Legal and Political Factors of Renewable Energy Development

Government policies that support renewable energy development Bolinger Poter (2010, p.4) argue that there are several barriers such as subsides for conventional forms of energy, financing risks and technology prejudice which hinder the development process of renewable energy.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Legal and Political Factors of Renewable Energy Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More To overcome these barriers the government has put in place various regulations and policies to facilitate the development of renewable energy (Sawin, 2001, p.4). This essay seeks to explain government policies and regulations that support the development of renewable energy. Trade control (rates and incentives) Price settling policy mitigates costs and price related barriers by providing favorable pricing rules for renewable energy as opposed to other sources of power generation. This means that the quantity of invest ment obtained is unspecified, but the price is identified in advance. On the other hand, quantity-forcing policy authorizes the percentage of quantity to be supplied from renewable energy at an undetermined price (Sawin, 2001, p.5). Tax relief Tax relief policies are offered to promote the development of renewable energy in states like Japan, United States, Europe and other countries. In states where tax relief is common, the state and federal tax policies address issues related to energy production, renewable fuels, accelerated depreciation and property investment (Bleyl, Eikmeier, 2009, p.4). Environmental safety Rader, (2012, p.6) Dunn (2009, p.4) argue that policies that reduce power plant emissions such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen and its components have the ability to affect the development of renewable energy.Advertising Looking for essay on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The government has established policies like green house gas mitigating policy to reduce power plant emissions in order to promote the development of renewable energy. The greenhouse gas action plan of the New Jersey was designed to capture methane gas in order to enhance the generation of power in order to avoid the emissions of methane gas into the atmosphere (Wiser Milford, 2008, p.8). Intellectual property law The intellectual property law is established to protect the strength and intellect of scientific expertise across the various technical areas that are essential to renewable energy. The government provides a full range of intellectual property services to the expertise in the renewable energy sector (Bolinger Poter, 2010, p.6). Environmental law Boonekamp Vethman (2010, p.7) say that this is one the laws in the energy sector that stipulate the legal transactions that support the development of renewable energy. Environmental law provides legislative instruments that encourage the growth o f renewable energy. This law issues policies such as the greenhouse gas policy which promotes a safe environment for both human beings and other living creatures. The law offers other policies that regulate air pollution, land use and other policies that ensure quality ground and surface water. The law is in place to ensure proper installation of renewable energy technology by the project developers (United Nations Environment Program, 2010, p.10). Import restrictions Import restrictions are specific limitations that act as barriers to trade because of the set rules and laws that create negative impacts to trade.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Legal and Political Factors of Renewable Energy Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Such barriers include cumbersome immigration procedures, inspection requirements, police road blocks, varying trade regulations for the countries engaged in the transactions and c ostly transit procedures. These rules limit the quantity as well as the quality of the products imported (Hirsh Serchuk, 2009, p.11). The European government has established the Renewable Energy Act which supports the importation of renewable energy equipment, machinery and materials by removing duty on imported products (International Energy Agency, 2010, p.8). References Bleyl, J, Eikmeier, B, (2009), Transaction and Life Cycle Cost Analyses: Market Survey and Statistical Potential, Austria, Vienna. Bolinger, M, Poter, K, (2010), ‘States emerge as clean energy investors: A review of state support for renewable energy’, Electricity J., vol.10, no.11, pp.82-95. Boonekamp, P, Vethman, P, (2010), Analysis of Policy Mix and Development of Energy Efficiency Service, Washington,DC,Island Press Dunn, S, (2009), Micro-power: The Next Electrical Era, Washington DC, World-watch Institute. Hirsh, R, Serchuk, A, (2009), ‘Power switch: Will the restructured electric util ity system help the environment’, Environment, vol.41, no.12, pp.32-39.Advertising Looking for essay