Self Interest Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Self Interest - Coursework Example Ethics is a moral conduct that is good, fair, just, and admirable in the society. It brings out a clean air of behaviour and aims at showing ones dignity while interacting with fellow human beings. Morality always triumphs over selfishness, without morality social life would be nearly impossible. Naturally, people would be brutal, unjust, and selfish. Religion contributes to morality, because about 60% of individuals believe in a certain religion (MacKinnon and Fiala, 2015). Theologically, people care of what will happen in their afterlife. For many religions, an afterlife involves a person been rewarded or punished for what they have done. â€Å"Do to others what you would have them do to unto you† is a golden rule with a religious birth, which has been cemented in most people’s minds since childhood. Religion exists as a factor of unity in the society. Confucius in the ancient china was vocal in establishing a â€Å"gentleman’s code† to avoid social diso rder in China. The comfort or wrath of after life is based on the moral conduct of people’s behaviour while on earth. This regulates the conduct of people and motivates them to help others. Arguably, it is much better for people to follow rules. In the state of nature, according to social contract theory by Hobbes, it was brutal, lawless, unjust and short. The absence of rules was the cause. Inherently, man desires law and security. The need for self-preservation and protection of property prompts man to surrender their rights voluntarily.

High School and Local Elementary School Essay Example for Free

High School and Local Elementary School Essay It feels like just yesterday I was in high school, without cares just making my portfolio. Now, it’s been a couple years since college and I’m trying to adjust to married life. It’s been about a year or so since I got hitched. I’m getting ready to have my first child, Winter. I hope to have another in a few years. I currently teach fifth grade in a local elementary school. It’s an okay job, the pay is alright it will get me through my bills, after a few more years I should be getting a raise. I talk to my parents a lot now, they are very important to me. My husband and I are trying to decide how to raise our child. I believe the most important value my parents taught me was to always be polite to people because you never know who is watching. I hope my child grows up learning that. I am very in love with my husband, we met at school and we had an instant connection. Both my grandmother and grandfather have died, it was very tough but time heals all wounds. My husband and I live in a little house but we are looking to relocate to somewhere a little bigger, for the children. We go to the Catholic church every sunday and are very involved in church life. My hope for the future is that I raise my kids to be fabulous people and never give up. The three most important things that have happened since high school would be, graduating college, getting married, and now having my child. What I miss most about the â€Å"good old days† is just being able to horse around without having to care about bills and work. When I die, I hope everyone remembers me as a nice person who tried her best to do well.

E-business strategy

E-business strategy 1. Management Summary 2. Introduction Tesco is Britains largest food retailer, employing over 240,000 people worldwide and has net yearly profits of over  £1 billion. Its website is one of the most popular in the UK, with over one million registered users. [free-encyclopedia-online] Tesco started in 1919 when Jack Cohen started selling surplus groceries from a stall in the East End of London. The Tesco brand first appeared five years later in 1924 he bought a shipment of tea from a Mr T. E Stockwell. The initials and letters were combined to form Tes-co and in 1929 Mr Cohen opened the flagship Tesco store in Burnt Oak, North London. The brand sustained its rise in the 1930s when Mr Cohen established a headquarters and warehouse in North London and in 1932 Tesco became a private limited company. In the 1950s the retailer bought 70 Williams stores and 200 Harrow stores, followed by 97 Charles Philips stores and the Victor Value chain in the early 1960s. In 1968 Tesco opened its first superstore in Crawley, West Sussex. Supermarkets revolutionised the way people shopped and by the 1970s Tesco was building a national store network to cover the whole of the UK, which it continues to expand to this day, while also diversifying into other products. In 1974 Tesco opened its first petrol stations, and would become the UKs largest independent petrol retailer. By 1979 total sales topped  £1bn, and by 1982 sales had doubled to more than  £2bn. In 1987 Tesco effectively completed a hostile takeover of supermarket opponent Hillards for  £220m. In the 1990s Tesco continued to tighten its grip on the UK with more store openings and an aggressive marketing campaign in an attempt to surpass Sainsburys as the UKs leading grocer. In 1992, the company launched is slogan every little helps, followed by the Tesco Value range in 1993. This was followed by the launch of the Tesco Clubcard scheme in 1995, helping Tesco to overtake rival Sainsburys as the UKs largest food retailer. 1996 saw the retailer introduce its first 24-hour store while it also expanded overseas opening shops in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Tesco.com was launched in 2000 and the supermarket continued to expand its range of products, which now includes clothes, electrical and personal finance products. In 2004 Tesco entered the broadband market. In 2006, the retailer announced ambitious plans to open stores in the US under the name Fresh and Easy and funded by existing resources. Tesco now operates in 13 countries. Group sales were  £51.8bn in the year to February 23 2008. In 2008 the retail giant took its conquest of the UK one step further by buying up some competitor Somerfield stores on distant islands in Scotland, giving Tesco a existence in every single postcode area in the country. More than 50p in every pound spent on food by the citys 66,000 residents is done so at a Tesco checkout and similar dominance in other towns has sparked controversy. Because of their size, supermarkets have been accused by some of abusing their position by forcing smaller local shops out of business. Clark, T, (2008) Below figure 2.1 shows a graph of Tescos profit over a five year period from 2003 to 2008. Figure 2.2Graph showing the improvement of Tescos product range Grocery home shopping service, toys electronics, sports equipment, cookware home finishing Financial services (Visa card, saving accounts, banks, insurance) Gas filling station Gasoline retailer Clothing, household Food 1919 1960 1990 199   1997 2000 Year 3. Situation Analysis In crafting a strategy it is important for a company to analyse