongs to one single stock – the human being with a body and soul. Diasporas from all parts of the globe or Africans alike wherever continent they belong, they are just one brother and sister who belongs to one and the same human race.            To all Africans and Diaspora the ideology of Pan-Africanism will always be behind, until the time that this race received the respect its forerunners has long waited for.  It will always be the shadow that will unite every Africans and the Diaspora who has been nurtured and taught by its adoptive nation. In turn, both will be teaching the other their ways combining new and old and giving good examples that the rest of the world will learn to admire and accept. Works Cited Ghelawdewos Araia. â€Å"The Historical and Ideological Foundations of Pan-Africanism.† 2006.
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Significance Of Physiotherapy Post Thoracotomy
Significance Of Physiotherapy Post Thoracotomy Many people who suffers from orthopedic, cardiopulmonary or neurology problems go to physical therapy seeking help. Physiotherapy is considered to be an important aspect of full recovery stages. It is an art and science which contributes to the development of heath. Physical therapy is one of the most important professions in the health care community where it can help the patients to recover through rehabilitation programs and exercises. The importances of physical therapy are represented in improving the quality of life for the patient, and returning the patient to his normal life without difficulties in performing his activity of daily living (ADLS) (1,2). Also, physical therapy helps in the prevention of impairments and limitations of activities, promotion of the general health of the patient, and providing post-operative care after surgery (3, 2, 4). Following any surgery, the patient must take physiotherapy in order to increase his endurance and functional independence (2). Mor e over, physiotherapy interventions can be used in assisting for the prevention and treatment of the complications whether it is a pulmonary or musculoskeletal after major surgeries (5). One of these major surgeries is thoracotomy. Thoracotomy is a surgical procedure where an incision is made in the chest wall to reach the thoracic organs (6). It can be done either laterally or anteriorly in order to enter the lungs, heart, esophagus, and major blood vessels (7). Thoracotomy can be done for several reasons such as: removing blood clots from the chest, removing a portion or entire lung, repairing the heart or the vessels of the lung and heart, and removing pus from the chest (8). Also, it is needed with collapsed lung, pneumothorax, emphysema, and with several situations like stab or gunshot wound that is located in the chest (7). Dealing post-operatively with thoracotomy is considered to be hard because this procedure is very painful so that it prevents the patient from breathing effectively causing pneumonia or atelactasis (8). Regarding to that, physiotherapy is very important post-thoracotomy. Physiotherapy can help patients post-thoracotomy in reducing the length of hospital stay, and improving the general fitness of the patient (9). Furthermore, physical therapy can clear the secretion and improve the chest wall mobility for those patients by breathing exercises and encourage them to cough (10). In addition to that, physiotherapists will make sure that these patients can walk independently by themselves or if they need another member to help them (10). Also, patients ability to ascend and descend the stairs will be assessed before going back home (10). -2- Body of knowledge: As mentioned above, there are some diseases or situations that may lead to thoracotomy surgery. One of these diseases is pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is defined as air leaking to the space that is located between the lungs and the chest wall (11). This air will lead the lung to be collapsed (11, 12). There are many causes that can lead to pneumothorax. Pneumothorax can be caused chest injuries and some medical procedures such as fractured rib, knife or gun shot wounds, car crash, insertion of chest tubes, and procedures using a scope down the throat and into the lung (11, 12). Also, underlying lung disease which causes the lung to be damaged leads to lung collapse. These diseases include cystic fibrosis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, asthma, lung cancer, and other lung infections (11, 12). Moreover, ruptured of the air blisters is one of these causes (11). These air blisters appears on the top of the lung and there is no apparent reason of the appearance of these blisters (11). Rupture of these air blisters can occur from the change in the air pressure like scuba diving, flying, and mountain climbing (11). Further more, severe pneumothorax can be caused by the mechanical ventilation for the breathing process (11). The mechanical ventilator works on pushing and pulling the air inside and out side the lung (11). This can lead to imbalance in the air pressure of the chest and that will cause the lung to be completely collapsed (11). Pneumothorax has three types. First one is traumatic pneumothorax that is caused by penetrating chest wound (knife stab) (12, 13, 14). Second one is spontaneous pneumothorax, which is caused by emphysema or other lung disease (12, 13, 14). The last one is tension pneumothorax where the leaking air will cause a compression on -3- the chest structures and it can be caused by trauma, lung infection, and medical procedure (12, 13, 14). Moving to the sign and symptoms that are caused by pneumothorax, they involved sharp sudden chest pain that doesnt become worse by breathing (11, 12). This pain is felt at the site of affected lung where it can lead to tightness in the chest that is felt by the patient (11, 12). Also, the symptoms contain mild or severe shortness of breath (11, 12). And that will be determined by having any underlying lung disease and depending on the extent of the collapse in the lung (11, 12). In addition to that, pneumothorax symptoms may include: rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, cough, fatigue, and skin cyanosis (bluish color) because of decreasing in the oxygen levels in the blood (12). There are some risk factors that contribute in developing pneumothorax. Some of these factors are: the gender and age of the patient where men age range between 20 and 40 years who are tall and thin are more likely to develop pneumothorax than women does (12, 11). More over, risks of pneumothorax are increased by cigarettes smoking, genetic factors where it can cause a certain type of pneumothorax, and history of previous pneumothorax (11). Any individual may develop another pneumothorax after two or three years of having an old one (11). It can be developed either in the same or the other lung (11). After discussing the risk factors of pneumothorax, complications will be now debated. Complications of pneumothorax resulted from an injury or a disease may include: recurrence of pneumothorax and persistent air leak (11). This leaking air is resulted from the lung opening that fails to close where it requires surgery in order to close that leaking (11). And, in the case of severe pneumothorax, complications may involve: cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, low blood oxygen levels, and shock (11). -4- Pneumothorax can be identified or diagnosed by examining the chest using stethoscope where it shows the decreasing or the absent in the breathing sounds (12). This examination can be supported by chest x-ray to confirm the existence of pneumothorax (12, 11). In certain situations, computerized tomography can be used in order to give detailed images (11). Regarding to the treatment of pneumothorax, it rely on the severity of the disease (11). The goal of this treatment is represented in relieving the pressure that lies on the lung, preventing recurrences, and give the lung its freedom to re-expand again (11). In case of small pneumothorax the treatment contains bed rest so that the collapse is not aggravated and it will be resolved by itself within one to two weeks (11, 12). While in case of larger pneumothorax, which is companion of underlying lung disease, chest tube is used (12, 11, 14). This chest tube is located between the ribs to the area that is filled by the air which compresses on the lung (11). The chest tube works on the removing that air from the chest cavity and it can be kept for hours or days (11). Chest tube may have some complications such as pain, infection, hemorrhage, and fluid accumulation in the lung (12). In certain situations, chest tube cannot do the desired job so that surgery is required (11, 12). Some of these situations are bronchopleural fistula (lea king that doesnt close), failure of lung re-expansion, and recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax (12, 11). Example of the surgical options involves thoracotomy (13). Pneumothorax prognosis depends on two important things: extent and type of pneumothorax (12). As mentioned before, small pneumothorax doesnt need treatment (12). But the other type (larger pneumothorax), leads to 15% of mortality rate so that it needs urgent and immediate treatment (12). Both types of pneumothorax create a recurrence rate about 40% (12). Shifting to another disease stage that also may requires thoracotomy. This -5- disease is hemothorax disease. Hemothorax is an accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity which is a space located between the chest