Health Related Physical Fitness Physical Education Essay

Health Related Physical Fitness Physical Education Essay Physical fitness is the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness without undue fatigue and ample energy to enjoy leisure time pursuits and meet unforeseen emergencies. (Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sport)  ¿Ã‚ ½Physical fitness is the ability of the heart, blood vessels, lungs and muscles to perform at optimal efficiency. ¿Ã‚ ½ (Bud Getchell, PhD)  ¿Ã‚ ½Physical fitness is the ability to perform moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity without undue fatigue and the capability of maintaining such ability throughout life. ¿Ã‚ ½ (American College of Sport Medicine)  ¿Ã‚ ½Physical fitness is a set of attributes that people have or achieve that relates to the ability to perform physical activity. ¿Ã‚ ½ (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Definitions with vague, subjective wordings and definitions made up of terms that also need defining led to confusion and lack of ability for objective measurement of physical fitness. There are other numerous definitions of physical fitness which are vague and subjective as pointed by the below statement;  ¿Ã‚ ½Physical fitness is one of the most poor defined and most frequently misused terms in the English Language. ¿Ã‚ ½ (Brian Sharkey, PhD, professor emeritus of Montana State University) To enable objective measurement of physical fitness, it is divided into two components; health-related components of physical fitness and athletic ability components of physical fitness. The later components are related to performance or skill. Figure X: Components of physical fitness (ACSM, 2008). From the public health perspective, health related physical fitness are more important than those related to athletic ability or are skill-related or performance related components. The assessment of health related physical fitness is commonly done by fitness professionals, however, despite the recognized importance of health related physical fitness, it is not commonly assessed by clinicians(ACSM, 2008). As illustrated in figure X below, all health-related components of physical fitness contribute equally and in balance to the whole construct of health related physical fitness. Figure X: A balance between all five components to the construct of health related physical fitness (ACSM, 2008). a. Cardiorespiratory fitness Cardiorespiratory fitness is related to the ability of a person to perform large muscle, dynamic, moderate to high intensity exercise for prolong periods and can be assessed by various techniques. Cardiorespiratory fitness of a person reflects the functional capability of the heart, blood vessels, blood, lungs and relevant muscles during various types of exercise demands. It is related to the ability to perform large muscle, dynamic, moderate-to-high intensity exercise for prolonged periods. There are many methods available to measure or predict cardiorespiratory fitness. Those methods fall into three general types of assessment which are; i. Field test. These tests generally demand maximal effort for the best score. For this type of test, the subjects have to perform a timed completion of a certain distance, complete a measured distance, or perform for a set time to predict cardiorespiratory fitness. Examples of field tests modes include walk, walk-run, cycle, swim and others. ii. Submaximal exertion test. This type of test require using either step test or a single-stage or a multi-stage submaximal exercise protocol to predict maximal aerobic capacity or cardiorespiratory fitness from submaximal measures of efficiency of certain measured variables (usually heart rate response). Some modes of submaximal exertion tests include steps, treadmill, cycle and others. Many of these tests required to be performed in a laboratory setting. iii. Maximal exertion test Maximal exertion test use a graded or progressive exercise test to measure an individual ¿Ã‚ ½s volitional fatigue or exhaustion which involves a measure of cardiorespiratory fitness rather than prediction and is likely performed in a laboratory setting. Maximal exertion test along with collection of expired gases is considered as a true measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness however it is desirable in many setting. Decision of which test to be use depends on; * Time demands * Expenses or costs * Personnel needed (qualification) * Equipment or facilities needed * Physician supervision needed * Population tested (safety concern) * Need for accuracy of data b. Flexibility Flexibility in health related physical fitness is defined as the ability of a person to move a joint through its complete range of movement. Flexibility is not joint specific as it is dependent upon which muscle and joint being evaluated. Other factors effecting flexibility includes distensibility of the joint capsule, adequate warm up, muscle viscocity and compliance of ligaments and tendons. Flexibility assessment is necessary because of the recognized association between decreased performances of activities of daily living with inadequate flexibility. Development of muscular lower back pain may be contributed by poor lower back hip flexibility. In reality, there ¿Ã‚ ½s no single test that can used to truly characterize a person ¿Ã‚ ½s flexibility. The most widely used test for the assessment of flexibility is the sit and reach test. Even though it does not represent the whole body flexibility, it does represent hamstring, hip and lower back flexibility. c. Muscular strength Muscular strength in health related physical fitness refers to the maximal force that can be generated by a specific muscle or muscle group. d. Muscular endurance Muscular endurance refers to the ability of a muscle group to execute repeated contractions over a period of time sufficient to cause muscular fatigue, or to maintain a specific percentage of the maximum voluntary contraction for a prolong period of time. CENCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Cardiovascular diseases risk (National Vascular Disease Prevention Alliance, 2009); 1. Modifiable risk a. Lifestyle related i. Nutrition ii. Physical activity level iii. Smoking status iv. Alcohol intake b. Metabolic risk i. Blood pressure ii. Waist circumference and body mass index iii. Serum lipid iv. Blood sugar 2. Non modifiable risk a. Age b. Sex c. Family history of premature CVD d. Social history (cultural identity, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, mental health) Physical Fitness a. Health related physical fitness a. Cardiovascular endurance b. muscle endurance c. muscle strength d. flexibility JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY OBJECTIVES 1. General objectives To compare the effect of light resistance training using light dumbbells and ankle-wrist weights on body composition, metabolic risk and health related physical fitness level. 