on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More International Energy Agency, (2010), ‘Renewable energy policies and measures in IEA countries’, Government Printing Office, vol.36, no.10, pp.324-384. Rader, N, (2012), ‘The renewable portfolio standard: A practical guide’, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, vol.89, no.23, pp.456-498. Sawin, J, (2001), The Role of Government in the Development and Diffusion of Renewable Energy Technologies: Wind Power in the United States, California, Denmark Publishers. United Nations Environment Program, (2010), ‘Natural selection: Evolving choices for renewable energy technology and policy’, Government Printing Office, vol.25, no.12, pp.124-136. Wiser, R, Milford, L, (2008), ‘Innovation, renewable energy, and state investment: Case studies of leading clean energy funds’, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, vol.12, no.8, pp.26-34. This essay on Legal and Political Factors of Renewable Energy Development was written and submitted by user Leonard Nash to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

How To Use the Spanish Preposition A

How To Use the Spanish Preposition A The Spanish preposition a is often thought of as the equivalent of to - but in fact it has far more uses. A can also be the equivalent of on, at, from, by or in, among others. And in many cases it is not translated at all. Rather than learning how to use the Spanish a by its translation, it is probably best to learn the purposes for which a is used. The following list doesnt cover all its uses, but it does show the uses you are most likely to come across at the beginning stages of learning Spanish. Where a is translated, the translation is indicated in boldface. Using A To Indicate Motion or Location Almost any verb indicating motion, and even nouns, can be followed by a before a destination. It can also be used with some other verbs to indicate where the verbs action takes place. Llegamos a Argentina. (We arrived in Argentina.)Se acercà ³ a la casa. (He approached the house.)Cayà ³ al piso. (It fell to the floor.)Ofrecemos servicios especializados para facilitar su visita a Disneyland. (We offer specialized services to facility your visit to Disneyland.)Esa es la puerta al baà ±o. (That is the door to the bathroom. Al is a contraction of a el, usually meaning to the.)Me siento a la mesa. (I am sitting at the table.) Using A Before an Infinitive A is often used to connect a verb with an infinitive that follows. This use is especially common when indicating the start of an action. In these cases, a is not translated separately from the infinitive. Empezà ³ a salir. (She began to leave.)Entrà ³ a hablar contigo. (He came in to talk to you.)Él se negà ³ a nadar. (He refused to swim.)He venido a estudiar. (I have come to study.)Comenzà ³ a bailar. (She began to dance.) The most common usage following this patter is using ir a infinitive to form the a type of future tense  known as the periphrastic future. Si no jugamos bien no vamos a ganar. (If we dont play well we arent going to win.)Voy  a  cantar.  (I am going to sing.)Tenemos que aceptar que tal vez no nos vayan a entender. (We have to accept that sometimes they arent going to understand us.) Using A To Indicate Manner or Method Numerous expressions begin with a followed by a noun to indicate how something is done. The phrase starting with a functions as an adverb and is sometimes translated as one. Vamos a pie. (We are going on foot.)Hay que fijarlo a mano. (It is necessary to fix it by hand. Note that a mano also could have been translated as manually, an adverb.)Estoy a dieta. (I am on a diet.)Escribo a lpiz. (I am writing with a pencil.)Andan a ciegas. (They are walking blindly.)Llegamos a tiempo. (We are arriving on time.)La internet evoluciona a cada instante. (The Internet is changing constantly.)Lee el libro a escondidas. (She is studying the book covertly.) Introducing an Object With A Before a direct object, a is used before name or noun that represents a person in a usage known as the personal a. The preposition in these cases usually is not translated. A can also introduce an indirect object. Conozco a Pedro. (I know Peter. In this and the next two examples, the name functions as a direct object.)Encontrà © a Fido. (I found Fido.)Verà © a Marà ­a. (I will see Mary.)Le doy una camisa a Jorge. (I am giving a shirt to George. In this and the next three examples, George is an indirect object. Note how the translation of a varies with the verb.)Le compro una camisa a Jorge. (I am buying a shirt for George.)Le robo una camisa a Jorge. (I am taking a shirt from George.)Le pongo la camisa a Jorge. (I am putting the shirt on George.) Using A in Time Expressions A is sometimes used in specifying times or days. Salimos a las cuatro. (We are leaving at four.)A la una de la noche escuchamos maullar. (At 1 in the morning we heard meowing.)Estamos a lunes. (Today is Monday. Literally, we are at Monday.)