wall and the lung (15, 16). The main cause that can leads to the development of hemothorax is a trauma to the chest (15, 16, 14). This trauma leads to a rupture for the serous membrane that covers the lung or line the thorax causing the leakage of blood to the pleural cavity (15). Other causes of hemothorax may include patients with a defect of blood clotting, placement of central venous catheter, death of lung tissue, lung or pleural cancer, and tuberculosis (15). This disease is associated by many signs and symptoms such as chest pain low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, shortness of breath, and restlessness (16). Also, the symptoms may include tracheal which means a deviation to normal side, cyanosis, decreased or absent of breath sounds on the affected side, and possibility of subcutaneous emphysema (15). Every disease is accom panied by complications. In hemothorax, the complications that are associated with it may involve pneumothorax, shock, fibrosis or scarring of the pleural membrane, and death. Hemothorax diagnosis can be done using several tests like chest x-ray, CT scan, pleural fluid analysis, and thoracentesis (16). After diagnosing hemothorax, immediate intervention should be taken to stop the bleeding and removing the blood from the pleural cavity (15). Removing that blood is the job of the chest tube which is inserted in the chest wall in a procedure that is tube thoracostomy (16, 15). The blood that is existing in the chest can be thickened and clot in the pleural cavity or within the chest tube (16). That will cause retained hemothorax in the plural cavity or occlusion of chest tube (16). As pneumothorax, if the chest tube fails in the control of the bleeding, thoracotomy surgery is necessary in order to control and stop the bleeding (15). Regarding to the prognosis of hemothorax, it rely on the cause and the -6- quick treatment for hemothorax. If hemothorax doesnt be treated, the collected blood will place a pressure on the mediastinum and the trachea (15). And this pressure will play a role in causing the deviation of trachea to normal side (15). Last disease that will be discussed is lung cancer. Lung cancer is a disease where an uncontrolled growing of the cells in the lung tissue occurs (17). This disease is the leader of the death in 1.3 million men and women worldwide (17). In case of the cancer that develops in the airway, it can causes obstruction in the air flow leading to difficulty in breathing (17). Because of this obstruction, the secretion will be accumulated and will cause pneumonia (17). Lung cancer can be caused by carcinogens like tobacco smoke that leads to synergistic effect and cause lung cancer. Also, viruses can cause lung cancer by affecting the cell cycle and by the inhibition of apoptosis which plays a role in the uncontrolled cell division. There are two main types of the lung cancer: non-small-cell lung carcinoma and small-cell lung carcinoma. It is important to determine the type of the cancer because depending on that, the treatment will vary. Sometimes non-small-cell lung carcinoma is treated by a surgery that is called lobectomy in the early stage. While in small-cell lung carcinoma using chemotherapy and radiation are more effective and give better results. Having lung cancer is associated by some signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms involve shortness of breath, hemoptysis that means coughing up blood, wheezing when listening to the chest, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Moreover, chest pain or abdomen pain, weight loss, dysphagia where the patient face difficulty in swallowing, and dysphonia which means having a hoarse voice. This disease can be diagnosed by the chest radiograph and the CT scan. In order to detect the lung cancer early, examining of the patients sputum with other screening examination are necessary. Lung cancer treatment contains several ways: -7- surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. For the prognosis of the lung cancer, it is poor for the both main types. There are some prognostic factors that may affect the prognosis. In non-small-cell lung cancer, these factors include the pulmonary symptoms, tumor size, cell type, and vascular invasion. And in the small-cell lung cancer, the factors are the performance status, gender, and the stage of the disease (17). All of these diseases may require thoracotomy surgery. Regarding the thoracotomy surgery here in Kuwait, the most common surgery that is performed normally during thoracotomy is the lobectomy surgery where it means removal of a whole lung lobe. Thoracotomies surgeries usually take 3 to 4 hours (8). During the procedure, the patient will be under general anesthesia and he will be lying on his side with an elevation of his arm (7, 8). Then an incision will be made (7,8). If it is an anterior thoracotomy, the incision will be vertical from the base of the neck to the l ower end of the sternum (7). And if it is a lateral thoracotomy, the incision will be between two ribs from the front to the back where the ribs will be spread from each other (7, 8). In some cases part of the ribs will be removed (7,8). Lateral thoracotomy Anterior thoracotomy After that, chest tube will be inserted when the procedure is done in order to ensure and allow the blood and the air to get out from the chest (7, 8). Finally, stitches will be used to close the incision and the chest will be bandaged to avoid the infection (7, 8). Following thoracotomy, the patient will stay at the hospital for 5 to 10 days unless -8- complications have been developed (8). Some of these complications are: bleeding, infections, blood clots, and severe pain (8, 7, 6). The risk of these complications may be increased by several factors such as previous stroke or heart attack, age, trauma, and heavy smoking (8). AS any surgery thoracotomy patients will receive post-operative care. At the hospital, the patient will be on IV lines and tubes and he will receive antibiotics, pain medicine, anti nausea drugs. And the patient will be referred to the physical therapy (8). After being discharged from the hospital, the patient must follow some guidelines in order to help in early recovery. Some of these guidelines are drinking plenty of fluids, avoid smoking, and avoid environments that have germs or chemical irritants (8). Most of the patients are worried about returning to the work after the surgery. While working some activities should be avoided like lifting or pushing heavy objects until he completely recovers and the inc ision completely healed (8). Also, patient should avoid prolonged standing for several weeks (7). Moreover, the patient must contact his doctor in case of any of the following occurs: difficulty in breathing, coughing up yellow, green or bloody mucus, severe vomiting, excessive bleeding and increasing in pain (8). PT Role: Back to the role of physiotherapy, it is very important in enhancing the patients health after thoracotomy surgery. Physiotherapy interventions will cover three main areas: chest care, general mobility, and home advices (18). Regarding to the chest care, any individual who is undergoing major surgery will develop chest problems (18). These chest problems will occur either if the patient has or has no history of smoking and chest problems (18). There are many reasons behind the development of these problems after thoracotomy surgery. These reasons include: the anesthetic gases -9- where they work on increasing the amount of secretion production, making the patient breaths shallowly, and making the patient cough less effectively of the gluey secretion (18). Also, the operation itself is one of these reasons. While performing thoracotomy surgery, the lungs are not fully inflated so that they need to be re-expanded following the surgery (18). Other reasons are the wound and the patient posture where the feeling of the discomfort may leads to the inhibition of the deep breathing and coughing effectively, and the patients posture also leads to chest problems. Slumped posture whether it was in sitting or lying can leads to the inability of taking full deep breath. In addition to all that reasons, decreased in the activity level of the patient considered to be one of the chest problem reasons. This decrease in the level of the activities after the operation can cause an accumulation of the secretion and the shallow breathing. In order to recover and prevent the chest problems, the physiotherapist will give the patient a variety of breathing exercises like segmental breathing exercise and sustained breathing exercise. And these exercises must be done in the up right position. Also, physiotherapists will teach the patient the effective way of coughing in order to get rid of the secretion. In addition to that, the patient will be taught how to use the spirometer to increase the amount of inhaled and exhaled air. Moving to the general mobility that can also aids in the prevention of the chest problems and other complications. Following the surgery, physiotherapist will make the patient sit out of the bed in a chair to enhance and increase the depth of breathing. Then, the physiotherapist will work on making the patient walks as soon as possible. Walking exercises helps in the airway clearance, taking deep breath, and increasing the patients strength after thoracotomy surgery. Day by day the physiotherapist will increase the amount of walking. Also, shoulder mobility is one of the mobility -10- exercises that will be given to the patient. Shoulder mobility on