2. Specific objectives i. To determine and compare the effect of light resistance training between using dumbbells and using ankle-wrist weights in term of changes in body composition; a. Body mass index b. Waist circumference c. Waist to hip ratio d. Percentage in body fat e. Fat free mass ii. To determine and compare the effect of light resistance training between using dumbbells and using ankle-wrist weights in term of metabolic risks; a. Blood pressure b. Lipids i. Total cholesterol ii. LDL-C iii. HDL-C iv. Non-HDL v. Total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio vi. TG c. Fasting blood sugar iii. To determine and compare the effect of light resistance training between using dumbbells and using ankle-wrist weights in term of other components of health related physical fitness; a. Cardiorespiratory fitness b. Flexibility c. Muscular endurance d. Muscular strength 3. Research questions Does light resistance training using dumbbells have a similar significant beneficial effects compared to light resistance training using ankle-wrist weights. 4. Study hypothesis Both types of light resistance training; using dumbbells or using ankle-wrist weights does have beneficial effects in term of improvement in body composition, reducing metabolic risk and improving health related physical fitness level. METHODOLOGY Tumpat is a district (jajahan) in Kelantan, situated at the East Coast of peninsular Malaysia. The town of Tumpat is approximately 15km from the state capital, Kota Bharu. Tumpat district has an area of 169.5 square kilometres is one of the smallest district in Kelantan (Tumpat District Council, 2012). Total population of Tumpat district in 2010 was 143,793 with the majority being the Malays (130,922 or 91.0%). Other ethnic groups include Chinese (6,227 or 4.8%), Siamese (4,784 or 3.7%) and Indians (121 or less than 1.0%). Tumpat district is divided into seven subdistrict (mukim) which is Jal Besar, Kebakat, Pengkalan Kubor, Sungai Pinang, Terbok, Tumpat and Wakaf Bharu (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2010b, Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2010a). 1. Study design This is a single-centred, randomized parallel group trial. 2. Reference population The inference population for this study were Malaysian adults 3. Target population The target population were Malaysian overweight and obese adults 4. Source population The source population for this study were all adults living in Tumpat Districts. 5. Sampling frame Overweight and obese adults living in Tumpat District were recruited for this study. 6. Subjects i. Inclusion criteria a. Aged equal or more than 18 years old at the time of recruitment. b. Body mass index of equal or more than 23 kg/m2. ii. Exclusion criteria a. Pregnancy b. On any weight management treatment/program i. Taking any medication which the primary intention is to reduce weight ii. Taking any traditional medication which the primary intention os to reduce weight iii. On any dietary modification for weight management c. Existing joint pain which restrict physical movement d. Existing cardiac condition which restricted physical activity i.e.: a person with NYHA Functional capacity class II, III and IV (American Heart Association, 2011) 7. Sample Size determination Number of subjects required for this study were calculated using sample size calculation for test of means with repeated measures in STATA software (StataCorp., 2011). With power of study (1-?) set at 80% and ? set at 0.05, summary of sample size calculated were as table X below; Table X: summary of sample size calculation variable 8. Sampling techniques All eligible and consented subjects were included in this study. 9. Randomization techniques Subjects were randomized into 2 treatment groups; light resistance training using dumbbell and light resistance training using ankle-wrist weights using RandomAllocation Software version 1.0 (Saghaei, 2004). 10. Blinding No blinding methods were applied in this study. Both participants and observer know group allocation. 11. Study time and duration This study was conducted for 6 months beginning from March 2012 until August 2012. 12. Methods * Both groups will receive health education of promotion of healthy lifestyle which includes promotion of healthy diet, encouraging physical activity and benefits of not smoking. * Resistance training: i. Dumbbell exercise. In this group, participants performed dumbbell exercise with a pair of light weight (1kg) soft dumbbells for at least 15 minutes per day, three non consecutive days per week using dumbbell exercise method invented by Professor Suzuki Masashige, Bull Inst. Health Sport Science, University of Tsukuba (Suzuki, 2000). Supervised group exercises were conducted for 3 months and after that, the subjects will be required to do the exercise on their own. Subjects were given a diary to write the date and duration of training they perform. During weekly follow up, adherence to exercise was assessed. Subjects who did not adhere to minimal requirement of training will be excluded from the study. Non adherence was defined as a participant who performs the training less than 80% of required frequency and duration (less than 9 times per month). Figure X below illustrates the resistance training using soft dumbbells with sets of movement as below. This dumbbell exercise consists of 12 steps with 12 repetitions using a pair of soft light weight dumbbell. Step 1: push up motion Step 2: pull down motion Step 3: the leg bends Step 4: Upper body twists left and right movement Step 5: double doors closing movement Step 6: opening and closing movement forward tilt swing Step 7: winding down motion with both hands Step 8: winding down with one hand movement Step 9: pulling down with one hand movement Step 10: hand down the back swing movement Step 11: arms swing down forward movement Step 12: bending arms stretched behind the head movement Figure X: 12 steps of dumbbell exercise using sandbags. ii. Resistance training using ankle and wrist weights. This group of subjects was not given any specific exercise regime. They were given a pair of 0.5 kg ankle and pair of 0.5kg wrist weights and they were instructed to wear them for at least 15 minutes 3 non consecutive days per week during activities of daily living which involves movements of upper and lower limbs such as walking, doing house chores or gardening. Subjects will be given a diary to write the date and duration of training they perform. Adherence to the training was assessed every week. Non adherence was define as a participant who perform the training less than 80% of required frequency and duration (less than 9 times per month) and those who did not meet minimal requirement of the training were excluded from the study. 