the environment. All organisations operate within an environment that influences the way in which business is conducted. Situation analysis involves the review of the internal resources and processes of the company to assess its e-business capabilities and results to date in the context of a review of its activity in the market place. It also involves the review of the immediate competitive environment or micro-environment and the review of the wider environment or macro-environment in which a company operates. The micro-environment includes customer demand and behaviour, competitor activity, marketplace structure and relationships with suppliers, partners and intermediaries. The macro-environment includes economic development and regulation by governments in the form of law and taxes together with social and ethical constraints such as the demand for privacy. Chaffey (2009) 3.1. Present Position Analysis In this section the factors that impact Tescos strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats will be looked at. Figure 3.1 presents the factors that impact the SWOT analysis of Tesco. Strengths Advertising and marketing Strong customer base Product range Services offered International entrance Location Sale increase Brand name External economies of scale Product quality Cost reduction Weaknesses Transport cost Dependence on the UK grocery market Market dominated by another company Opportunities Online market Growth Product expansion Threats Tax increase Innovation of other companies Customer preference Internet security Tescos success in the market stands firm due to their product range which allows customers to choose products from different market segments. With this strategy Tesco establishment a strong customer base. They also kept and grew their customer base by introducing new services within the organisation and by way of their advertising both in store and online. They introduced a clubcard that encouraged and continues to encourage customers to shop online with rewards. To keep their customer base strong they use different advertising and marketing methods such as sending customers mails using effective mediums which include both direct mail and electronic mail. Advertising is can be done in store and is even more effective using the online medium such as advertising on Google or sites that are used regularly by general web browsers. Services such as insurance, visa cards, saving accounts, music downloads and gas filling stations where some of the services introduced by Tesco. The products and services offered by Tesco meets or at times exceed the expectations of customers. The brand name Tesco uses allows customers to identify them and the products and services they provide even though other companies provide similar products and services. Tescos strategy of branching out into different locations was a major move which allowed them to target all groups of customer wants and needs with the products and services they offered. They also branch out into international markets and expand their products and services into different cultures. Tescos move to the online arena allowed them to target all groups all at once and allow their customers to purchase items that are in or out of season and are not available in store. They also grant them five dollar discounts to encourage them to shop on the online market. Tescos have an advantage over their competitors and due to this fact the prices they offer for the same products are much lower allowing more customers to come into Te sco instead of the competitors. Dependence on the UK market is considered a weakness because of their dependence on UK suppliers for their products. Tesco can turn their dependence on the UK market into strength by outsourcing products with equal or superior quality than the products they currently offer. Tesco dominates the market but in certain cities, Tescos competitors have monopolised the cities. In order for this monopoly by their competitors to be destroyed Tesco needs to open more branches within the cities and boost up their services to gain a wide range of customers in those cities. 3.2. Industry Analysis Porters Five Forces for Tesco.com 4. E-Business Strategy Strategy development should be strongly influenced by considering the environment the business operates in. The most significant influences are those of the immediate marketplace of the micro-environment that is shaped by the needs of customers and how services provided to them through competitors and intermediaries and via upstream suppliers. Technological innovations are vital in providing opportunities to provide superior services to competitors or through changing the shape of the marketplace. Chaffey (2009) 4.1.E-Business strategy 4.2. Implementation 5. Legal and ethical issues Privacy of consumers is a key ethical issue since many laws have been enacted. Data protection legislation is enacted to protect the individual, to protect their privacy and to prevent misuse of their personal data. This affects all types of organizations regardless of whether they have a transactional e-commerce service. Chaffey (2009) When gathering information Tesco.com needs to take in mind what the Data Protection Act states concerning personal data and the use of that data. In schedule 1 of the Data Protection Act 1998, it states eight principles by which data must be protected. These eight principles are: Personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully and, in particular, shall not be processed unless— at least one of the conditions in Schedule 2 is met, and in the case of sensitive personal data, at least one of the conditions in Schedule 3 is also met. Personal data shall be obtained only for one or more specified and lawful purposes, and shall not be further processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose or those purposes. Personal data shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purpose or purposes for which they are processed. Personal data shall be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date. Personal data processed for any purpose or purposes shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for that purpose or those purposes. Personal data shall be processed in accordance with the rights of data subjects under this Act. Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data. Personal data shall not be transferred to a country or territory outside the European Economic Area unless that country or territory ensures an adequate level of protection for the rights and freedoms of data subjects in relation to the processing of personal data. [opsi 2008] According to the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 above Tesco must ensure that: When Tesco.com collects information from a data subject, the data subject must be aware that their information is being captured and because they agree to it. This information is obtained when a customer registers an account with Tesco.com. This information will be used by Tesco.com to create a profile for the individual. Tesco.com must let the data subject know why they are collecting this information and how it will be used both now and in the future. They need to let the data subject know if they data will be sent to third parties or not and how long they will keep this information stored. The data requested by Tesco.com must be relevant according to their needs. It must also be information that a customer will feel comfortable disclosing. Tesco.com must ensure that the data being collected and processed from a data subject is accurate and up-to-date. When a customer requests the closure of their account Tesco.com should delete all data concerning that customer or they will be in violation of the fifth principle in the Data Protection Act 1998. Tesco.com should supply information to the data subject without hesitation once they request it. In gathering information Tesco.com must ensure that the data stored is safe and secure. In distributing data Tesco.com must ensure that the data subject agrees to it or the country to which the information is being transferred to must have proper data protection or else there will be a breach of the Data Protection Act 1998 principle 8. According to the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations Act, Tesco.com must see to it that the e-mail sent to customers where based on the customers opt-in or consent to receive e-mails and should also have the option for them to opt-out or un-subscribe to getting e-mails. Tesco.com should also supply the customer with some contact information so that they can contact if they feel the e-mails being sent is spam. 6. Conclusion

Comparing Gun Control Laws in Kentucky, USA and Germany Essay -- Compa

â€Å"Our love is to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them.† Since this quote that Thomas Jefferson once said, guns and their capabilities have changed history throughout the world and have affected all most everyone living in today’s society. Gun control and gun polices have created an upheaval among a growing amount of nations. With increasing gun rate crime and the ease of accessibility to obtain firearms in some places in the world, states inside America and countries around the world have altered its stance on gun control and their laws. From strong gun control and strict trafficking in Germany, too little to very light restrictions and laws on firearms in Kentucky, guns, either way, are a controversial issue that today’s society must face. The state of Kentucky is known around the United States to have laws that allow people to own, operate, and carry different firearms across the state. One of these lenient laws is of private sellers, who of any type of firearms, are not required to have background checks to buyers. This law is much different across the United States as almost all other states require either getting a background check or at least registering the gun’s that are bought. Another lenient law that the state of Kentucky has is that the regulation of unsafe and or assault weapons with large ammunition magazines is not required. This makes accessibility to more dangerous weapons easier for anyone interested in purchasing any type of firearm across the state. Along with its lenient laws, the state of Kentucky also ranks fourth out of the fifty states in crimes involving gun’s that were originally bought in the state, and twelfth out of the fifty states in homicide deaths with guns (Summary ... ... regarding gun regulation and gun control offer more protection than where gun laws would be more lenient. Addressing the issue would be to limit more types of guns, require background checks, and have more laws on trafficking firearms. With rapidly changing times and more innovations in new firearms being put into the market every day, nations around the world have to reconsider their own laws to protect their citizens from the dangers of guns. Works Cited Alpers, Philip and Marcus Wilson. 2011. Guns in Germany: Facts, Figures and Firearm Law. Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney. GunPolicy.org, 26 November. Accessed 26 January 2012. at: http://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/germany Legal Community Against Violence. 2011. Summary of State Firearms. 26 January, 2012. http://www.lcav.org/states/kentucky.asp#AssaultWeapons

Efficacy Of Dynamic Splinting Health And Social Care Essay

The process has proven to both dependable and lasting. A successful entire articulatio genus replacing allows patient to restart about all activities of day-to-day populating with minimum trouble. In most instances patients no longer necessitate external AIDSs or chronic medicines. Finally entire articulatio genus replacing helps patients to keep their overall ego regard. Entire articulatio genus replacing is indicated when there is unremitting terrible hurting in the articulatio genus with or without malformation. The pain/ malformation may be due to osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and assorted non specific arthritis. It relieves hurting, provides mobility and right malformation. Entire articulatio genus replacing is a surgical process in which injured or damaged parts of the articulatio genus articulation are replaced with unreal parts. The process is performed by seperating the musculuss and ligaments around the articulatio genus to expose the articulatio genus capsule. The articulatio genus capsule is opened, exposed the interior of the joint. The terminal of the thighbone and tibial are removed. The unreal parts are cemented into topographic point. The articulatio genus will dwell of metal shell at the terminal of the thighbone, a metal and plastic trough on the shinbone and if needed a fictile button in the cap. In a manner this could be more suitably called a Knee resurfacing operation.The common pathology for entire knee replacing is knee flexure contracture.Definition:Flexure contracture is defined as the shortening of the connective tissue thereby stiffening the joint. It is due to fastening of the posterior capsule combined with the tightening of bi ceps femoris and indirect ligaments. Hence rehabilitation plan should be undertaken shortly after TKA to keep joint scope of gesture. In peculiar this survey examined the value of dynamic splinting in increasing scope of gesture and cut downing the flexure contracture. Dynamic splinting utilizes the biomechanical version of maintaining the articulation at end-range to accomplish a physiological alteration of molecular realignment to stretch the connective tissue. This protocol of low-load, prolonged-duration stretch with dynamic tenseness continually reduces the contracture.ANATOMY OF KNEE JOINT:The articulatio genus articulation is the largest and most complex articulation in the organic structure. It is synovial modified flexible joint articulation. It is formed by merger and median tibio- femoral and patella- femoral articulation.ARTICULAR Surfaces:It is comprised the Femoral condyles: distal terminal of thighbone Tibial condyles: proximal terminal of shinbone. Patellar facetes: posterior surface of kneecap.Femoral condyles:The articular surfaces of thighbone are block shaped. The femoral condyles are convex in both planes. They are extended interiorly by the block shaped patellar surfaces. The cervix of the block is represented anteriorly by the cardinal channel on the patellar surface and posteriorly by the intercondylar notch. 