the affected side is an important exercise that must be done after the surgery to help in the improvement of the range of motion and in the prevention of the joint stiffness. Moreover, physiotherapist will provide the patient with postural exercises and advices because he will lean toward the operated side in order to decrease the pain. This leaning will lead to a neck and back pain and stiffness. So being in the up right position will prevent that pain and stiffness. When its the time to return back home and being discharged, the physiotherapist will give the patient a home program. After being discharged, the patient must continue with the exercises that he was doing with the physiotherapist in the hospital. The patient must keep on doing the breathing exercises to enhance the function of the lungs. Also, the patient must not stop the shoulder and the postural exercises so that the therapist makes sure that the movement will be maintained. Finally, the patient has to continue with the walking exercise and gradually increase its amount and he also can climb stairs to improve his strength (18). There are some studies that were done in order to prove the effectiveness of the physiotherapy post-thoracotomy surgery. Back in the year 2006, Ganzalo Varela and others did a study. This study was done to evaluate the influence of implementing a routine program of intensive chest physiotherapy on post operation respiratory morbidity and hospital costs in a series of pulmonary lobectomy patients during thoracotomy. 639 patients were asked to stop smoking before 3 weeks from the surgery. Subjects were assigned into control and physiotherapy treatment group. Before starting the physiotherapy program, patients were encouraged by the nurses to ambulate and to perform deep breathing maneuvers using incentive spirometer. The physiotherapy program was started before one day of surgery till the discharge day. -11- During the physiotherapy program, the patients were using a treadmill and an ergometer bicycle under the supervision of the physiotherapist. Using the treadmill and the ergometer bicycle helps in performing an effective cough and deep inspiratory maneuvers. Also, the program contains arm and shoulder exercises to prevent upper extremity impairment. The outcomes that were studied were the occurrence of post operative pulmonary complications (pneumonia and atelectasis), post operative death, and the length of hospital stay. Regarding the length of stay, it was measured from the admission date to the discharged date. The results of the study were positive. Concerning the mortality rate, it was lower in the physiotherapy treatment group (0.8% in physiotherapy group, 3.5% in the control group). And for the rates of the pneumonia and atelectasis, they were also lower in the physiotherapy treatment group. Rates of pneumonia were 5% in physiotherapy group, and 9.2% in the control group. For the atelectasis rates, they were 2% in the physiotherapy group and 7.7% in the control group. Finally concerning the length of stay, its median was 5.73 days (range, 3-22 days) in the physiotherapy group and 8.33 days (range, 3-40 days) in the control group (19). Another study was done in the year 2008, in order to look for the physiotherapy effectiveness in the reduction of the post operative pulmonary complications, pain, and lenght5 of stay. The subjects were assigned to a group that receive physiotherapy treatment or a group that receive an information sheet only. And the results of the study were proving the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions (20). -12- Conclusion: According to the previous discussion and studies, the physical therapy has a role in preventing and treating the patientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s problems post- thoracotomy surgery. From the preventive side, the physiotherapists work on eliminating, decreasing, and preventing the impairments and the limitations of the patientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s activity. These limitations and impairments can be developed after the surgery if there was no care or if they have been neglected. Because of that, the physiotherapists are taking these preventions in order to limit those limitations and impairments. And from the treatment side, the physiotherapists are giving the patients treatment exercises that help in solving and treating the complications that already develop after thoracotomy or any surgery. These complications are the chest problems either it was secretion production, decreased chest expansion. -13-
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Current Macroeconomic Environment And Policy Of Australia Economics Essay
Current Macroeconomic Environment And Policy Of Australia Economics Essay A strong economy displays characteristics of maximizing growth as well as internal and external balance whilst minimising inflation, foreign debts and liabilities. There are various policies in Australia governing the macroeconomics including Fiscal and Monetary policies. Both these policies influence the economy through altering aggregate demand. In the last three years, since the onset of Global Financial Crisis, Australia has applied both expansionary monetary and fiscal policies to increase aggregate demand. There seems to be a general agreement amongst the economists with regards to the success of the monetary policy implemented. However the only general consensus with regards to the effectiveness of the fiscal policy is that there is no consensus. Key macroeconomic indicators Australias macroeconomic health same as the rest of the world is governed by factors of Gross Domestic Product(GDP),unemployment, price fluctuations, total nations income per year, interest rates, inflation, government spending, tax system, exchange rates, Consumer Price Index(CPI), consumer credit, foreign trades and value of currency. As oppose to Microeconomics, Macroeconomics deals with totals or aggregates. Gross Domestic Product Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is the single best measure of a nations economic wellbeing. It measures the total value of goods and services produced in a country in one single year (Liu,EC 5103 lecture notes,2009). GDP = Consumption + Investment + Government Spending + Net export. There are three approaches to calculating GDP Expenditure approach calculates the final spending on goods and services. Product approach calculates the market value of goods and services. Income approach sums the income received by all producers in the country. Problems with using GDP alone as a measure of economic wellbeing is that by itself, GDP does not give any information on income distribution in the country nor takes into account the effect of negative externalities on economic growth such as pollution or the effect of positive externalities such as health and education( Trading Economist, n.d). Taxes and interest rates influence GDP over time. Non economical factors influencing GDP include war, drought, natural and man made disasters. Figure 1. Australia GDP growth rate- Period 2006-2010 Source: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/Economics/GDPGrowth.aspx?Symbol=AUD#ixzz0i0dpV4ucConf_2009.htm Consumer Price Index The best price index measure is the Consumer Price Index (CPI). CPI is used to calculate the inflation rate and is also a measure of the change in cost of living over time. Business Cycle Fluctuations in economic activity over a period of time are reflected in the business cycle. Figure 2: Business Cycle Different stages of economy over a period of time Source: http://www.thebluecollarinvestor.com/blog/wpcontent/uploads/2008/11/business-cycle-graph-better.jpg The growth rate of Real Gross Domestic Product is used for measuring the fluctuations in the business cycle. Economists argue that higher interest rates can motivate the households for savings, and supply more loanable funds in the market, in form of bank deposits. Increased savings results in reducing foreign dependence which in turn accelerates economic growth due to higher investments. McKinnon (1973) and Shaw (1973) cited in Shrestha, M. B., Chowdhury, K. 2005, further assert that higher real interest rate also helps channel the capital to the most efficient industries and help development and technological advancement leading to economic growth. The aforementioned reiterates the fact that both fiscal and monetary policies are used to smooth out the business cycle. Commodity Prices and Trade One of the key contributors to Australias economic condition is the international economic activities in particular the commodity prices which is reflected in the Terms of Trade i.e. ratio of exports to imports prices (White, 1994). Since Australias export of commodities is large and the import is relatively stable, the world economy trades more with Australia hence strong Term of Trade is one of the key reasons for an increase in standard of living in Australia. The recent rise in global commodity prices due to increase demand in China and a drop in the price of imports mainly from China has allowed Australia to achieve a higher Term of Trade above its average. In 2005 Australia entered into an agreement with the US on Free Trade (Australian US free Trade Agreement- AUSFTA). Other countries that have FTA with Australia include New Zealand, Singapore, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea (Travel Document System, n.d). Farm output Farm output also appears to be a key determinant of the economic activity of Australia. This is