13. Tools and materials a. Data collection sheet A data collection sheet was used to obtain demography data of the subjects; i. Age ii. Sex iii. Race b. Anthropometry measurements Anthropometric measurement was assessed by a team of trained personnel. Measurements as below were obtained. i. Height Measurement of height was done using a stadiometer. With shoes removed, standing straight up and looking straight ahead, the subject take a deep breath and hold. The height was recorded in centimetres to the nearest 0.5cm (ACSM, 2008). ii. Waist circumference The waist circumference was measured using a non elastic measuring tape with the subject stand straight and relaxed. Measurement was taken 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the umbilicus and below the xiphoid process. The measuring tape was applied tautly but not tightly avoiding compression or pinching of the skin. The smallest circumference at the measurement area was taken as waist circumference, recorded to the nearest 0.5cm (ACSM, 2008). iii. Hip circumference Similarly, hip circumference was measured to the nearest 0.5 cm using a non elastic plastic tape at the largest circumference around the buttocks, above the gluteal fold (posterior extension) (ACSM, 2008) . iv. Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) As it name indicate, WHR is a comparison between circumferences of the waist to the circumference of the hip and it represents the distribution of body weight and perhaps body fat of an individual; an important predictor of health risks of obesity. The WHR or also known as the abdominal to gluteal ratio (A:G ratio) were expressed as a ratio hence there are no units. Calculation as below was used to calculate WHR (ACSM, 2008); v. Resting blood pressure Electronic blood pressure monitoring device; Medisana ¿Ã‚ ½ Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor MTD (Medisana AG.) were used to measure resting blood pressure. Subjects are requested to be free of stimulants which include nicotine products, caffeine products, alcohol or other cardiovascular stimulants for at least 30 minutes before the resting measurement. The subjects also did not involve in any strenuous exercise for at least 60 minutes before resting blood pressure measurement. For measurement of blood pressure, the subjects were asked to sit comfortably on a chair with back well supported, feet flat, leg uncrossed and relaxed. The right arm which was used for blood pressure measurement in this study was free from any clothing, rested on a table and slightly flexed at the elbow. An appropriate size cuff (a normal adult cuff for those with arm sizes between 24 and 32 cm, and a large adult cuff for those with arm sizes between 32 and 42 cm) was used. The BP cuff with bladder width be tween 40 to 50% of arm circumference and the length of bladder encircled at least 80% of the subject ¿Ã‚ ½s arm circumference was applied tightly at the level of subject ¿Ã‚ ½s heart. Second resting blood pressure measurement was done at least one full minute after the first measurement and if the first and second measurement differ by more than 5 mmHg, third measurement was taken after one full minute (ACSM, 2008). vi. Resting heart rate Resting heart rate measurement was taken together with resting blood pressure using similar device used for blood pressure measurement as above. c. Assessment of body composition Body composition was determined using the bioelectrical impedance method; Omron Karada Scan HBF-362 ¿Ã‚ ½ Body Composition Monitor which gives information on; i. Weight ii. Body mass index iii. Total body fat iv. Subcutaneous fat percentage v. Visceral fat level vi. Skeletal muscle percentage vii. Fat free mass were calculated by extracting total body fat from the body weight. Calculations as below were used. Bioelectric impedance analysis is based on the principle that the resistance to an applied electric current is inversely related to the amount of fat-free mass within the body. This method does not take into account the location of body fat. This method of body composition analysis is very simple and quick to perform. The impedance measure is affected by body hydration status, body temperature, time of day, and therefore requires well controlled conditions to get accurate and reliable measurements. If a person is dehydrated, the amount of fat will likely be overestimated. Bioelectrical impedance measures the resistance of body tissues to the flow of a small, harmless electrical signal. The proportion of body fat can be calculated as the current flows more easily through the parts of the body that are composed mostly of water (such as blood, urine muscle) than it does through bone, fat or air. It is possible to predict how much body fat a person has by combining the bioelectric impen dence measure with other factors such as height, weight, gender, fitness level and age. To ensure validity of the BIA measurement, several measures was taken to ensure that the subjects has normal hydration level. * No eating or drinking within 4 hours of the test. * No exercise within 12 hours of the test * Urinate completely within 30 minutes prior to test Omron Karada Scan HBF-362 ¿Ã‚ ½ Body Composition Monitor was used for this test. Researcher inputs the subject ¿Ã‚ ½s age, gender and height and then the subject which wear light clothing steps onto the platform barefoot and holding the hand electrodes at 90 degrees. Electrodes in the foot and hand sensor pads send a low, safe signal through the body. Weight, body mass index, total body fat percentage, subcutaneous fat percentage, visceral fat level, and skeletal muscle percentage is calculated automatically in less than a minute. d. Health related physical fitness The remaining components of health related physical fitness level besides body composition were then assessed in all participants. Before starting these assessment, subjects were explained regarding the tests procedures and demonstration were done by researchers to ensure subjects clearly understand and able to perform the tests with correct techniques. i. Cardiorespiratory fitness Assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness to predict aerobic capacity of participants were done using Kasch Step test or also known as YMCA 3-Minutes Step test which relies on having the subject step up and down on a 30.48 cm (12 inch) step box. Before commencing test to the participants, the techniques were explained to the participants and demonstration of the alternating stepping cadence was done. A metronome was set at cadence of 96 beat per minute which gives a stepping rate of 24 steps per minute (4 clicks = one step cycle). With the first beat, one foot is stepped up on the bench, stepped up with the second foot on the second beat, stepped down with one foot on the 3rd beat, and stepped down with the other foot on the fourth beat. The subjects were also allowed to practice