111Tibial condyle:The tibial surfaces are in return curved and comprises two curved and concave analogue troughs which are separated by a blunt distinction running antero- posteriorly distinction lodges the two intercondylar tubercles.Tibio-femoral articulations:The tibial condyles correspond to the femoral condyles while the inter condylar tibial tubercles come to within the femoral intercondylar notch, these surfaces constitute functionally the tibio-femoral articulation.Femero-patellar articulations:The aspects of kneecap correspond to the patellar surface of the thighbone while the perpendicular ridge of the kneecap fits into the cardinal channel of the thighbone.LIGAMENTS OF KNEE JOINT:Medial indirect ligament:It is flattened set rhomboidal in outine. It is attached above to the median epicondyle of thighbone, below to the median border and the bordering median surface of shinbone. Function: restrain valgus rotary motionLateral indirect ligament:Function: restrain varus rotary motion and resist internal rotary motion kneeanatAnterior cruciate ligament:It is attached below to the anterior portion of the intercondylar country of shinbone between the anterior terminals of sidelong and median semilunar gristles. Above it is attached to the posterior portion of the median surface of sidelong femoral condyle. Function: To defy anterior supplanting of the shinbone on the thighbone when the articulatio genus is flexed To defy varus or valgus rotary motion of the shinbone, particularly in the absence of the collateral ligaments Resists internal rotary motion of the shinbone.Posterior cruciate ligament:It is attached below to the posterior portion of intercondylar country of shinbone, buttocks to the fond regard of posterior terminal of median semilunar gristle. Above it is attached to the anterior portion of sidelong surface of the median condyle of thighbone. Function: To let femoral push back in flexure Resist posterior interlingual rendition of the tibia relation to the thighbone Controls external rotary motion of the shinbone with increasing articulatio genus flexure. Retention of the PCL in entire articulatio genus replacing has been shown biomechanically to supply normal kinematic push back of the thighbone on the shinbone. This besides is of import for bettering the lever arm of the quadriceps mechanism with flexure of the articulatio genus.MUSCLES OF KNEE JOINT:Quadricepss femoris Popliteus Semitendinosus Semimembranous Sartorius Bicepss femoris Gastrocnemius PlantarisBURSAE AROUND THE KNEE JOINT:Anteriorly:The suprapatellar Bursa The prepatellar Bursa Superficial intrapatellar Bursa Deep infrapatellar BursaLaterally:A Bursa between sidelong indirect ligament and biceps tendon A Bursa between sidelong indirect ligament and popliteus sinew Popliteus Bursa lies between the popliteus and sidelong condyle of thighbone.Medially:The tibial inter sinewy Bursa ( pes anserine Bursa ) A Bursa between median collateral ligament and semimembranous sinew A Bursa between semimembranous sinews and shinbone.Posteriorly:A Bursa between sidelong caput of gastrocnemius and capsule. Semimembranous Bursa ( brodies bursa )NERVE SUPPLY:Femoral nervus Sciatic nervus Obturator nervusBLOOD Supply:The arterial supply to knee joint, is from the subdivisions of Popliteal arteria Femoral arteria Tibial arteriaTIBIO-FEMORAL ARTHROKINEMATICS:Viewed in the sagittal plane, the thighbone ‘s jointing surface is convex while the shinbone ‘s in concave. We can foretell arthrokinematics based on the regulations of concave shape and convexness:During Knee ExtensionDuring Knee FlexionOpen ChainClosed ChainOpen ChainClosed ChainTibia Glides Anteriorly On Femur Femur Glides Posteriorly On Tibia Tibia Glides Posteriorly On Femur Femur Glides Anteriorly On Tibia from 20o articulatio genuss flexure to full extension from full articulatio genus extension to 20o flexure Tibia rotates externally Femur rotates internally on stable shinbone Tibia rotates internally Femur rotates externally on stable shinboneTHE â€Å" SCREW-HOME † Mechanism:Rotation between the shinbone and thighbone occurs automatically between full extension ( 0o ) and 20o of articulatio genus flexure. These figures illustrate the top of the right tibial tableland as we look down on it during knee gesture. top of tibial tableland top of tibial tableland top of tibial tableland During Knee Extension, the shinbone glides anteriorly on the thighbone. During the last 20 grades of articulatio genus extension, anterior tibial semivowel persists on the shinbone ‘s median condyle because its articular surface is longer in that dimension than the sidelong condyle ‘s. Prolonged anterior semivowel on the median side produces external tibial rotary motion, the â€Å" screw-home † mechanism.THE SCREW-HOME MECHANISM REVERSES DURING KNEE FLEXIONtop of tibial tableland top of tibial tableland top of tibial tableland When the articulatio genus begins to flex from a place of full extension, posterior tibial semivowel begins foremost on the longer median condyle. Between 0 deg. extension and 20 deg. of flexure, posterior semivowel on the median side produces comparative tibial internal rotary motion, a reversal of the screw-home mechanism.Entire KNEE REPLACEMENTEntire articulatio genus replacing is indicated when there is unremitting terrible hurting in the articulatio genus with or without malformation. The pain/ malformation may e due to osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and assorted non specific arthritis. It relieves hurting, provides mobility and right malformation. Entire articulatio genus replacing is a surgical process in which injured or damaged parts of the articulatio genus articulation are replaced with unreal parts. The process is performed by seperating the musculuss and ligaments around the articulatio genus to expose the articulatio genus capsule. The articulatio genus capsule is opened, exposed the interior of the joint. The terminal of the thighbone and tibial are removed. The unreal parts are cemented into topographic point. The articulatio genus will dwell of metal shell at the terminal of the thighbone, a metal and plastic trough on the shinbone and if needed a fictile button in the cap. In a manner this could be more suitably called a Knee resurfacing operation. Tocopherol: New FolderNAGU PROJECTimAGESTotal-Knee-Replacement.jpg The entire articulatio genus replacing can