influenced by factors such as drought. For instance, the major drought of 1980s was one of the key contributors to the disparities between the growth in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and Australia (White, 1994). Government spending Government spending in infrastructure such as water, transport, telecommunication, education and health are aimed to expand Australias supply capacity such as plans to improve irrigation infrastructure and buy back unused water allocation along the Murray-Darling river. Environment: climate change Climate change must also be mentioned in this context. A report commissioned by the former Howard government recommended a domestic carbon emission scheme emphasizing that Australia should have an active role in developing a global carbon emissions trading scheme. The Rudd government aims to introduce a carbon trading system by 2011 and reduce emissions by 5% by 2020 (from 2000 levels). Interest Rates Interest rate is defined as the percentage rate per annum that a borrower pays to the lender or the cash rate which is the rate charged on overnight loans between the financial intermediaries. Interest rate has a negative effect on the money demand as shown below. Australia is a price-taker in global capital markets, so the Australian interest rates move with the global financial market trends. Interest rates are generally higher in Australia and New Zealand compared to the international standards largely due to strong fiscal policies relative to other developed countries (Kirchner, 2007, p. 11-15). In Australia, the Reserve Bank (RBA) determines the interest rate. It does so by changing the amount of money supplied, in other words by altering the equilibrium quantity of money supplied and money demanded. Australias interest rate is currently at 4.0 percent according to the data published by the Trading Economics in March 2010. Table 1. As at 31.03.2010, Australia has the highest interest rate amongst developed countries. The Reserve Bank of Australia 4% Bank of Canada 0.25% Bank of England 0.5% Bank of Japan 0.1% European Central Bank 1% Federal Reserve 0.25% Swiss National Bank 0.25% Source: http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/interest-rates-table/ Figure 3. A graphical demonstration of the effect of change in money supply on the interest rate. Source: Source: (Liu, EC 5103 supplementary notes, 2009) Figure 4. Australias Interest Rate- Period 2000-2010 Source: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/Economics/Unemploymentrate.aspx?Symbol=AUD#ixzz0i0ejiErm Unemployment rate Unemployment rate refers to the % labour force that are unemployed and actively pursuing a job. The unemployment rate is negatively related to the real GDP i.e. falling GDP results in an increase in unemployment and vice versa. As at January 2010 based on data published by Trading Economics the unemployment rate is 5.30 percent. Figure 5. Australia unemployment rate Source: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/Economics/Unemploymentrate.aspx?Symbol=AUD#ixzz0i0ejiErm Inflation rate Inflation rate refers to the % rate of increase in the average level of prices measured against a standard level of purchasing in the economy. According to the latest figures published by the Trading Economics the Inflation rate was 2.10 percent in December 2009. Inflation rate is best reflected in the CPI or the GDP deflator. Figure 6. Australia Inflation rate based on CPI- Period 2008-2010 Source: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/Economics/InflationCPI.aspx?Symbol=AUD#ixzz0i0eRh6VH Consumer Credit One of the major contributing factors that led to the recent Global Financial Crisis was the lack of regulation with relation to consumer credit originating in the United States. Money for institutions to borrow and lend was easily accessible which eventuated in sub-prime mortgages and what has come to be known as NINJA loans (No Income No Job or Assets). This toxic debt was then sold globally through various hedge funds. Although affected by the rest of the world through the freezing of credit markets, Australia has managed to remain in relatively stable position in comparison to the rest of the major economies. This, in part, can be attributed to the regulations enforced through the Consumer Credit Code (Appendix 1). Constant reviews and amendments of macroeconomic policy in relation to consumer credit regulation have contributed to Australias robust financial system in comparison to the majority of other developed nations [1] . Gold and Foreign Currency reserves The Reserve bank of Australia (RBA) has the responsibility of owning and managing the foreign currency and reserves for Australia [2] . On average, countries hold 10 per cent of their reserves in gold, although the proportion varies widely from one country to another. The Reserve Bank of Australia holds just 80 tones of gold, or 6 per cent of its total foreign reserves. The bank sold down its gold holdings in 1997 and its reserves are now largely held in US Treasuries and other government bonds. The reserves are used, when required, to keep the Australian dollar steady in times of volatility. (Bourlioufas,N. 2008). Several reasons exist for the reduction in gold holdings for Australia such as: Lack of income that it produces The cost of storage/security Inability to put value behind the Australian Dollar. Appendix 2 displays the RBAs current reserve holdings for 2009/2010. The amounts are displayed in Australian dollars and are subject to movement based on current exchange rates. Taxation (GST) One of the many aspects in taxation is the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is a value added tax on the supply of goods and services in Australia. Until the introduction of the GST, Australia operated a Wholesale Sales Tax (WST), which imposed a tax on wholesale of goods. The GST was introduced to bridge the unfair tax gaps between service based businesses and suppliers of goods (GST Australia, 2009). In Australia the GST is levied at a flat 10%, which is collected from the buyer, which shifts the demand curve downward by the size of the tax, which effectively means both buyers and sellers share the burden of the tax (Mankiw, 2008). National income and output Measures of national income and output are used as an estimate of total economic activity by including Gross domestic profit, gross national product, and net national income. Each of these aspects is in relation with the total amount of goods and services within a country. The National income and output values are of importance for a variety of users such as the Reserve bank, academics, and private as well as the Australian government to allow the government to make interventions into the economy based off current and accurate information, as well. (Australia Bureau of Statistics, 2008) Macroeconomic Policies in Australia The goals of economic policy makers are: Maintaining real GDP growth constant and positive Maintaining unemployment rate low Minimising inflation The most important contributor to the economic growth is aggregate demand (effecting GDP). Both monetary and fiscal policies effect aggregate demand. How is this game being played? Should RBA consider a looser fiscal policy when determining interest rates? Or should the government consider the possibility of a rate cut when deciding on fiscal stimulus? Aggregate Demand (AD= C+I+G+NX) is effected by factors such as: Capital investment boom Rise/fall of exchange rate Consumer boom in a country that Australia has trade agreement with A boom in housing market A share price slump Unexpected cut/rise in interest rate Monetary policy Monetary Policy through the effect of the exchange rate influences the economy. Exchange rates also influence the inflation which in turn affects the trade (export and import). Exchange rates are influenced by factors such as commodity prices and interest rates. This reiterates how the determinants of macroeconomics are intertwined. Monetary policy is set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to influence the supply (availability) of money and credit within the economy in an effort to stimulate growth and stabilise the financial system. Monetary policy influences the interest rates through purchasing and selling of government bonds. When RBA purchases government bonds to increase liquidity, it results a lower interest rate and lower unemployment. During the periods of high inflation, RBA sells government bonds resulting in an increase in interest rates. Effects of monetary policies are: In short term, a tight monetary policy results in a decrease in the prices of Goods and Services as well as higher disposable incomes hence an increase in the households demands. In long term, household demands decrease due to reduced income and increased unemployment. Reserve Bank Act 1959 establishes the objectives of the monetary policies [3] . Fiscal Policy: Fiscal policy targets both consumption and capital spending. It influences economic activities through government budget. The budget is announced yearly in May stating the government Revenue (T) and Expenditure (G). By varying the amount of spending, a fiscal policy may achieve one of the following: Fiscal surplus- when G Fiscal deficit- when T Balanced budget- when T=G When government wishes to stimulate economic growth, it applies an expansionary fiscal policy through increase in government spending and tax cuts which in turn increase consumption and investment. On the contrary, if government decides to slow down the economy, it