the stepping to the metronome cadence. After the three minutes are up, the subjects stop and palpate the pulse at the radial site while standing within the first 5 seconds. A 60 seconds pulse count is taken as the test score (toptrendsports.com, 2012, ACSM, 2008). ii. Muscular endurance To assess muscle endurance of the subjects, two test was administered; the push-up test and the curl-up test. Push-up test: The test was administered with the male subjects starting in the standard  ¿Ã‚ ½down ¿Ã‚ ½ position (hand pointing forward and under the shoulder, back straight, head up, using the toes as the pivotal point) and the female subjects in the modified  ¿Ã‚ ½knee push-up ¿Ã‚ ½ position (legs together, lower leg in contact with mat with ankles plantar flexed, back straight, hands shoulder width apart, head up, using knees as the pivotal point). The subjects then raise the body by straightening the elbows (up position) and then return to the  ¿Ã‚ ½down ¿Ã‚ ½ position until the chin touches the mat. The stomach is maintained elevated and not touching the mat. The subjects position is ensure to be straight at all times and the subjects must push up to a straight arm position. the test was stopped when the subjects strains forcibly or is unable to maintain the appropriate technique within two repetition. The maximal number of push-ups performed consecutively without r est was counted as the score (ACSM, 2008). Figure X: Push-ups performed by male subjects. Figure X: Push-ups performed by female subjects. One minute sit-up test (Crunch test): With the shoes remained on, the test was performed with the subjects assume a supine position on a mat, the knees at 90 degrees and the hands held across the chest. The trunk was then elevated to 30 degrees, lifting the shoulder blades off the mat; hands placed on the thighs and then subjects then do a slow, controlled curl-up until the hands reach the knee caps. The subjects were required to do as many curl-ups as possible in one minute and the number of curl-ups performed without pausing were recorded as the score (ACSM, 2008). iii. Muscular strength Handgrip test using a Lafayette ¿Ã‚ ½ 100kg Handgrip Dynamometer model LA-78010 was conducted to determine muscular strength of the subjects. The test was performed with the subject standing and using the dominant hand only. The grip bar of the dynamometer was adjusted for each subject, ensuring that the grip bar fit comfortably within the subject ¿Ã‚ ½s hand and the second joint of the finger fit under the handle of the handgrip dynamometer. Before starting test, the handgrip dynamometer is set to zero. The subject holds the handgrip dynamometer parallel to the side of the body at about waist level with the forearm levelled with the thigh and the arm is slightly flexed. The subject then squeezes the handgrip dynamometer as hard as possible without holding their breath (Valsalva maneuver) and the results was recorded in kilograms. For each subject, the test was repeated two more times and the highest reading was taken as the measure of handgrip strength (ACSM, 2008). Figure X: Use of hand-grip dynamometer to test iv. Flexibility For assessment of flexibility, the Sit and Reach test (Trunk Flexion) using a sit-and-reach box was administered. Before starting the test, subjects were offered the opportunity to do some stretching exercises and light to moderate aerobic exercise for 5- 10 minutes to warm up their muscles. Subjects were allowed to take a few practice tries before the actual measurement and if the subject has any back problem or the test bothers them, the subject was excluded for the assessment. To assist with the best attempt, the subjects were advised to exhale and drop the head between the arms when reaching. The knees of the participants were kept extended (but not pressed down). Subjects were also advised to breathe normally and that they should not hold their breath during the test. The subject sits without shoes and the sole soles of the feet flat against the sit-and-reach box at the 26cm mark. Inner edges of the soles were placed within 2cm of the measuring scale. With hands kept parallel, the participant then slowly reaches forward with both hands as far as possible and the fingertips were in contact with the measuring portion of the sit-and-reach box. This position was hold for approximately 2 seconds. The test were repeated three times and the score taken was the most distant point (in nearest cm) reached with the fingertips (ACSM, 2008). Figure X: Sit and reach test using a sit-and-reach box. e. Biochemical analysis Five millilitres of blood from antecubital vein was taken from each subject after at least 12 hours overnight fasting for biochemical analysis of metabolic abnormalities. The blood was collected in two tubes, the first tube was plain tube without anticoagulant and the second tube was with oxalate/fluoride. The samples were send to a private independent laboratory (BP laboratory) for biochemical analysis below; a. Fasting blood sugar b. Fasting lipid profiles 14. Data collection * At baseline, all participants were given advice on healthy lifestyle: promotion of healthy diet and physical activity. * The study participants then completed questionnaires and assessments for; a. Sociodemography. b. Measurement of anthropometry. c. Body composition measurement. d. Health related components of physical fitness assessment. e. Biochemical analysis for blood sugar and lipid profiles. * The study participants were then randomized into two equal size groups. The first group undergo light resistance training using dumbbells and the second group undergo light resistance training using ankle-wrist weights for at least 15 minutes, three times per week. Group training was conducted for the first 3rd months in the dumbbell group with weekly adherence monitoring for both groups. * At the end of first sixth and 12th week, patient were assessed for; a. Anthropometry measurement b. Body composition measurement c. Physical fitness assessment d. Biochemical analysis * After the third months, participants in both groups were required to do the light resistance training on their own and at the end of 6th month, all the above parameters were assessed again to look at the sustainability of the training program and its effects. Statistical analysis Data entry and statistical analysis were done using SPSS software version 18.0 (SPSS Inc.). As the same subjects were observed on multiple occasions (at baseline, 6th, 12th and 24th week), repeated measures analysis of variances were selected as the statistical test. As data were obtained repeatedly from the same subjects, RM ANOVA enables us to obtain information regarding individual ¿Ã‚ ½s patterns of change, were more economical as fewer subjects were required and enable us to reduce error of variance. Carry-over effects and latency effect were not involved