Learn How to Conjugate Téléphoner (to Call) in French

Learn How to Conjugate Tà ©là ©phoner (to Call) in French As you might expect, the French verb  tà ©là ©phoner  means to call or to telephone. Unlike the verb  appeler, which also means to call, this one refers specifically to a telephone conversation. In order to properly use tà ©là ©phoner to say things such as he called or I am calling, you will need to know how to conjugate the verb. The good news is that this is a regular verb, so not only is it easy to memorize, its also relatively easy to conjugate. A brief lesson will show you how thats done. The Basic Conjugations of  Tà ©là ©phoner In comparison to other French verbs, tà ©là ©phoner is one of the easier verb conjugations to study. Thats because this is a  regular -er verb, meaning it uses a very common pattern as you move from one form of the verb to another. As with all regular verbs, you will add a variety of endings to the verb stem (or radical) to form each conjugation. The catch with the French language is that there is a new ending for every subject pronoun within each tense, giving you more words to memorize. The radical of tà ©là ©phoner  is tà ©là ©phon-.  Using the chart, you can see which ending you need to add to that for your sentence. For example, I am calling is  je tà ©là ©phone  and we will call is  nous tà ©là ©phonerons. Present Future Imperfect je tlphone tlphonerai tlphonais tu tlphones tlphoneras tlphonais il tlphone tlphonera tlphonait nous tlphonons tlphonerons tlphonions vous tlphonez tlphonerez tlphoniez ils tlphonent tlphoneront tlphonaient The Present Participle of  Tà ©là ©phoner When you add -ant  to the radical of  tà ©là ©phoner, you get the  present participle  tà ©là ©phonant. It is a verb, though in some situations you may also use it as an adjective, gerund, or noun. Tà ©là ©phoner  in the Compound Past Tense The past tense can be either the imperfect or the passà © composà ©, which is a compound. To form this, youll need to conjugate the auxiliary verb avoir to the present tense, then attach the past participle tà ©là ©phonà ©. For example, I called is jai tà ©là ©phonà © and we called is nous avons tà ©là ©phonà ©. More Simple Conjugations of Tà ©là ©phoner There are a few more simple conjugations of  tà ©là ©phoner  that you may need at times. The subjunctive, for instance, calls the act into question while  the conditional  says its dependent on something else. The literary tenses of the passà © simple  and  the imperfect subjunctive  are also good to know because you may encounter them while reading. Subjunctive Conditional Pass Simple Imperfect Subjunctive je tlphone tlphonerais tlphonai tlphonasse tu tlphones tlphonerais tlphonas tlphonasses il tlphone tlphonerait tlphona tlphont nous tlphonions tlphonerions tlphonmes tlphonassions vous tlphoniez tlphoneriez tlphontes tlphonassiez ils tlphonent tlphoneraient tlphonrent tlphonassent The imperative form  is used for very direct sentences and often used alone, so the subject pronoun is not required. In this instance, its perfectly acceptable to shorten  tu  tà ©là ©phone  to  tà ©là ©phone. Imperative (tu) tlphone (nous) tlphonons (vous) tlphonez

Legalization of Prostitution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Legalization of Prostitution - Essay Example However, some sex service markets have no apparent coercion or forceful nature and involve sufficient compensation for the service provider. Arguments about the legalization prospects of prostitution normally revolve around the genuine existence of voluntary markets, as well as whether sex markets are inherently harmful, oppressive, and coercive to the subjects and third parties with no involvement (Cameron 12). Prostitutes are probably one of the most stigmatized people in the world. Those against the service contend that it should remain illegal because it is immoral, shameful, and has no place in a social order that is just. In addition, some feminist groups argue for its illegalization since it is a relic of patriarchal societies. On the other hand, those arguing for its legalization contend that it is a necessary evil, while most prostitutes believe that men need prostitution because it offers relief from complicated sex and loneliness. Abolitionist approaches to prostitution only criminalizes activities that profit from sex and human trafficking, rather than the sex service provider who are treated as exploited victims (Cameron 13). There are three standard approaches taken when considering sex markets that have no forced sex involved, including decriminalization, legalization, and prohibition. The latter approach criminalizes activities of clients, providers, and those profiting from transactions in the market, while the legalization argument is tolerant t o the sex business and markets with industry-specific restrictions. The decriminalization approach, on the other hand, seeks to regulate sex markets as any other by removing special and criminal restrictions and regulations. The abolitionist approach lumps prostitution and sex trafficking together, while the decriminalization approach views sex markets as requiring regulations but not