applies a contractionary fiscal policy. Global Financial Crisis and Australias Response Deteriorating housing market in the US was the trigger to the onset of GFC in the world. Banks tightened lending policies; credit became more expensive and this led to a restrained aggregate demand resulting in weakness in world economic activity. The policies of governments around the world in response to GFC were aimed to address these weaknesses. Since the onset of GFC in 2007 Australia has responded by conducting monetary and fiscal policies. Both Short term and long term implications of these policies have to be considered to determine their effectiveness Analysis of Australias Monetary Policy in response to GFC During the GFC, expansionary monetary policies were implemented in Australia in response to the contraction in aggregate demand. RBA increased liquidity through multiple purchases of government bonds resulting in a decrease in interest rate through shifting the LM curve down and IS curve left. Figure 7. Shifts in LM and IS curve reflecting on the interest rate Source: http://www.rba.gov.au/econ-compet/2009/pdf/second-prize.pdf The lower interest rate led to a decrease in cost of borrowing which resulted in lower incentive for saving and ultimately led to an increase in consumption which resulted in the aggregate demand curve to shift to the right (figure 8). Figure 8. Expansionary Monetary Policy and its effect on Aggregate Demand Source: http://www.wcc.hawaii.edu/facstaff/briggsp/Macroeconomics/Chap_34_MonetaryFiscal.pdf Analysis of Australias Fiscal Policy in response to GFC The $42 billion economic stimulus plan of Rudd government between December 2008 and February 2009was intended to stimulate aggregate demand (Treasury, 2009). The focus of this package was mostly on investment in infrastructure which was predicted to have a larger effect on the economy in long run than in short run (Australian Government, 2010). It also provided incentives to housing as well as cash bonuses to stimulate consumption in short run. The inherent weakness of such cash bonuses is where people save their bonuses instead of spending it. Figures published by ABS demonstrate that immediately after the stimulus payments were made, there was a massive hit on spending by Australians households but this slowed down after 3 months (Insider retailing, 2010). According to the latest figures published by Trading Economics on 03.03.2010 and ABS, Australias economy grew at the fastest pace in the last quarter in almost 2 years. Table 2 demonstrates some of these figures published in this report. Table2: Australias economic figures March 2010. Percent Increase/Decrease % Comparison Period GDP à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ‘ 0.9 Last Quarter Growth à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ‘ 2.7 Last Year Current Account à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ‘ 19 to $17,459 b at December 2009 September 2009 Machinery Equipment spending à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ‘ 10.9 Last Quarter Households spending à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ‘1.8 Last Quarter Unemployment rate à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ â€Å" to 5.3 Last 11 months Australian Dollar à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ‘ against $US and  £ British 25 year high against  £ British Interest rate à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ‘ by 0.25 Source: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/Economics/GDPGrowth.aspx?Symbol=AUD#ixzz0i0diuCw6 Also http://abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[emailprotected]/mf/5302.0/ Economists believe that the underlying reason for Australias Economic performance is Rudds Government stimulus package as well as increase in export however the widened account deficit of 19% in December 2009 figures is mainly due to an increase in imports. One of the consequences of this is expected to be a 1.3% decrease in Australias GDP therefore the recovery period is going to be weak (Market watch, 2010). Figure 9.Effect of fiscal stimulus on real GDP (forecasts from May 2009 Budget) Source: http://www.treasury.gov.au/documents/1686/HTML/docshell.asp?URL=Australian_Business_Economists_Annual_Forecasting_Conf_2009.htm The unemployment rate has dropped by 5.3% and the number of people employed has increased by 52700. This will put more pressure on RBA to increase interest (The Australian, n.d). Figure10. Effect of fiscal stimulus on the unemployment rate (forecasts from May 2009 Budget) Source: http://www.treasury.gov.au/documents/1686/HTML/docshell.asp?URL=Australian_Business_Economists_Annual_Forecasting Treasury secretary Ken Henry warns of the adverse shocks to financial markets despite the fact that GFC seems to have passed. Further more he explains that fiscal circumstances improve as the economy strengthens. As the economy strengthens, other things being equal, there is increasing upward pressure on prices and monetary responses to that (The Australian, n.d). In his book The Great Crash of 2008, the economic advisor Ross Garnaut, warns Kevin Rudd of hard times ahead in terms of lower living standards and economic wellbeing as a result of stimulus response to GFC (The Australian, October2009). Garnauts point of view is also shared by many other economists who consider the stimulus package a dangerous revival of a discredited Keynesianism which focuses on the short term aggregate spending as the source of growth in the economy. Some point out that fiscal policies result in an interest rate rise which has a crowding out effect on the expansion due to export and import. Hence they argue the ineffectiveness of Australias fiscal policy. The supporters of Stimulus package on the other hand argue that the spending avoided further economic contraction at the right time boosting consumers and businesss confidence and hence avoiding a recession. They also argue back with regards to trade issue pointed above, in the sense that Australias trade share is 47% of GDP which is less than the 60% quoted in previous studies as a benchmark of ineffectiveness of fiscal stimulus. They therefore argue that because of the lower trade share the fiscal stimulus has been effective in Australia (The Australian, n.d). Irving Fischer, the renowned American economist contributed to the economics in many ways one of which is his theory of Inter-Temporal Choice, which describes that through time savings, interest rates and investments are related(The Australian, n.d.). His theory highlights that present economic decisions have to have the future in mind [4] . Discussion There has been increasing concern amongst the economists in Australia about the sustainability of the fiscal policy in particular with regards to a solution for the current government deficit of $17.459 billion (Table 1). Australia has had challenging times in maintaining a stable economic condition. The recent Global Financial Crisis (GFC) that started in 2007 imposed great pressure on the economy. Nevertheless implementation of the fiscal and monetary policies achieved a better than expected performance by the economy (Budget, 2009-10), with forecasts of stronger growth and lower unemployment. Rudds Stimulus package through its fiscal expansionary characteristics seems to have been an appropriate response to the GFC in stabilizing the output levels however there is great concerns regarding the future of the economy. Did our politicians throw in a Keynesian based fiscal stimulus package without consideration of future consequences of it? Was there any vote buying elements incorporated in the design of it? There is a general consensus amongst the economists on the effectiveness of lowering interest rates as a monetary response to GFC by RBA which was also assisted by a depreciated exchange rate. On the other hand the fiscal policy has generated a lot of debate amongst the economists with no consensus on its effectiveness in sight. This is mainly due to the long lasting effect of the fiscal stimulus as oppose to short term, temporary and more reversible effect of the monetary stimulus. Kevin Rudds Fiscal stimulation concentrated on aggregate spending in short term to boost economic growth as per the Keynesian model. This has been proven to be the case in Australia however the unproductiveness of this large scale spending and the deficit resulting from it is far from a perfect economic condition. Does Kevin Rudd share the thought with John Maynard Keynes of in the long run we are all dead? If so are we, the Australian people supposed to suffer the consequences of his 17 billion dollars debt through our taxes, higher interest rates and higher inflation? If Irving Fisher was alive and if he was with Kevin Rudd when he was signing on the stimulus package, perhaps he would have reminded the prime minister that although his short term fiscal stimulus policy would increase public spending, it would show no regards to achieving long term high standard of living for Australian people. The side effects of the fiscal cash out include: Increasing future taxes to pay for the debts Higher interest Likelihood of inflation (as history shows us that the easiest way out of public debt has traditionally involved money creation). So was Kevin Rudds big night out worth the next days hangover of a budget deficit that adds to public debts which would further drain the economy? Or has the government designed an appropriate fiscal rebalancing strategy that it hasnt shared with Australian public yet?