in this study as there ¿Ã‚ ½s no cross-over of intervention in the study design. However, learning effect might be involved in this study especially in assessing health-related components of physical fitness as the subjects might improve with repetition of the assessment. For all objectives, all the three different designs used in repeated measures were assessed in this study; * Within group factors with regard to time (time effect) o 6th week compared to baseline o 12th week compared to baseline o 24th week compared to baseline o 12th week compared to 6th week o 24th wee compared to 6th week o 24th week compared to 12th week * Between group factors regardless of time (treatment effect) o Ankle-wrist weight group compared to dumbbell group * Within-between group factors with regard to time (Time-treatment interaction). o Ankle-wrist weight group compared to dumbbell group at baseline o Ankle-wrist weight group compared to dumbbell group at 6th week o Ankle-wrist weight group compared to dumbbell group at 12th week o Ankle-wrist weight group compared to dumbbell group at 24th week All the four steps involved in RM ANOVA were executed as below; i. Data exploration and cleaning ii. Fit the RM ANOVA model iii. Checking assumption of; a. Normality of residuals b. Homogeneity of variance c. Assumption of compound symmetry iv. Interpretation, presentation and conclusion Step 1: Data exploration and cleaning Descriptive statistics for all the variables were obtained with data exploration. Any missing values and error in data entry were assessed before analysis with data cleaning. Subjects with missing data were excluded from analysis. For numerical variables, descriptive statistics using syntax below were used to central point of numerical data, dispersion and graphical visualization of data normality (histogram with normality plot). FREQUENCIES VARIABLES= VariableName /FORMAT=NOTABLE /NTILES=4 /STATISTICS=MEAN STDDEV MEDIAN /HISTOGRAM NORMAL /ORDER=ANALYSIS. For categorical variables, syntax below was used to obtain frequency and percentage of those variables. FREQUENCIES VARIABLES= VariableName /PIECHART PERCENT /BARCHART FREQ /ORDER=ANALYSIS. Step 2: Fit the repeated measure ANOVA model Repeated measures ANOVA were executed using syntax below; GLM Var_baseline Var_sixwk Var_twelvewk Var_twentyfourwk BY Intervention /WSFACTOR=time 4 Polynomial /METHOD=SSTYPE(4) /POSTHOC=Intervention(BONFERRONI) /PLOT=PROFILE(time*intervention) /EMMEANS=TABLES(OVERALL) /EMMEANS=TABLES(intervention)

Harper Lees To Kill a Mockingbird :: To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird In Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird, there were many lessons that were taught. Atticus was a lawyer who taught his son Jem and daughter Scout many different values. Atticus felt that one of the most important values was to put yourself in someone else's shoes before you judge them. He also taught them to respect others. Scout was a wild girl and always got into fights with other guys; Atticus showed her that fighting doesn't solve anything. Atticus showed the kids that you should not judge other people. You don't know how their life is unless you are walking around in their shoes. You have no clue on how they feel about things and what they see. They may have problems that you don't know about and they don't want you to see. They may act different because of the way they were brought up. You can never tell unless you see what they see. Atticus also felt that you should always respect others. He felt that you should always try to please other people even if it means holding in your opinion sometimes. Mrs. Dubose was a character in the novel who was very disrespectful to the rich. Atticus still made them be kind to her. Jem got mad one day and cut some of her bushes down. As a punishment Atticus made him read to Mrs. Dubose. Later, when they learned she had died, Atticus said: "...She had her own views about things, a lot different from mine, maybe...son. I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do. Mrs. Dubose won...she died beholden to nothing and nobody. She was the bravest person I ever knew." They learned that they shouldn't act mean-spirited just because of their feelings about someone. They might act out of anger and not really understand the person at all. In the beginning of the book, Scout had a bad temper. She got into a lot of fights over little things. Atticus would get very angry with her because he felt that fighting was very wrong. He thought that it didn't prove anything.

Lets Work for World Peace :: Graduate College Admissions Essays

Let's Work for World Peace In conducting research for an essay that I am writing on constructive approaches to the problems of war and peace, I read a short, but thought-provoking fable by an unknown author. I would like to share that story with you, as well as my idea as a possible solution for world peace. "Tell me the weight of a snowflake," a robin asked a wild dove. "Nothing more than nothing," was the answer. "In that case I must tell you a marvelous story," the robin said. "I sat on the branch of a fir, close to its trunk, when it began to snow --not heavily, not in a raging blizzard, no, just like in a dream, without any violence. Since I didn't have anything better to do, I counted the snowflakes settling on the twigs and needles of my branch. Their number was exactly 3,741,952. When the next snowflake dropped onto the branch -- nothing more than nothing, as you say --the branch broke off." Having said that the robin flew away. The dove, since Noah's time as authority on the matter, thought for awhile and finally said to herself: "Perhaps there is only one person's voice lacking for peace to come to the world." In contrast to the several books I read for my research that detailed the cost and carnage of war, this one simple story moved me to want to add my voice for world peace and to think that maybe one person can make a difference for peace to come to the world. My generation may well be the generation that brings total destruction or total peace to the world. Therefore, the United Nations should think about working together with government and educational cabinet members to put together a unified educational program in the schools of every country in the world to teach constructive approaches to resolve conflicts peacefully within the family, school, and community environments. As a student in public schools, I have learned much about the military, nuclear weapons, and war, but very little about peace. Through special program, I have had the opportunity to Send a Mouse to College, Jump Rope For Heart, Prevent Aids, Heal The Environment, Just Say No to Drugs, Tell Someone About Abuse, and be a Student Against Drunk Driving. However, I have yet to be offered any kind of compressive and educational program promoting world peace.