Comparison of Marx and Weber on theory of Inequality Essay

Comparison of Marx and Weber on theory of Inequality - Essay Example The contemporary debate on the theories of social inequality considers Marx’s and Weber’s view, with the aim of conceptualizing class analysis. Wright (2001) emphasized the centrality of class within the Marxist tradition. Marx stated that class struggle is the motor of history, and supported an exploitation-centered concept of class. Three Marxist theses are essential in order to understand his perspective on social inequality: (1) the radical egalitarianism thesis, according to which a radically egalitarian distribution of the material conditions of life would enhance human flourishing; (2) historical possibility thesis, suggesting the feasibility of organizing society for a radically egalitarian distribution of the material conditions of life, and (3) the anti-capitalism thesis. Marx considered capitalism as the enemy of social equality, since capitalism blocks the possibility of the radical egalitarianism. Breen (2001) outlined Weber’s view on social class, presented in Economy and Society. According to Weber, members of a class share common life chances, i.e. the chances that individuals have of procuring goods. Weber stated that the market distributes life chances in accordance with the various resources that individuals bring to it. â€Å"There is no assumption in Weber that class will be the major source of conflict within capitalist society or that classes will necessarily serve as a source of collective action. Rather, the focus is on the market as the source of inequalities in life chances† (Breen 2001: 42). For Weber, classes are of interest insofar as they shape life chances. Weber identified four classes under capitalism: the â€Å"dominant entrepreneurial and propertied groups; the petty bourgeoisie; workers with formal credentials (the middle class) and those who lack them and whose only asset is their labor power (the working class)† (Breen 2001: 42). I believe that

Spasticity Following Stroke: a Literature Review

Spasticity Following Stroke: a Literature Review ABBREVIATIONS UMN: UPPER MOTOR NEURON SPASM: SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR ASSEMBLY OF DATABASE FOR SPASTICITY MEASUREMENT CNS: CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM PMS: PASSIVE MUSCLE STRETCHING TS: TRICEPS SURAE TA: TIBIALIS ANTERIOR ROM: RANGE OF MOTION INTRODUCTION: Spasticity is a major disabling symptom that most commonly arises after stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, some traumatic brain injuries and other central nervous system (CNS) lesion (Dietz and Sinkjaer 2007). Lesion of the cortico-fugal pathway along with the pyramidal tracts, at any level, like cortex, brainstem, internal capsule or spinal cord results in spasticity (Carr et al. 1995). The term spasticity was derived from the Greek word ‘spasticus’ meaning ‘to pull or to tug’ (Ghai et al. 2013). The definition of spasticity that has been formerly cited is that of Lance in 1980: ‘Spasticity is motor disorder characterised by a velocity dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes (muscle tone) with exaggerated tendon jerks, resulting from hyper-excitability of the stretch reflex, as one component of the upper motor neurone (UMN) syndrome.’(Brown 1994). Though this definition is useful for diagnosis, yet for the purpose of understan ding and managing the effects of inappropriate muscle actions after stroke, it is too restrictive (Bhakta 2000). Recently SPASM (Support Programme for Assembly of database for Spasticity Measurement) redefined spasticity as â€Å"disordered sensori-motor control, resulting from an UMN lesion, presenting as intermittent or sustained involuntary activation of muscles† (Mirbagheri et al. 2009). For the purpose of study the clinicians have divided the UMN syndrome into ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ effects. The characteristics of the negative features are loss of dexterity, weakness and easy fatigability on the other hand spasticity, increased tendon reflexes, extensor and flexor spasm, clonus etc are the features of positive UMN syndrome. The later definition of spasticity includes all the characteristics of positive UMN syndrome excluding its negative features and the biomechanical changes in the joints and soft tissues (Mirbagheri et al. 2009). The negati ve features of UMN syndrome are regarded to be more disabling than the positive features (Carr et al. 1995) but recent studies have showed that spasticity adds on to the impairment of function and to limitation of activity for the affected person (Bovend’Eerdt et al. 2008). The core feature of spasticity is increase in stretch