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Wheel chair tennis :: essays research papers
          Tennis Populations 1. Wheel chair tennis 2. Hearing impaired 3. Learning disabilities      Wheelchair tennis won’t come easy to a new comer but with practice you can only get better. I would rate wheelchair tennis not a 1 or 2 (easy) because its hard to do two things at once. Positioning yourself in a wheelchair to hit a tennis ball before it bounces twice can be difficult. I would rate this activity a 3 due to having tennis skill and wheelchair handling capability. Wheelchair tennis is for every level but to have the basics of moving around the court and learn how to hit different types of shots with a tennis racquet can be challenging.      Wheelchair tennis started in 1976, when Brad Parks introduced the potential of this new sport. Since 1976, wheelchair tennis has been the fastest growing and one of the most challenging and exciting of all wheelchair sports. It has provided opportunities for many disabled people to enjoy competitive tennis, as well as sharing experiences with both able-bodied and disabled friends of all age groups.      A little over a decade later since it was first introduced, with its fast growth and popularity, the IWTF (international wheelchair tennis federation) formed in 1988. The new sport grew throughout the country and even overseas. As fast as the sport grew one of the major problems was lack of equipment. Over the year, many players have donated their old wheelchairs to new and developing countries to help them start a wheelchair program. Wheelchair tennis has the same rules as a regular tennis game, except the only rule difference is the ball can bounce 2 times instead of once.                     The Mission statement for Wheelchair Tennis: The ITF is the international governing body for tennis, including wheelchair tennis. It aims to provide, promote and develop opportunities for men, women and children with disabilities to participate in recreational and competitive wheelchair tennis at all levels from novice to the professional player. As the governing body of tennis, the ITF provides a leading role in the administration of wheelchair tennis. The ITF aims to ensure that a fair and equal opportunity is provided for all those entitled to play under its eligibility rules and that the Rules of Wheelchair Tennis are implemented according to the standards expected of an international body. The ITF aims to work together with National Tennis Federations, National Disabled Sports Organizations and National Wheelchair Tennis Organizations to provide opportunities for all involved in wheelchair tennis and to encourage integration with able-bodied tennis whenever possible.
Monday, September 2, 2019
The Teaching Profession Essays -- Teacher Education
I am a teacher, an educator of our youth. I am amongst the thousands of educators that facilitate the learning process to children ages five to eighteen. Along with my peers, I guide, mentor, inform, inspire, encourage, and provide many opportunities that allow our youth to learn for themselves. We do not just read from books or give exams, we interact with each student, building a relationship so we may help create well-rounded learners so they may be able to reach their full potential and surpass their goals. As a teacher, we know how to intervene, provide positive reinforcement, and allow students to make mistakes so they may try for themselves and build confidence within themselves and reap the fruits of achievement. When a student achieves, we all achieve. A true educator teaches as a way of life rather than teach to live. Teachers are always learning and wanting to gain more knowledge to pass along to their students. As a teacher, I must have a belief system that guides my actions as an educator. 1. I believe than education is the most single important aspect in a person’s life. As a teacher, we are the life source of discovery and knowledge. It is our duty to nurture each individual student by allowing him or her to excel not only intellectually but also developmentally, emotionally, physically and socially. 2. I believe that all students should be treated equal regardless of any special needs. 3. I believe my classroom will be an accessible and safe environment that fosters respect, trust, dignity and participation that allows students to learn. 4. I believe that my curriculum should and will be adjusted, so that all of my students may be able to compete on an equal level. 5. I believe that if I demonstrate a pos... ...es Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/account/cornerstones/ny.pdf Douglas Davis. (2007). A Quality Education? Journal of Philosophy and History of Education, 57, 18-25. Office of Educational Management - NYSED: Contracts for Excellence: Model Programs. (2010). Ed Management Services. Retrieved December 10, 2010, from http://www.p12.nysed.gov/mgtserv/C4E/htm/ModelPrgmsforLEP-ELLs8-08.html Taylor, J., Stecher, B., O'Day, J., Naftal, S., & Carlson Le Floch, K. (2010). State and Local Implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act (No. Volume IX) (pp. 1-294). U.S. Department of Education, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development, Policy and Program Studies Service. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/disadv/nclb-accountability/nclb-accountability-final.doc
Learning and change
Learning is a continual process when people learn they generate ideas and they test them to their own values. When the ideas survive the test then learning has occurred (Schaveran, 2007). In my opinion, learning only occurs after information is filtered through ones brain and one that is retained in the long-term memory is what is learned. This is because not all information gathered or exposed to is relevant. The brain uses selective criteria in choosing what tom process and store. Most times, what we can relate to in terms of previous knowledge and/or experience is easily retained or learned, as opposed to new and abstract information. Perhaps this is the reason why it is said that learning is biologically based.Learning is f g.t.r process meaning it followers a generate test and regenerate cycle. At least this is according to the biologically based generative theory of learning. This theory is built upon three premises. One, that values drive le arning, two that learning occurs by selection and three that learning is progressive (Schaverien, 2007) contrary to common thought learning is not a one-time affair, biological learning takes times and at the primary level it may take as long as 20 years for it to occur.This is because at the primary level. Genetic knowledge transfer from one living thing to another say through reproduction takes time. At the secondary level i.e. within the immune system and brain the time frame is shorter while at the territory level that is through studying our history and culture knowledge transfer is relatively quicker (Schaverein, 2007) Perhaps this sound like technical jargon but Hutching puts a better perspective on the whole concept of time