Essay on Appearance vs Reality in Othello and Twelfth Night

Appearance versus Reality in Othello and Twelfth Night      Ã‚  Ã‚   Shakespeare cleverly uses the art of disguise, in both his tragedies and his comedies, in order to employ a literary device known as dramatic irony, where the audience members are aware of something (in this case the true identity of characters) that characters in the play are not. This, of course, creates tension in a play and excites the audience; actions take place on the stage, of which the audience knows the import, but characters on the stage do not. It also creates a setting for a great deal of irony where characters make comments that take on a double meaning.    Two examples of characters who utilize such disguise are Iago, from Othello, and Viola, from Twelfth Night. The purposes for which Iago chooses to disguise his motives are to gain an office which he feels he deserves and to get revenge on Othello for allegedly committing adultery with his wife.    Most of the irony in Othello stems not from what Iago says, but rather from what the other characters say about him, such as the references to him as "honest Iago," "the bold Iago," and "a very valiant fellow." Iago's disguise makes the audience fearful for the other characters, and causes them to pity those who suffer... ... self-serving officer are both lessons in trust. In Twelfth Night, Olivia's readiness to fall in love with appearances is a lesson about love.   Sometimes it seems disguise tells more than candor.    Works Cited and Consulted: Jorgensen, Paul A. Appearance versus Reality in Shakespeare. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1985. Shakespeare, William. Othello. In The Electric Shakespeare. Princeton University. 1996. http://www.eiu.edu/~multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos. Shakespeare, William. The Norton Shakespeare. Edited Stephen Greenblatt et al. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1997.

A statement of purpose (essay) for the LL.M. Comparative Law program in the University of Miami

A career in law has long been my greatest dream. I believe part of it was inspired by the movie characters of smart, educated lawyers who can break through the legal caveats to prove the innocence of a guileless victim.The other part came from my fascination with the intricacies of law and complicated logic involved in legal decisions and choices. Today, looking back upon my education and experience, I feel that I am ready to face the challenges of the profession and legal education.The LL.M. Comparative Law program in the University of Miami seems to be the best match for my intentions and plans. Reliance on comparison of legal systems in different nations targeted at a diverse student body will help me leverage my expertise in various aspects of Russian law.Simultaneously, I will be able to benefit from learning about other nations’ legislation, communicating with students from all over the world. The international character of the program is a great advantage for someone wh o, like me, plans to become a top professional of the global calibre. An extensive alumni network scattered all over the globe will provide me with networking opportunities and help establish contacts that often form the foundation of a legal career.The small size of the student body involved in the LL.M. Comparative Law program gives me hope to build long-term relationships with my colleagues, and a wide range of international programs supported by the University of Miami School of Law will also be useful to help establish a wide range of connections.I hope to turn my time at the University of Miami into a memorable experience filled with intense study, but also with strong extracurricular work that would widen my horizons and scope of experience. Having been active in different university pursuits in Russia, I hope to contribute to the existing student groups and clubs and possible create new ones.The variety of courses and wide scope of their content will help me attain the desir ed result: customize my education to fit my specific goals. I plan to focus on international law during my studies. At the time, this area is most promising in my home country and would broaden my scope of choices, enabling me to qualify for an appropriate job in Moscow or anywhere else in the world.Whatever my destination can be, I hope to obtain a position with a respectable, well-established law firm that would equip me with a practical foundation to support my theoretical expertise. From then on, I hope to build my career through successful work and growing professionalism, aspiring to become partner in the firm where I will be employed.Thus, I hope that my enrolment in the LL.M. Comparative Law program in the University of Miami will deliver the results that meet my aspirations. It will expand my knowledge base dramatically, raise my expertise in various domains of law, and make me the type of professional that can represent interests of clients on an international level.I hope that this educational effort will open to me the new world of international law, helping me make a greater contribution to the field and in particular development of law in my country. Russia still has to go a long way to bring its laws in line with international standards, and I believe that in my career activities I can contribute to this process. Building long-term relationships with other students and broadening my social network will also be helpful on my way toward professional success.

Globalization and the new world food crisis Essay

Since the dawn of civilization, man has always ventured and made developments for his betterment. Man’s basic need like any other animal on the planet has been his food. Initially man devised new hunting skills and innovate new weapons to hunt and feed. As time passed by he understood the basics of agriculture and ended his nomadic life. This was a turning point in mankind and the need for growing food to survive was well understood. With the passing of more time, agricultural science was used to enhance agricultural outputs with most of the countries at least going through one form of agricultural revolution. The need for food is still an essential need in this world full of technology and finances. Globalization brought the world closer and resources of one country started being used for resources or capital from other country. The concept of open trade became evitable and food was traded in plenty. It didn’t matter, where one was and could buy vegetables and fruits from other countries. Staying in the United States of America once could have Chinese mandarins. This was the extent in which globalization had upsurge trade amongst countries. Today the scenario has changed drastically, even though there is trade available, there is a major scarcity of food available in the world to be traded. The surplus quota of food which always used to be exported by countries is now being used for keeping out in reserves and in storage. Today the prices of exports have reached as high as 80% of the original cost as the other countries have started banning exports. Food today has become more expensive and scarcer than oil and other extinguishing resources. Today the world has entered into a new world ‘food crises’. Prices of bread in grocery store have changed and risen more in a week that it has over the years. It is a very grave situation and the world is in serious mess for it. Food prices have really soared up making it very difficult for buyers in terms of finances, but they still have to buy it as it is food and one cannot live without food. It has been estimated that wheat prices are up by 120%, rice prices are up by 75% and it has been efficiently calculated by experts that on an average a poor family today is spending 80% of its income on food. Food which is a basic necessity for a man to survive is a matter for daily struggle for about billion people. Because of this callous increase in food pricing, there has been huge increasing in malnutrition and it has been estimated that more than 3. 