reflex, manifested as hypertonus. Muscle tone is defined as the tension of a muscle due to involuntary contractions of its motor units; it is determined both by the passive elasticity of muscular tissues, the viscoelastic properties of the fibrillary proteins contained within each muscle fibre and by the active (though not continuous) contraction of muscle in response to the reaction of the nervous system (Grabowski and Tortora, 2003). Alternately active and inactive motor units help in maintaining normal tone in a muscle. Any imbalance in the input from central motor pathways like the cortico-reticulo-spinal and other descending pathways to the inter-neuronal circuit of spinal cord results in alteration in the involuntary contraction in a muscle. The main tract restricting the spinal reflex activity is the dorsal reticulospinal tract that runs along the lateral spino thalamic tract. It arises from the ventero medial reticular for mation which has less facilitatorty control over the cortical motor areas, thereby augmenting the inhibitory drive. The main excitatory pathway also arising in the brainstem is the medial reticulo spinal tract. Damage to these tracts give rise to a net loss of inhibitory control leading to increased alpha motor neurone excitability at the segmental cord level and subsequent increase in muscle tone. Several studies also claim that peripheral neural changes also contribute to the increased muscle tone. Muscle tone has two components, neural involving CNS and musculoskeletal, where muscles are involved (Barnes, M. P. et al. 2003). Both the components help in maintaining normal muscle tone. Normal tone is the slight amount of constant tension in the healthy muscles offering small resistance to displacement (Barnes, Michael P. and Johnson 2008). There is change in mechanical, visco-elastic properties of muscle fibres as a result of paresis and immobilisation after an UMN lesion. Activation of actin and myosin cross bridges also increases muscle tone (Lee et al, 2005). CNS and neural pathways maintain tone by overlapping actin and myosin filaments on muscle contraction. Insufficient contraction results in decreased muscle tone due to insufficient development of tension (Grabowski and Tortora 2003). Through the phasic and tonic stretch reflexes the muscle spindle plays an important role in regulating the muscle tone (Cameron-Tucker 1983). These muscle spindles can be adjusted in terms of their response to stretching. Spasticity is generated due to the over activity of the alpha motor neurons. Over activity occurs when the monosynaptic input via Ia afferent fibres and polysynaptic afferent input via the Golgi tendon organs and cutaneous receptors loose descending inhibition from the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia, which is relayed through the dorsal and medial reticulospinal and vestibulospinal tracts. Spinal inter-neurons are responsible for presynaptic and reciprocal inhibition of Ia fibres. Due to the loss of this inhibition inappropriate muscle co-contraction occur disabling voluntary limb movement (Bhakta 2000). The course of development of both cerebral and spinal spasticity after an insult is slow in humans, except for the cases of high brain stem lesion like traumatic brain injury where the increase in the tone is immediate (Carr et al. 1995). The time gap between the injury and appearance of spasticity may vary from days to months, depending upon the level of lesion (Ghai et al. 2013). The effect of spasticity ranges from mild muscle stiffness to severe, very painful and uncontrollable muscle spasm. If left untreated spasticity gives rise to many problems like pain, spasm, contracture and deformity leading to a loss of mobility and dexterity, problem in self hygiene, inability to wear orthotics hence resulting in decreased functioning, participation and low self esteem (Ghai et al. 2013). A multidisciplinary approach is required for the effective management of spasticity taking into consideration other variables that might affect treatment outcome. Aim of treatment should include prevention of abnormal limb or trunk posture and facilitation of movement in the context of functional activities (Bhakta 2000). Secondary to the neural changes there are dramatic changes of the structural and mechanical properties of the spastic muscle. A review conducted by Jared et al. concluded that the following changes occur in a spastic muscle: a) alteration of the size of muscle fibre and the type of fibre distribution; b) morphologically and biomechanically measured there is proliferation of extracellular matrix material; c) increased stiffness in the spastic cell muscle; d) compared to the normal muscle there is inferior mechanical properties of extra cellular matrix in the spastic muscle (Foran et al. 2005). As a management of spasticity the researchers have tried to alter the motor neuron excitability by many interventions like electrical stimulation (Bajd et al. 