be: Unicompartmental arthroplasty: The Articular surface of thighbone and shinbone, either the medial or sidelong compartment of the articulatio genus are replaced by an implant. Eg: osteoathritis. Bicomprtmental arthroplasty: In bicompartmental arthroplasty, the articular surface of shinbone and thighbone of both median and sidelong compartments of the articulatio genus articulations are replaced by an implant. The 3rd compartment i.e.. , the patellofemoral articulation is nevertheless left intact. Tricomprtmental arthroplasty: the articular surface of the lower thighbone, upper shinbone and kneecap are replaced by prosthetic device. Most normally performed arthroplsty. The prosthetic device consists of a tibial constituent, a metal femoral constituent and a high molecular weight polythene button for articular surface of the kneecap.TKA GOALSRestore mechanical alliance [ impersonal tibiofemoral alliance = 4A °-6A ° of anatomic valgus ] , Horizontal joint line, Soft tissue balance ( ligament ) , ( Patella tracking ( Q-angle )IndicationOteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Hemophilic arthritis Traumatic arthritis Sero negative arthrides Crystal deposition disease Pigmented villonoular synovitis Avascular mortification Bone dysplasias Asymmetric arthritsCONTRA INDICATIONAbsolute contraindicationsHolocene or curren joint infection Sepsis or systematic infection Neuropathic arthropathy Painful solid articulatio genus mergerRelative contraindicationsSevere osteoporosis Debilated hapless wellness Non working extensor mechanism Painless, good working arthrodesis Significant peripheral vascular diseasesTKA ComplicationsDeath: 0.53 % Periprosthetic Infection: 0.71 % Pneumonic emboli: 0.41 % Patella break: Component Relaxation: Tibial tray wear: Peroneal Nerve Palsy: 0.3 % to 2 % Periprosthetic Femur Fracture: Periprosthetic Tibial Fracture: Wound Complications / Skin gangrene: rare Patellar Clunk Syndrome: rare Patellofemoral Instability: 0.5 % -29 % DVT: Instability: Popliteal artery hurt: 0.05 % Quadricepss Tendon Rupture: 0.1 % Patellar Tendon Rupture: & lt ; 2 % Stiffness: Fat Embolism MCL ruptureNeed AND SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY:Need of the survey:To cut down flexure contracture To better scope of gesture To better functional activitySignificance of the survey:This survey is to measure the efficaciousness of dynamic splinting for articulatio genus flexure contracture following a entire articulatio genus arthroplasty.Statement of the job:To analyze the efficaciousness of dynamic splinting for articulatio genus flexure contracture following a entire articulatio genus arthroplasty. Therefore the survey is entitled as â€Å" efficaciousness of dynamic splinting for articulatio genus flexure contracture following a entire articulatio genus arthroplasty † .Aims:To cut down flexure contracture To better scope of gesture To analyse the consequence of dynamic articulatio genus splintNull hypothesis:The void hypothesis can be stated as follows there is no important difference in articulatio genus flexure contracture after the application of dynamic knee splint.Alternate hypothesis:The hypothesis can be stated as follows there is important difference in articulatio genus flexure contracture after the application of dynamic knee splint.2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE:1. TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY:Simon H Palmer, MD, Consultant Surgeon: Sep 21, 2010 Osteoarthritis devastation of the articulatio genus is the most common ground for entire knee replacing. Jayant joshi, prakash kotwal says that entire knee replacing alleviations pain, provides mobility & A ; corrects malformation.2. FLEXION Contracture:J. Ilyas ; A.H. Deakin ; C. Brege ; and F. Picard Flexion contracture is a common malformation encountered in patients necessitating entire articulatio genus arthroplasty ( TKA ) . Department of orthopedicss, aureate jubilee national infirmary, clydebank, Glasgow, g81 4hx, United Kingdom. One hundred and four uninterrupted TKA were completed by a individual adviser utilizing the OrthoPilot ( BBraun, Aesculap ) pilotage system and Columbus implants. Seventy-four articulatio genuss had preoperative flexure contracture ( including impersonal articulatio genuss ) while 30 were in hyperextension. Ouellet D, Moffet H. Arthritis Rheum October 2002 Large motion shortages are present, particularly in single-limb support pre-op and 2 months following TKA. Huei-Ming Chai, PHD. November 24, 2008 sum articulatio genus arthroplasty bounds scope of gesture3. DYNAMIC SPLINT:Dennis cubic decimeter armstrong, m.d. Buck Willis, Ph.D. evaluates the efficaciousness of dynamic knee extension splinting for articulatio genus flexure contracture following TKA. FingerA E, WillisA FB Health Physical Education, Recreation, Texas State University, Cases Journal 2008, Physical therapy entirely did non to the full cut down the contracture and dynamic splinting was so prescribed for day-to-day low-load, prolonged-duration stretch. Finger E, Willis B 29Dec2008: Dynasplint offers extension Systems to help in rehabilitation and recovery from flexure contracture. Clinical surveies have demonstrated greatest mean decrease in rehabilitation clip and cost with the usage of Dynasplint Systems in concurrence with physical therapy. Willis FB Biomechanics.2008 Jan ; 15 After surgery, a patient is frequently left with sawed-off connective tissue and may hold a hard clip walking usually once more. Wearing a dynamic articulatio genus splint will lengthen and reconstruct the tissue to reconstruct scope of gesture. McClure P, Blackburn L, Dusold C Ideally, have oning your Dynasplint for 6-8 uninterrupted hours yields the best consequences as it allows a safe, long enduring remodeling of the soft tissue. Cliffordr.Wheeless, Iii, Md.December3, 2008. The intent of this study is to reexamine the usage of external fixator for the gradual rectification of terrible articulatio genus flexure contractures that bound patient map. James f. Mooney three, mendelevium, l. Andrew koman Posted: 05/01/2001 Average preoperative flexure contracture was 80.5A ° . Each patient achieved full extension. There was one return, despite brace, which was managed with replacing of the fixator and soft tissue processs4. CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR KNEE ARTHRITIS:Jan.K.Richardson, Pt, Phd, Ocs Said that arthritis is a degenerative disease of the gristle and castanetss that consequences in hurting and stiffness in affected articulation. There is no remedy for arthritis, but physical therapy can do life easier and less painful. Brigham And Women ‘s Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Services Physical Therapy.ROM along with proper soft tissue balance is required to guarantee proper biomechanics in the articulatio genus articulation. Aggressive post-operative PT has been shown to be effectual in bettering patient results and