5 million children are dying per year because of food shortage. Further more the food crisis, which had been lingering around for some time, but somehow world leaders failed to acknowledge it and due to which about 100 million people have crossed below the poverty line in the last 2 years. The situation is considered to be very grave as this problem is here to stay at least till 2015. This problem is there for in the future as situations have been created where food will become more expensive than gold. The situation has now been officially declared out of hand situation and rapid measures are expected to control the situation at least for the near future. Globalization has been of the main issues that has caused this food crisis in the world. Everything being connected if has its advantages then it also has a lot of disadvantages. Today because of globalization and international trade every country is dependent on some country for its commodities and export. One thing that was clear in the world was not everything could be made in one country, so it has to be bought from another country. Today if natural disaster strikes at one country and if that country is one of the biggest exporters of a particular food item, then it is seen that prices of that food item goes up in the international market. Today the sorrow of one country is proportional to international markets. For instance an example of how globalization affects the food crisis is seen below: ‘The price of maize has never been higher, and the future has seldom seemed rosier. Carleton is booming, with $200-million put up for a new bio fuel factory and, after years in the doldrums, there is full-time, well-paid work for 50 people. The same fields that surround houses may be bringing new money to rural America, but they are also helping to push up the price of bread in Manchester, tortillas in Mexico City and beer in Madrid as Challenged by President George Bush to produce 133-billion liters of non-fossil transport fuels by 2017 to reduce United States dependency on imported oil, thousands are patriotically turning the US corn belt from the bread basket of the world into an enormous fuel tank. Only a year ago, their maize mostly went to cattle feed or was exported as food aid. Come harvest time, almost all will end up at the new plant at Carleton, where it will be fermented to make ethanol’ (Yale Global). Globalization has taken its toll on fossil fuels. Today it’s known that fossil fuels will extinguish in the coming years and the world might come to a halt. For this scientist devised ways of making bio fuels with the help of corn and maize. As the current United States of America’s president George Bush has vowed to stop imports of oil and fossil fuel from other nations by 2017, he has started a massive operation for making the country self sufficient on bio fuel. This has made the farmers giving away corn and wheat for the production of the fuel. The United States of America had made special subsidy for the American farmers to compete with globalize rates and due to which actual wheat producing nations like Mexico had to lose out on its farming out wheat and corn as because of the amount of international trade norms imposed due to United States of America. Because of that farmers in Latin America had major crisis for their wheat and became dependent of the American policy. Today when America is giving away its corn and wheat production for making away bio fuel, bread has become a major issue for the world and the following will explain problems created by it for poor countries: ‘Ever since the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund broke down trade barriers in the global south-thus opening the gates for the dumping of subsidized grain from the U. S. and Europe-farmers in poor countries have steadily been driven out of business. Under the banner of â€Å"comparative advantage,† many poor countries that had previously been self sufficient in food were turned as a conscious matter of US foreign policy into food importing countries. But with the U. S. hoarding its corn and selling the rest of its food dear, these nations are left holding the poor end of an expensive stick’ (Eric Holt-Gimenez). After America, Australia is one biggest wheat production nation on the world and is also a large responsibility for the world’s food production. Globalization has taken its toll on the environment. Today industries and technology have shifted to a new level often overlooking environmental issues. This high amount of globalization has accelerated the phenomenon of global warming which itself is responsible for many issues. Because of global warming, there suns rays are directly affecting the planet through the depleting ozone. This rise in temperature brings in lots of disasters on its way, like meting of polar caps, abrupt changes of climate and worst of all no rain but more heat. Because of the globalization Australia has been suffering more lately and it is having multiple year droughts. These droughts caused by global warming are taking its toll on the wheat productions making the wheat and corn an expensive item for the world. The following will explain the condition of Australia’s wheat woes. ‘After America, Australia is normally the second largest exporter of grain, and in a good year it would hope to harvest about 25 million tones. But the country remains in the grip of the worst drought in a century, which is why the 2006 crop yielded only 9. 8m tones. Last year saw one of the best starts to a growing season for years, but dry weather in recent weeks has forced the Australian government to slash its crop forecasts by 30%’ (BBC). Globalization has taken its toll on two massive exporters of wheat and since these two countries are affected it becomes very hard for the world as the remaining wheat that is available becomes very expensive making it impossible for poor people to think of having bread. Hard as it may seem to believe but it is quiet true now that globalization has been the food stealer of the world. Today many people are being pushed below poverty lines as they cannot afford to buy food and the deaths related with starvation or malnutrition has increased to new heights. Everything is proportional to every activity in the world and since the prices of wheat have soared up, people are getting poorer and the buying capacity of people is getting directly affected because of it. The following piece will shed light on the relationship of poverty and globalization: ‘The relationship between globalization and poverty is complex, Harrison acknowledges, yet she says that a number of persuasive conclusions may be drawn from the studies in Globalization and Poverty. One conclusion is that the relationship depends not just on trade or financial globalization but on the interaction of globalization with the rest of the economic environment: investments in human capital and infrastructure, promotion of credit and technical assistance to farmers, worthy institutions and governance, and macroeconomic stability, including flexible exchange rates and Globalization and Poverty yields several implications. First, impediments to exports from developing countries worsen poverty in those countries. Second, careful targeting is necessary to address the poor in different countries who are likely to be hurt by globalization’ (Matt Nesvisky)