1985), pressure (Leone and Kukulka 1988), muscle tapping (Belanger et al. 1989), vibration (Gillies et al. 1969), cooling (Bell and Lehmann 1987), massage (Sullivan et al. 1991) and stretch (Kunkel et al. 1993, Avela et al. 1999). Among all of these, stretching has been intensively used as it is safe, economical and convenient (Tsai, KUEN-HORNG et al. 2001). Stretching is the process of applying tension to the soft tissue structures like muscle, tendon, and vascular, dermal, connective, neural tissues for elongation. Stretching can be applied mechanically (example- with dynamometer or an intelligent feedback control device) offering well controlled intervention and manually, which is difficult to standardise but represents clinical practice better. Stretching changes the viscoelastic, structural and excitatory property of the muscle. (Nielsen et al. 2007). However many neural as well as non neural property of stretching remains unclear. Stretching aims on decreasing muscle tone, maintain or increase soft tissue extensibility leading to improvement in function (Barnes, Michael P. and Johnson 2008). Lots of variation can be done while implementing stretching as an intervention. The amount of tension, the duration of the stretch, the velocity of stretch, the number of repetition can all be varied. LITERATURE REVIEW: A study was done by Harvey et al. in the year 2000 on the â€Å"Effects Of Four Weeks Of Daily Stretching On Ankle Mobility In Patients With Spinal Cord Injuries†. 14 recently injured subjects with paraplegia and quadriplegia were taken from two spinal injury units in Sydney, Australia. Their ankle was stretched into dorsiflexion, continuously for 30 minutes with a torque of 7.5 Nm for every weekday, for 4 consecutive weeks. The main outcome measure was measuring the torque angle in knee flexed and extended position. Measurements were taken pre-test and post test. Post test measurements were also taken thrice I,e, during the study (2nd week), just after the study (4th week) and one week after the study (5th week). Intervention was given by a custom made stretching device that is able to give ankle stretch. The baselines of all the subjects were same. The result showed that even after stretching for a longer time than usual there was no significant difference in the post test value in any of the three parameters from pre test. Hence the study concluded that there is no significant change in ankle mobility after 30 minutes of stretching for 4 weeks in SCI patients. The strength of the study is good, with random allocation, blinding of assessor, similar baseline of all the subjects but the intervention device needed to be more standardised. The study has a score of 8 on PEDro scale of assessment. A study by Tsai et al. 2001 examined the effect of a single session of prolonged muscle stretch (PMS) on the spastic muscle. 17 spastic hemiplegic patients were selected for the study and as an intervention PMS was given on the triceps surae (TS) muscles by standing on the tilt table with feet dorsiflexed for 30 minutes. Here the outcome measures were Modified Ashworth scale of the TS, the H/M ratio of TS and the F/M ratio of tibialis anterior (TA) and passive range of motion (ROM) of ankle dorsiflexion,. The measurements were taken pre test, post test and 45 minutes after the test. ROM was measured with a goniometer and electromiograph was used to perform nerve stimulation and reflex recording. The results showed non-significant difference in the Modified Ashworth scale, significant change in the ROM of ankle dorsiflexion, F/M ratio and H/M ratio. There was increase in the passive ROM of the ankle dorsiflexion post treatment compared to pre treatment, additionally PMS reduced motor neuron excitability of the TS and increased that of TA in the post treatment. There was no significant difference of result with in immediate post test and 45 minutes after post test. The study was well written but the sample size was too small. The age of the effected patients varied from 33 till 79 years which is a very wide range and the acuteness of the patients varied from 4.5 months post attack to 79.6 months post attack. These factors may cause a problem while generalising the results and the amount of stiffness may vary with the duration of illness. Bressel and McNair (2002) did a study to compare prolonged static stretch with cyclic stretching on ankle joint stiffness, torque relaxation and gait in stroke patients. 