learning. He says,Education is not a segregated activity conducted hours in certain places at a certain time of life. It was the aim of society. The city educated the man. The Athenian was educated by culture by paideia (Hutchins 1970:133) Learning has always been an intriguing concept to curious minds such as those of psychologist mostly because it is unseen and intangible process. Psychologists such as Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, John Locke, Ivan Pavlov, BF Skinner, Jerome Brunner, George Kelly and Wolfgang Kohler are some of the key psychologist who contributed significant theories, which try to explain learning.This paper draws from a workplace context of how learning occurs; it also tracks ideas about growth and development in the work place basing argument from certain theories of learning. It will also speculate on the various kinds of learning support in the workplace.Human growth and development occurs in stages. In this workplace context, I choose to focus on Erickson’s model of lifespan development and how it affects the workplace learning and change, Erickson’s model concerns itself with psychosocial department of human beings. It specifically touches on social roles and relati onship of individuals and how they progress from childhood to late stages of life theory proposes.This theory proposes eight stages of life, which occurs in the same order to all individuals. (Barbara & Newman, 2005).   This first stage revolves around trust and infants experience it. At the stage there is need fell that one can depend on those around him. This stage is very crucial to an individual and affects learning in the progressive stages if an infact gains trust in his environment, she/he learns to trust others. The second stage is characterized by struggle for autonomy and doubt. This stage occurs at about age 2-3 where by the infant seeks independence of others yet finds that the support of others is in dispensable.At this stage both of these aspects are crucial since without independence a child is clubbed with self-doubt when doing things on his own, at the same time support from others equally important for growth. The third stage at about age3-6 i s characterized by struggles between initiative and guilt. At this point, children not allowed to follow their own course are crippled with guilt whenever they do so. This could lead to over dependence on others. The fourth stage occurs at age seven through to early puberty. This stage is characterized by internal conflict between industry and inferiority.During this stage, there is great interest to tackle tasks performed by adults. Failures influence the Childs inferiority complex. Similarly, successes build self-confidence and superiority complex. Adolescence is the next stage characterized by confusion between self-identity and societal role. There is a poor coordination between self-identity and life goals. Failures are associated failure in life. This is a very destructive behaviour such as drug abuse, dropouts and alcoholism. The sixth stage is young adulthood. At this stage struggles between confusion and self-identity have bee n resolved. However, there is struggle between intimacy and partners and careers. Some people combine this stage with the adult years since these years are ones that an individual is at their prime.However, the struggles in the adult years are different at the stage a person is at struggles between generativity and stagnation. This is owing to the many demands of life at this stage say advancement in career, productivity at work and at home and risk of stagnation. The last stage is the senior years mostly the years after retirement. At this stage, an individual is at crossroads between feeling of integrity and despair. In these reflective years, a person recollects how he/she spent his life and gauges whether it was in vain or it was meaningful. Feelings of despair arise when on individual feels that there is nothing more left for him/her in this life.I suppose one may be justified to wonder what Erickson’s model of lifespan development has to do w ith learning and change. As seen, each stage of life is characterized by struggles and these struggles must be overcome for an individual to develop to a healthy adult capable of learning. Individuals who had or have difficulty of resolving these struggles depict certain deficiency in learning personally; I have a problem with trusting myself to do something right alone. Perhaps, this distrust originates from the fact that I was not encouraged to follow my own initiative during the stage where individuals have need to have autonomy and initiative. Such people usually have difficulty in learning new things and being innovative at the workplace.These doubts and guilt hinder them from expressing new ideas and learning through training and delegation is slow. The sixth stage of development has implication on learning in the workplace. Young adults are motivated but an internal need to be generative and productive. This means that they are more flexible and in terested in learning new things. Similarly, their brains are at their sharpest and they feel inclined to generate alternatives approaches to problems. Given a rich environment and the right organization culture, their potential is boundless.  The biological based generative theory of determines what information is learnt and which is discarded. Values are formed at each level of development. Young adults who have positive values attached to learning and their self-concept are able to generate their own views hence learning. (Finger & Asà ºn, 2000)  They are also able to relinquish meaningless ideas and build on them to make powerful ones.ConclusionIn summary, it is worthwhile to expose the kinds of learning support that might work in the workplace. The ideal learning situation should be one that allows individuals to construct their own ideas and subject them to the g-t-r cycle inorder to validate learning. The workplace should be one that enables an individual to have a degree of autonomy and initiative in initiating and sustaining learning. Young adults should be accorded tasks that challenge them so that hey do not stagnate at one position and they feel productive. (Sugarman, 2001)  Equally important is the need to foster healthy competition within the workplace. According to the Erickson’s lifespan development model, individuals can revisit particular stages if theory feels they did not adequately resolve the struggles characterizing that stage. In such cases, the workplace may play a supportive role of facilitating this resolution.BibliographyBarbara, M & Newman, P (2005). Development through Life: A Psychosocial Approachs. Thomson Wadsworth.Finger, M. & Asà ºn, M. (2000). Adult Education at the Crossroads. Learning our way out. London: Zed Books.Hutchins, R. M. (1970).The Learning Society, Harmondsworth. Penguin.Schaverien, L. (2007). Working Paper: An introduction to a (biologically based) genera tive view of learning.Sugarman, L. (2001). Life-span Development: Frameworks, Accounts, and Strategies. Psychology Press.