Pieces of April

Pieces of April Opening scene: Acoustic steel guitar sound track Close up of April in bed= implies not ready to get up â€Å"This is your big day we don't want to miss this opportunity' Bobby drags April from the bed, shoves her in the shower â€Å"No Bobby' Bobby starts making the food while April sits on the toilet saying â€Å"I'm coming† Costume- black eyeliner -black nail polish -tattoos -black boyfriend April is a rebellious person needs someone to help her (in life) egg- Bobby Meeting the family: No music No Joy in bed â€Å"JOY JOY' Tracking shot of father looking through the house for ‘disrupting' his family frantically looking for Joy both on and daughter Join in search Joy is found in the dark alone in the car (passenger seat) Miss en scene â€Å"everyone get ready' Joy is controlling.Starting to prepare Thanks Giving dinner: Bobby in control-stirring, reading packets (close up on Bobby's hands) April seems incompetent -drops turkey, can't cut onions, stuf fs whole celery in turkey â€Å"They're probably not even going to come† Cross cut to family â€Å"If not now when† mom) â€Å"What makes her think she can cook all of a sudden † (Beth) â€Å"April is the problem† (Beth) Everyone questions Joy about how she is feeling- we realize she is not well (two shots) Bobby shows all the stuff he brought: â€Å"Be careful they're worth more than you are† â€Å"how much did they cost† â€Å"They weren't cheap†¦. Accents†¦. † Mimi got yourself a deal† April throws them in the bin-still hurt by past experiences, broken relationship with her mother Food as a motif: April is cooking Thanks giving dinner Joy asks her mother â€Å"did you eat† as a greeting Family stops to buy a lot of donuts- Implies they will be hungry because April cant cook. They don't deserve decorations† (April) April rips up the place card when she writes ‘Mom' replacing it with ‘Joy show ing that he does not see Joy as her mom April is made to seem helpless- Bobby gets her up and ready -Bobby starts cooking – Bobby has organized the decorations -when April discovers the oven doesn't work the first thing she does is call out the window for Bobby-making mashed potatoes with uncooked potatoes April goes door to door in her apartment block looking for help (later this is an example of her resourcefulness â€Å"Some new piercing, some new ugly tattoos, we can experience the disaster that is her life and go home† Glimpse of hope/change â€Å"apparently this guy Bobby reminds her of me† the girls got problems†- implies that a young middle class girl has an easy life† When April reveals her mother's impending death the neighbors change the POP â€Å"one last chance to be with the people you love† â€Å"you don't get along do you† High angle shots of April Cooking the turkey: You haven't been back Believe it she prefers it that way I'm the first pancake† Discussing about what she is cooking stuffing from a box and cranberry sauce from a can enforces the idea that April cant cool (helpless) but also implies she was not cared for her by her mother We onto want to be early' Joy -choosing a different route to make the trip Worth' the time Group shot of April in between the neighbors in their kitchen as they rook and discuss their ‘nothing special' menu when April discusses her menu, she makes it seem too simple- really nothing special showing the contrast between the intent of making a special ‘last' family meal and not pitting much thought into it. â€Å"Have you done it before? † â€Å"Then it's not nothing† Being taught how to make cranberry sauce implies April has not had this type of experience with her own mother Aprils perseverance in trying to find an oven to chock her turkey shows her change in thought about having a successful ‘last meal'- this is also reinforced when they continue to have thanks giving when her family don't turn up Photo motif happy memories: â€Å"Since when was she in the picture? -taking a Christmas photo, fake smiles, ling delay, everyone there but April When Joy gets the family to stop and pretends she wants to talk to them about preparing for her death but instead mocks how bad she expects Aprils cooking to be â€Å"how each of you in your own way is going to handle(pause) discarding your uneaten DOD† -shows her need to manipulate/control her family Irony- Joy thinks April is a screw up but at the same time we see her eating Junk food, smoking dope and alluding to a very sexually promiscuous past. Neighbor Wayne talks about the care you need to take with cooking a turkey (he's annoying) while April is trying to take care with what she's cooking- she mocks him tick tock showing her meaner side (like her mother? Memories: 3 shot- Joy leans on Tommy's shoulders showing her closeness with her son Motif-> photogra phs (album)- Joy insists on slowing her mother the photos (that Timmy took) f her surgery (breast removal) â€Å"this is my favorite† (without breasts) Series of close ups: April putting food in oven putting up table setting table decorating the apartment black staircase shows she does expect her family to turn up â€Å"That you stop† -contrast between Joys look of illness and Beet's look of hurt at her mother's words- you feel sympathy for them both â€Å"Who are you?†¦ My daughter is kind†¦ † Dotted â€Å"not anymore† Joy â€Å"then I don't know you† Dotted Reflection â€Å"I am so critical† â€Å"why am I so hard (on Beth)† -Joy reflects on her relationship with her children â€Å"I can only think of one vivid beautiful memory'- turns out that all her good memories of April are really about Beth That makes Joy angry/panic forcing them to stop their Journey â€Å"Petulance, shoplifting, fire in the kitchen, flicking matc hes at Beth, using a lighter to trim Tommy's hair, the drugs. â€Å"no wonder I have cancer she's the cancer I cant have another bad experience Vive had too many bad experiences†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ Insight into Aprils criminal past when she tries to break into Wane's apartment with a crow bar â€Å"Bad girl† (Wayne) When she discovers he has stolen a leg she attacks him uniform a bad girl a very bad girl† No I'm not† (sitting alone on the steps (high angle)) The meaning of Thanks Giving â€Å"the first year on their own was hard†¦ Really really hard† -implying this was true for herself as well â€Å"This one day where everyone seemed to know they needed each other†¦ They knew for certain they couldn't do it on their own. â€Å"- implying that this is true for April on this day.Retrieving the turkey salt n pepper shakers implies she wants to put the past behind her Have a fake turkey leg to replace the missing one implies that everything can be fixed Contrast- April excitedly descends the stairwell to meet her family â€Å"They're ere†¦. They're here† April sadly ascends the stairwell after seeing they have left (destroying her decorations as she goes) Resolution when Joy witnesses a woman leaving her young girl (abandoning her) in the bathroom (with her knickers still around her ankles) she realizes that she has been abandoning April all her life -she is at fault â€Å"Mom, mom† (echoes of the past) Freeze frame (still shots) of everyone having thanks giving together- no dialogue (nothing needs to be said) final family photo (with Bobby)= one last happy memory implying only happy memory before time ran out (sound of the camera sound)