10 community dwelling people were randomly allocated into two groups; one of the groups received single session of static stretch and the other cyclic stretch of the calf muscle for 30 minutes. There was a washout period for one week and then the group interventions were exchanged. The interventions were given by an isokinetic dynamometer that measured the torques and the angles also. Before and after treatment the time taken to walk 10 m was taken and stiffness of the ankle joint was calculated from the slope of the torque and angle curves before and immediately after the treatments. Over the 30 minutes stretch the percentage of the decrease in peak passive torque was the torque relaxation achieved. Results showed that there was significant decrease in ankle stiffness in both the intervention but there was not much significant difference between the post test values of the two interventions. The amount of torque relaxation was 53% greater in static stretching than that of cyclic stretching. And the 10 m walk duration did not have any significant difference pre and post test. The sample size of the study was very small to generalise the results and the wash over period between the two sessions were of just one week. Since the prolonged effect of the stretching is unknown hence it can’t be commented that whether there was any residual effect of the previous session that may have affected the results of the second session. Nowhere in the study blinding was done hence there may be a chance of being bias from the assessor. The baselines of both the groups were not similar. A study by Yeh et al. (2005) compared the effectiveness of constant-torque prolonged muscle stretching (PMS) treatment in subjects with ankle hypertonia. The study design was a pre and post test analysis. 30 subjects suffering from hemiplegia and calf muscle hypertonia were given stretching device using a motor driven stretching device for 30 minutes in constant torque or constant angle mode. The main outcome measures were Modified Ashworth scale, passive range of motion and viscoelastic property of the planter flexors were measured pre and post treatment. Result showed significant improvement in all the measures, but the in the viscoelastic component the constant torque showed more evident changes compared to the constant angle measure. This study proved that there is significant reduction in spasticity after a single session of PMS. The methodology of the study was appropriate and the analysis of the data leading to the result was done well. the study also mention about the future scope of study by changing the mode of stretch from constant to intermittent. Neither the subjects, nor the assessor was blinded in the study, so the question of bias remains. A systemic review done by Bovend’Eerdt et al. (2008) was the first review done on the effects of stretching in spasticity. Studies were taken from databases like Medline, Cochrane library, CINHAL, Web of Science, PEDro and Alied and Complementary medicine for review. 10 RCTs and 11 clinical trials were assessed. Randomised control trails were assessed on PEDro scale for methodologic quality and the other clinical trials were assessed using data extraction form containing 13 items from CASP guidelines and CONSORT statement. The methodological qualities of the RCTs were low and there was a huge diversity on the methodology, intervention, population etc. Both manual and mechanical stretching was given. The review concludes as there is not much evidence on the basis of which the review can say if stretching on spasticity has its clinical benefit. A recent study by Gao et al. (2011) aims to investigate the changes occurring in biomechanical properties of the calf muscle–tendon unit after controlled ankle stretching in stroke survivors. Comparison was done between 10 stroke patients with ankle spasticity/contracture in one group and ten healthy subjects in the control group. 60 minute ankle stretching was given as an intervention to both the groups. Joint biomechanical properties like resistance torque, index of hysteresis and stiffness were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Length of Achilles tendon was measured with ultrasonography. The force output of the triceps surae muscles was given in torque–angle relationship, by stimulating the calf muscles at a definite intensity across different ankle positions. The device used for intervention was an ankle stretching device with intelligent control (the velocity of stretching was inversely proportional to the joint resistance torque) was used. Pre test the stroke survivors showed significantly higher resistance torques and joint stiffness, which were to a large extent reduced after the stretching intervention, especially in dorsiflexion. Stretching also significantly improved the force production of the impaired calf muscles in stroke population under matched stimulations, along with the ankle ROM. The study interpreted that at the joint level, repeated stretching leads to increased passive ROM and decreased joint stiffness; at the muscle–tendon level, calf muscle force output improved. The study provided evidence of improvement in muscle tendon properties through stretching intervention. Apart from the small sample size the study was well written and the methodology was well described. DISCUSSION: Spasticity is a disabling and often painful condition that occur secondary to the UMN lesion that leads to hypertonicity, exaggerated