Sunday, September 1, 2019
The One Percent Research Paper
Running Head: THE ONE PERCENTPage 1 THE ONE PERCENT Ryan M. Kerrick March 18, 2012 THE ONE PERCENTPage 2 Ryan M. Kerrick Mr. Richard Cannella English Composition II March 18, 2012 A good friend of mine recently recommended me to watch a documentary called â€Å"The One Percent. †I do not usually watch documentaries unless I am gaining some type of knowledge out of the information presented. Unsure of what it was about and what I was going to get out of it, I turned on NetFlix and proceeded to watch the film. I soon came to realize I was enamored by this film, â€Å"The One Percent,†and it remains one of my favorite documentaries of all time.The documentary deals with the disparity between the wealthy elite and the citizenry and how they are both so far removed from one another. â€Å"As of 2010, the top 1% of households (the upper class) owned 35. 4% of all privately held wealth. †(Domhoff, 2010, The Wealth Distribution, para. 1). The producer and interviewer presents this film through many wealthy American businessmen, critics, economists and even his own family to explain this major social gap that exists on our home front. When looking at the differences side-by-side, it is hard to grasp that we all live in the same place, the United States of America.The film was created by Jamie Johnson, the heir to one of America’s most affluent families. Being born with a â€Å"silver spoon,†Jamie never really had anything to worry about in life– from private schools to private jets, equestrian clubs and charitable dinner parties. But, he always felt something was missing in his life and he couldn’t quite put a finger on it. The fortune that Jamie inherited on his 21st birthday was from one of the wealthiest family-owned companies in the United States, Johnson and Johnson. THE ONE PERCENTPage 3 Ryan M. Kerrick Mr. Richard CannellaEnglish Composition II March 18, 2012 His great grandfather â€Å"started the company in 1886†(Johnson and Johnson, 1997) and it continued to grow well beyond imagination. Jamie would always wonder what made him deserve this prosperous lifestyle. After self-examination, Jamie was determined to investigate some of the questions haunting him in his head about the wealth disparity in America. Attempting to bring his mind to ease, he decided to create this documentary, â€Å"The One Percent. †Within the first few minutes of the film I noticed a sign labeled â€Å"Private Property Members Only. To me the sign is showing how the wealthy pride themselves in being part of such an elite club. Meanwhile, on the other side of the spectrum, the working class feel like they are not truly part of society at all. In the beginning of the documentary you see the Johnson’s having a family meeting. At first it looks normal, but they are not discussing chores around the house. It is a â€Å"family meeting†with their financial wealth and money management advis ors. The meeting is centered on managing their wealth and assets and essentially turning their millions in to more millions.The consensus from the advisors is that every year the family fortune tenfold and they continue to become richer and richer. Jamie seems to be upsetting his father with the making of this documentary and the advisors seem hesitant to talk about money and wealth on camera. THE ONE PERCENTPage 4 Ryan M. Kerrick Mr. Richard Cannella English Composition II March 18, 2012 His father’s initial reaction is that his son’s documentary is nonsense, but something that might have a huge ripple effect if taken seriously. Jamie does a great job trying to get answers and asking difficult questions to the wealthy elite of America.The footage he presents is of people giving their most honest views and thoughts and it is evident there is a huge gap between the wealthy and the poor. Jamie Johnson interviewed numerous people within different social classes. They rang ed from Milton Freedman and Steve Forbes, who owns his own private cruise ship, to some local residents of the south side of Chicago, who live in poverty without locks on their mailboxes. Jamie is presenting the social gap with visuals– broken down buildings compared to mansions, a homeless man asking for money compared to fancy beach resorts and post hurricane Katrina victims with private country clubs.A poignant moment that stood out to me in the documentary was when Jamie interviewed Nicole Buffet, the granddaughter of Warren Buffet through marriage (his son Peter’s ex-wife’s daughter. ) It was comforting to watch and I feel even Jamie felt a sense of self-awareness as he interviewed the young female. She seemed so confident in who she was but most of all peaceful, content and happy with the simple things in life. In this situation, you can see money seems to be the root of all evil. Even to the point of ridding someone of your family that has great memories of you. THE ONE PERCENTPage 5 Ryan M. Kerrick Mr.Richard Cannella English Composition II March 18, 2012 She talked of her â€Å"grandpa†as the loving man she knows him as (not as multimillion dollar business man. ) In response to her participation in the documentary, he wrote to her â€Å"I have not emotionally or legally adopted you as a grandchild, nor have the rest of my family adopted you as a niece of cousin. †(Schroeder, 2008, p. 976) He disclaims her as a granddaughter despite all the good she says about him just because of her role in the film. People argue that Buffet was not out of place because Nicole was adopted or a step child and was not part of his immediate family.I thought the same until I stumbled upon an article written in The Wall Street Journal. The article stated â€Å"Susan Buffett, Warren's first wife, who died in 2004, named Nicole in her will as one of her â€Å"adored grandchildren†and left her $100,000. She added that Nicole †Å"shall have the same status and benefits †¦ as if they were children of my son, Peter A. Buffett. †Also, â€Å"a source close to the family says Nicole spent â€Å"very little time†with Warren Buffett over the years but that he paid for Nicole's school and living expenses until she was 28. Nicole says that Mr.Buffett's reaction may have reflected his philosophy about wealth. â€Å"Sharing my experience as a Buffett was stepping outside the box,†she says. †(Frank, R. 2008). Another part of the film that stood out to me is when Jamie interviewed the taxi cab driver and I did like what the man had to say. He said, â€Å"My family is one of the richest families in the world, but not with money. With love, kindness, tolerance and patience. Qualities that are worth more than money and you can’t buy that. †THE ONE PERCENTPage 6 Ryan M. Kerrick Mr. Richard Cannella English Composition II March 18, 2012This showed the much clear distinction in values between the rich and the working class. Comparing what the taxi driver had said to the values of Warren Buffet who wrote his granddaughter disclaiming because she did not support the family lifestyle, which would you prefer? Watching this documentary I came to find that with money also comes a fear of losing that money and becoming consumed by it. Along with money comes the changing of your values and whole aspect on life. It allows families in America to move up in class, often times allowing them to adopt different ideas and different family values.After viewing this documentary my analysis on the disparity of the wealth gap is that it is reality and there isn’t much we can do about it. I am able to see what people have to go through to make it to the top. Business men do not become who they are by being nice to people. They have to be aggressive in the business world, cut throat, sharp and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their dreams. That might come with risks or even mean walking all over people. But, sometimes to make a difference, you have to ride through hell to make it to heaven.This might be a hard pill for some people to swallow, but, it is reality and it is the truth. People have not become moguls overnight singing KUM-BAH-YA and dancing around a fire. Las Vegas was built on mob money before it was cleaned up and presented with a new face by entrepreneur investing. This is business. You have to be able to stomach it and it is not for the weak hearted. I would therefore have to agree with what I have seen in the documentary regarding Jamie’s father and his behavior. THE ONE PERCENTPage 7 Ryan M. Kerrick Mr. Richard Cannella English Composition IIMarch 18, 2012 He did what he had to do to get to where he is today even though he inherited his thrown. In my personal opinion, if you look hard enough you will always find dirt and the top of the social ladder. You do not only have to be rich for that either, all of huma nity is flawed in its own way. I do not believe that everyone was born to be a millionaire. However, I do believe that in our own way, if we preserve and strive to work hard, we are all able to be â€Å"millionaires†in our own eyes and live fulfilling lives and contribute to making our society a better place to live.Being unemployed, uneducated and living off welfare is not fair to the people who work hard to pay taxes to support their fellow citizens. I consider it to be a lazy and irresponsible way of life. However, it is a choice in life you have. The money is out there for the taking so it is also your prerogative whether you choose to go out and get it or not. Make your decision wisely and keep your values in mind while climbing the social ladder if that is the route you decide to take. THE ONE PERCENTPage 8 Ryan M. Kerrick Mr. Richard CannellaEnglish Composition II March 18, 2012 REFERENCES Johnson and Johnson. (1997). History of Johnson and Johnson. Retrieved from htt p://www. jnj. com/connect/about-jnj/company-history/ Schroeder, A. (2008). The Snowball: Warren Buffet and the Business of Life. Domhoff, G. (2010). Wealth, Income, and Power: The Wealth Distribution. Retrieved from http://whorulesamerica. net/power/wealth. html Frank, R. (2008). The Wall Street Journal: The Rich Man’s Michael Moore. Retrieved from http://online. wsj. com/article/SB120371859381786725. html? mod=fpa_mostpop
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