reflexes, weakness of muscle and loss of dexterity. Spasticity has both neural and non neural components. Stretching is a very commonly used intervention used in clinical physiotherapy. But stretching and spasticity together is a very complicated concept. From the articles reviewed one can conclude that stretching does have a positive effect on spasticity, but its effect on the neural component of spasticity alone is yet not proved. In this study the stretching that has been described are mechanical stretches, but there are various other form of stretches given through splinting, plaster cast, weights which could not be discussed because of their low level of evidence. Many studies could not be included because there stretching was combined with strengthening, stimulation, passive motion etc. Even among the articles taken in this study there is heterog eneity in methodology of stretching, its duration, the type of stretch and even the outcome measures used. Inspite of being a component in the definition none of the articles investigated spasticity by using different velocities of displacement. Due to so much of diversity it is tough to comment on which mode of stretching is most beneficial for spasticity. To come down to a conclusion, future studies are needed to be done to find a standardised protocol of stretching for spasticity. In the future studies the outcome measure should be chosen carefully and intervention should be planed keeping the aim of the study in mind. CONCLUSION: The studies taken in this review shows a great diversity in respect to methodology, intervention, population and outcome measures. Though from the reviewed articles it can be said that stretching is effective for spasticity but there is need of good quality of studies to decide on a stretching protocol, its long term and short term effects and to come down to a conclusion as to which type of stretching is most effective in spasticity . TOTAL WORD COUNT IS 2978.

“An American Indian Wilderness” by Louis Owens Essay

In Louis Owens’ essay â€Å"An American Indian Wilderness† the author projects a self-reflective and, in the end, pessimistic persona. As a young man Owens works as a park ranger in the American Wilderness of Washington State. He has the task of burning down an old log shelter in the wilderness, to return the surrounding area back to its natural state. After completing his task, he meets two elderly Indian women, who tell him that their father had built the shelter in the previous century. He suddenly feels ashamed about what he had just done; however, the two women forgive him and he starts to understand the Indian philosophy in regards to â€Å"Mother Nature† and his own detachment with it. In the first half of the story, Owen recalls that he â€Å"felt good and smug† about the job he had just completed, because he was â€Å"returning the wilderness to its original state.† He writes that it was a task he â€Å"heartily approved of.† His feelings change after he meets the two elderly Indian women, as he learns that their father had also been a park ranger, as well as a descendant from the original Indian inhabitants of the â€Å"Indian country† he is working in. The two women seem â€Å"ancient† to him, probably wise as well and one with nature. They still know about the relationship that humans used to have with nature, before the Europeans â€Å"introduced the wilderness† to America. As Owens’ tone turns darker, he realizes that he too â€Å"had succumbed to a 500 year old pattern of deadly thinking that separates us [humans] from the natural world.† He realizes that the term â€Å"wilderness† is an â€Å"absurdity† and that there really had been no â€Å"wilderness† before the Europeans came to the land. The upbeat tone from the beginning of the text turns into a self-reflective analysis, which ultimately turns into pessimism about the future of the human civilization. As the mood of the story turns, the white  snow turns into a â€Å"drumming rain†; he mentions that he understands â€Å"painfully† what the Indian inhabitants always knew – that we as humans are part of nature, but that we are not living that way anymore. Owens’ persona becomes most pessimistic at the end of the text, when he writes, â€Å"Unless all human beings can learn to imagine themselves intimately and inextricably related to ever aspect of the world they inhabit, the earth will simply not survive.† He seems disillusioned about the chance we humans have, if we keep fencing in â€Å"Mother Nature† and turn her into a recreational aspect of our lives, rather than being part of the whole, as the original Indians used to be. We as humans should take this very seriously and stop ourselves from expanding our â€Å"American Wilderness† farther and farther, pushing nature more and more away from us. Owens’ as the ‘Lone Ranger’ understands the intricate balance between us and nature and that at some point â€Å"The Great Mother† will either fight back or die forever.