shortening length of stay Balint G And Sz Ebenyl.B Showed that curative exercisings decreases hurting, increases musculus weariness and scope of gesture every bit good as improve endurance and aerophilic capacity. Weight decrease is proven in corpulent patients with OA of articulatio genus. Curative heat and cold, galvanism, stylostixis are widely used. Dr. Margriet new wave baar reported that important good effects from exercising therapy including betterments in ego reported hurting, disablement, walking ability and overall sense of good being. Dorr LD.A J Arthroplasty June 2002 CPM helps accomplish articulatio genus scope of gesture quicker in first post-op hebdomads but at concluding followups, no difference in concluding scope of gesture Byrne, et al.A Clin Biomech October 2002 Deficits in articulatio genus strength balanced by increased hip extensor work ; rehab should optimise bilateral hip and articulatio genus map after TKA McManus et al 2006, Jorge et al 2006 the higher frequences ( 90-130Hz ) to excite the hurting gate mechanisms & A ; thereby dissemble the hurting symptoms. Ozcan et Al, 2004 Low frequence nervus stimulation is physiologically effectual ( as with TENS and NMES ) and this is the key to IFT intercession. Adedoyin, R. A. , et Al. ( 2002 ) .IFT acts chiefly on the excitable ( nervus ) tissues, the strongest effects are likely to be those which are a direct consequence of such stimulation ( i.e. hurting alleviation and musculus stimulation ) . National Taiwan University Hospital, November 2008 PNF stretching techniques has been used often for patients with entire articulatio genus arthroplasty in clinical pattern to increase scope of gesture efficaciously and decreased articulatio genus hurting during exercising. Huei-Ming Chai, PHD November 24, 2008 PNF stretching technique is a curative technique utilizing the PNF construct to the related muslces either to increase neuro-inhibition mechanism for let go ofing musculus cramp and stretching musculus length, or to increase neuro-excitation mechanism for heightening musculus strength Harold B. James H. Beaty, MD Range-of-motion exercisings, musculus strengthening, pace preparation, and direction in executing activities of day-to-day life are of import.5. GONIOMETRIC MEASURENT FOR ROM:Carlos Lavernia, MD, Range of gesture appraisal through direct observation without a goniometer provides inaccurate findings. Mark D. Rossi, PhD, PT, CSCS The Journal of Arthroplasty Vol. 23 No. 6 Suppl. 1 2008 Measured tonss utilizing a goniometer provided an improved grade of truth, but consequences appear to be dependent on the clinician executing the measuring. Richard l. Gajdosik Associate Professor Physical healers may accept most knee goniometric measurings as clinically valid, and the grounds indicates that most of these measurings are dependable.6. KNEE SOCIETY SCORE:Gil Scuderi, MD-Chair ; Jim Benjamin, MD ; Jess Lonner, MD ; Bob Bourne, MD and Norm Scott, MD, 2007, The Knee Society evaluation system ( KSS ) was foremost published in CORR in 1989 and has become the standard clinical rating system for describing consequences for patients undergoing Entire Knee Replacement. John N. Insall, MD, Lawrence D. Dorr, Scott, MD Rationale of the Knee Society clinical evaluation system. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1989 Nov: The Knee Society has proposed this new evaluation system to be simple but more fastidious and more nonsubjective. MD, Richard D. Scott, MD, and W. Norman It is hoped the articulatio genus society evaluation system will go universally recognized and will be adopted by all writers, even if they wish to describe consequences utilizing a customary marking method every bit good.3. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY:Materials:Evaluation tool:Goniometry Knee society markOutcome step:Scope of gesture Knee mark Function markMaterial used:Dynamic articulatio genus splintMethodology:( A ) Study design:30 topics with flexure contracture following one-sided TKA assigned in two groups.GROUP A:15 topics: Dynamic Splint Along With Conventional Physiotherapy.GROUP B:15 topics: Conventional Physiotherapy.( B ) Study scene:This survey was carried out in the section of physical medical specialty and rehabilitation, Sri Ramakrishna infirmary, Coimbatore.( C ) Study continuance:This survey was carried out for a period of 6 months.( D ) Sampling:Random sampling.INCLUSION CRITERIA:Age: 45 to 70 old ages. Both sex Flexure contracture: 20 – 12 deg ( post operatively ) Unilateral TKA Reduced flexibleness in AROM of articulatio genus extension Pain that is worsened by flexing over while legs are consecutive Impaired pace form Ability to understand informed consent and experiment dutiesExclusion Standards:Fractures Bilateral TKA TKA & lt ; 2 months Knee sepsis Osteomyelitis or any orthopaedic infection Extensor mechanism disfunction Psoriasis Knee articulation neuropathy Previous Stroke or Brain InjurySTATISTICS Tool:The information collected was analyzed utilizing independent t-test. The trial was carried out between two groups. Independent't ‘ trial was used to compare the effectivity of intervention between the groups. T = S = X1 = Difference between pretest and posttest values of Group I X2 = Difference between pretest and posttest values of Group II = Mean difference of Group I = Mean difference of Group II n1 = No. of samples in Group I n2 = No. of samples in Group II S = Combined criterion divergenceTreatment:Dynamic articulatio genus Extension splint:The Rebound Effecthypertext transfer protocol: //www.dynasplint.com/uploads/user-uploads/rebound2.gif53 % Average Reduction in Time and Cost Associated with ROM Rehabilitationâ€Å" High-force, short-duration stretching favours recoverable, elastic tissue distortion, whereas low-force, long-duration stretching enhances lasting fictile distortion. In the clinical scene, high force application has a greater hazard of doing hurting and perchance ruptures of tissue. Dynasplint Systems improve scope of gesture by making lasting, non-traumatic tissue elongation and remodeling, therefore virtually extinguishing the scope of gesture recoil consequence frequently observed in the clinical scene. RangerKnee2Features & A ; BenefitsLLPS ( Low-Load, Prolonged-Duration Stretch ) engineering has been proven to successfully handle joint stiffness and limited scope of gesture. Early application can cut down clip and cost associated with scope of gesture rehabilitation Simple, adjustable and consistent bilateral tensioning System Available for rent or purchase Biomechanically right Comfortable to have on Each Dynasplint System is recycled to cut down waste and assist the environment A Dynasplint Systems adviser will suit your patients and oversee their intervention to guarantee the best possible consequences Over a one-fourth of a million patients have been successfully treated with Dynasplint Systems Handily labeled and easy to utilizePatient Wearing ProtocolPlease reexamine the tenseness your Dynasplint adviser set for you ab initio. In the beginning, the splint should be worn for 2-4 hours. Do non increase the tenseness until you can digest nightlong wear. Time is the most of import factor and your first end should be 6-8 hours of hurting free wear. After accomplishing this clip end, when you take the splint off if you have less than 1 hr of post-wear stiffness, bend tenseness up by one on both sides. However if you are unable to have on the splint for a drawn-out period of clip, diminish the tenseness by a half to one full bend. During the procedure of recovering your scope of gesture, if you have any inquiry or concerns reach your Dynasplint adviser. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.wheelessonline.com/images/i1/imk11.jpgConventional Treatment:MODALITIES FOR PAIN CONTROL, EDEMA REDUCTION:Moist Heat Functional electrical stimulation Transdermal electrical stimulation Ice therapy Interferential therapy Voltaic StimulationJoint Mobilization:Flexion limitationPosition: patient seated Posterior semivowel of shinbone on femur-grade 3 Oscillation with 30 2nd clasp, Repeated 5 times with patellar mobilisation of inferior semivowels ( 5 mins )Extension limitationPosition: patient prone with kneecap off of tabular array Anterior semivowel of shinbone on femur- class 3 oscillation and inactive clasp ( 10 secs in 3 repeats ) with patellar mobilisation superior semivowels ( 5 mins )EXERCISE Plan:Closed and unfastened kinetic concatenation strengthening exercisings Proprioceptive/balance exercisings aiming the bole and lower appendage muscular structure Partial organic structure weighted knee bends Gait preparation Scope of gesture exercisings Heel slide ( supine & A ; sitting ) Stretching ( prone/supine ) to increase articulatio genus extension ROMGAIT Training:Forward Walking Hedging Backward or Retro-WalkingFunctional Training:Standing Transportation Activities Raising Transporting Pushing or Pulling Squating or Crouching Return-to-Work UndertakingsENDURANCE Training:Upper organic structure exercising. Ambulation activities One-leg cycling, utilizing non-operative leg with opposition to gesture.BALANCE/PROPRIOCEPTION Training:Tandem Walking Lateral Stepping over/around objects Weight-Shifting Activities Closed Kinetic Chain Activities5. DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION:KNEE EXTENSION ROM: Group IPre trial( Two months after TKA )Post trial( conventional PT with SPLINT )DifferenceX116 0 16 16 1 15 16 2 14 16 2 14 16 4 12 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 1 13 14 1 13 14 2 12 12 0 12 12 0 12 12 1 11 12 1 11 12 1 11Mean=12.93PRE TEST AND POST KNEE EXTENSION ROM: Group IKNEE EXTENSION ROM: GROUP IIPre trial( Two months after TKA )Post trial( conventional PT without splint )DifferenceX218 7 11 18 6 12 18 6 12 18 6 12 18 4 14 16 7 9 16 7 9 16 4 12 16 4 12 16 4 12 14 3 11 14 4 10 14 4 12 14 2 12 14 2 12Mean=11.46t=2.82s.dev=1.42grades of freedom = 28The chance of this consequence, presuming the void hypothesis, is 0.009PRE TEST AND POST KNEE EXTENSION ROM: GROUP IIKNEE SCORE AND FUNCTION SCORE:S.No.ParametersGroupsMeanS.D.Value‘t ‘ Value1. Knee Tonss Group A 18 4.47 3.06 Group B 13 2. Function Mark Group A 35.6 4.98 3.01 Group B 30.1MEAN DIFFERENCE BETWEENKNEE SCORE AND FUNCTION SCOREDEMOGRAPHIC DATATHE AGE OF THE SAMPLES BETWEEN 45 -70 YEARS IN EACH GROUPAge ( old ages )No. of SamplesEntireGroup AGroup B45-50 4 3 7 50-55 5 4 9 55-60 2 5 7 60-65 2 2 4 65-70 2 1 3Entire NUMBER OF MALES AND FEMALES IN EACH GROUPSexual activityNo. of SamplesEntireGroup AGroup BMale 8 10 18 Females 7 5 12Entire NUMBER OF RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE INVOLVEMENT IN EACH GROUPSide of engagementNo. of SamplesEntireGroup AGroup BRight 11 8 19 Left 4 7 115. DiscussionEntire articulatio genus arthroplasty ( TKA ) is considered the intervention of pick for patients with intractable hurting and significant functional disablements who have non had acceptable alleviation and functional betterment after conservative intervention. Knee flexure contracture is a common pathology following TKA impacting up to 61 % of these patients. The intent of the survey is to find the effectivity of dynamic splinting in handling patients with flexion contracture following Unilateral TKA. Literature reexamine provinces that there is important difference between dynamic splinting and conventional physical therapy direction in cut downing flexure contracture following Unilateral TKA. A sum of 30 patients with one-sided TKA were selected under inclusive standards and were indiscriminately allocated into an experimental group and control group as Group A and group B severally. In each group 15 Persons were allotted In Group A, dynamic splint along with conventional physical therapy was given and in Group B, Conventional physical therapy entirely was given. Both Groups were treated for a period of 6 months and the pre trial and station trial values are taken on the 1st ( 2 months after TKA ) and at the terminal of 6th months. In between Follow up appraisals were done at regular interval of every two hebdomads to judge the forecast. Statistical analysis performed between the Group A and Group B and the consequences showed the undermentioned result. The scope of gesture and functional betterment among the patients following the intercession was evaluated by Goniometry and knee society mark severally.ParameterGroupsMeanâ€Å" T † Valueâ€Å" Phosphorus † ValueScope of gestureA 12.9 2.82 0.009 Bacillus 11.5Knee markA 18 3.06 0.005 Bacillus 13Function markA 35.6 3.01 0.005 Bacillus 30.1 With goniometric measuring the scope of gesture showed a important betterment of about12.9 and 11.5 for Group A and Group B severally. â€Å" T † value for the independent T trial calculated between the Group is 2.82 which is important at the degree of 0.009 degree at 28 grades of freedom. With knee society mark measurement the articulatio genus mark showed a important betterment of about18 and 13 for Group A and Group B severally. â€Å" T † value for the independent T trial calculated between the Group is 3.06 which is important at the degree of 0.005 degree at 28 grades of freedom. With knee society mark measurement the map mark showed a important betterment of about35.6 and 30.1 for Group A and Group B severally. â€Å" T † value for the independent T trial calculated between the Group is 3.01 which is important at the degree of 0.005 degree at 28 grades of freedom.6. DecisionFrom statistical analysis it is clear that there was a average decrease in flexure contracture of about 12.9 of Group A when compared to 11.5 with that of Group B. The calculated't ‘ value was 2.82 which is greater than the table value at 28 grades of freedom With knee society score it was apparent that the Group A ( articulatio genus mark and map mark ) showed a important average betterment of about 18 and 35.6 when compared to 13 and 30.1 with Group B ( knee mark and map mark ) severally. The calculated't ‘ value was 3.06 which is greater than the table value at 28 grades of freedom. Hence it is cleared that dynamic splinting reduces flexure contracture from 20-12deg ( two month after TKA ) to 5-0 deg ( after the application of dynamic splint ) So the statistical analysis infers us to reject void hypothesis and at that place by accepting the alternate hypothesis i.e. there is important difference in articulatio genus flexure contracture after the application of dynamic knee splint. Hence it is suggested that supplying a dynamic splint is effectual in cut downing flexure contracture and bettering functional position in intervention of articulatio genus flexure contracture following one-sided TKA.LIMITATION OF STUDYSample size is smaller. It is a clip edge survey. The survey was carried on with few nonsubjective parametric quantities in entering the efficaciousness of intervention. The survey concentrated merely on one-sided TKASuggestionThe survey could hold been done with long term follow up and more figure of patients, to analyse the result. The survey could hold employed some more parametric quantities to measure the clinical result more accurately and exactly Further surveies can be done, to analyse the effects of dynamic splint in bilateral TKA. Further surveies can be done, to compare the effects of dynamic splint in one-sided and bilateral TKA.Bibliography1. David J. Magee, Orthopedic Physical Assessment, Second edition, W.B. Saunders company London 1992. 2. Kothari C.R ; Research methodological analysis methods and techniques, wiswaprakasan. 3. Robert Dontelli ; orthopedic P.T 4. Bent And Brotzmen ; Orthopaedic Rehabilitation. 5. Carolyn Kisner & A ; Lynn Allen Colby ; Therapeutic Exercises Foundation & A ; Techniques, New Delhi, Jaypee Brothers 1996, Third edition. 6. Carrie M.Hall, Therapeutic Exercise traveling towards map, Walters kluwer company. 7. Jayant Joshi, Essentials of orthopaedicss & A ; applied physical therapy, New Delhi B.I. Churchill Livingstone pvt Ltd 1993. 8. T.S. Ranganathan, A Text book of Human Anatomy, New Delhi, S Chand & A ; company, 1990 Fourth Edition 9. B.D Chaurasia, Human Anatomy Third edition, CBS Publishers New Delhi. 10. Carolyn M. Hicks & A ; Research for Physiotherapist, Project design analysis, Second add-on, Churchill populating rock, New York, Tokyo. 11. Cynthia C. Norkin Pamela K. Levangies joint construction & A ; Function, Third edition. 12. Graies anatomy: erectile dysfunction 13, 1899 13. J.Maheshwari, MS ortho: essestial orthopedicss. 14. Jagmohan singh: text book of electrotherapy 3rd edition 2005 15. Ann Thomson et Al: tidy ‘s physical therapy, London, butterworth, heinman, 191 12th edition 16. Patricia A. Downie, hard currency text edition of orthopedicss & A ; Rheumatology for physical therapist, jaypee brothers, 1993: 1st edition. 17. Mayilvahanan Natarajan: text book of orthopedicss & A ; tramatology 4th edition. 18. Susan B.O.sullaivan, physical rehabilitation appraisal & A ; intervention, 4th edition jaypee brothers, new Delhi 2001 19. Joan M. Walker, Antonie helewa, physical therapy in arthritis, A division of hartcourt brace & A ; company.APPENDICIESAppendix: 1Basic rating chartPOST OPERATIVE ASSESSMENT FOR TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENTSubjective AppraisalName: Age: Sexual activity: M/F Occupation: Address: Date of Admission: Referred by: Date of surgery: Side operated: Right / Left Height ; Weight: IP/OP figure: Chief ailments:Critical marksTemperature ( Beat/Min ) Pulse rate ( F ) Respiratory Rate ( mm/Hg ) : Blood Pressure ( Breaths/min )Pain appraisalSide of hurting Site of hurting Type of hurting Nature of hurting Duration of hurting Intensity Worsening factors Reliving factors Rating of hurting by ocular / parallel graduated tableNo hurtingSlight hurtingModerate hurtingSevere hurting0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Medical HistoryI ) Past Medical History – Any old disease or hurt two ) Present Medical History Onset Duration Intensity Worsening factors Activities of day-to-day life three ) Personal History – Smoker or intoxicant four ) History of occupation V ) Surgical history Name of sawbonesOn PalpationInflammatory marks: Warmth and Tenderness Crackle Muscles spasm Oedema: Piting / Non PitingOn ExaminationMusculo skeletalJoint ROMJointMotionActivePassivePain freePain fullPain freePain fullHip Flexure Extension Abduction Adduction External rotary motion Internal rotary motion Knee Flexure Extension Medical rotary motion Lateral rotary motion Ankle Dorsiflexion Plantarflexion Inversion Eversion Muscle power Muscle blowing – quadriceps Deep sinew Reflexes Deformites Limb length measuringsGait AssessmentType of pace Measure length Stride length Base breadth Cadance External contraptions ( Splints or orthosis ) Type of walking AIDSsRespiratory AssessmentType of respiration ( Thoraco Abdomen, Abdomino – thoracic ) Pattern of respiration ( Asymmetry or Symmetry ) Depth of respiration ( shallow or deep ) Accessory musculuss of respiration Chest enlargement aˆ? Axilla aˆ? Nipple aˆ? XiphisternumFunctional AppraisalProblem listManagementShort term directionPurposesLong-run direction Short term managemMeanssLong-run directionAPPENDIX 2:DYNASPLINT SYSTEM, RANGE OF MOTION AND COMMON DIAGNOSESFOR ORTHOPAEDICAL CONDITIONS:1. Knee extension dynasplint system ( ked )ROM=65 ° flexure to 25 ° hyperextension2. Knee flexure dynasplint system ( kfd ) :ROM=50 ° flexure to 140 ° flexure Common DIAGNOSES: ( extension & A ; flexure ) Entire articulatio genus replacings, Tibial tableland breaks, Tendon and ligament fixs ( ACL, PCL ) , Open decrease internal arrested development ( ORIF ) , Burns, Meniscectomy, Tendon releasesFOR NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS:1. Knee extension neurological dynasplint system ( ken ) :ROM=130 ° flexure to 40 ° flexure2. Double-jointed articulatio genus extension dynasplint system ( ked-dj ) :ROM=130 ° flexure to 50 ° hyperextensionCommon DIAGNOSES:Head injury and spinal cord hurts, Cerebral paralysis ( CP ) , intellectual vascular accident ( CVA ) , and other neurological conditions.FOR AMPUTEE:1. Knee amputee extension dynasplint system ( bka-ed ) :ROM=65 ° flexure to 25 ° hyperextensionCommon DIAGNOSES:Distal limb remotionAppendix: 3:GONIOMETRY OF THE KNEEGestureRecommended Testing PositionStabilizationCenterProximal ArmDistal ArmStartEndFlexureSupine, articulatio genus in ext. Initially hip in 00 ext, abd, add, but as articulatio genus flexes, hip besides flexes Stabilize thighbone to forestall rotary motion, abduction & A ; adduction Over sidelong epicondyle of thighbone Lateral midplane of thighbone, citing greater trochanter Lateral midplane of calf bone, mention sidelong malleolus & A ; fibular caput hypertext transfer protocol: //at.uwa.edu/gon/KnExt.jpg hypertext transfer protocol: //at.uwa.edu/gon/KnFlex.jpgExtensionSupine, articulatio genus in ext. Hip in 00 ext, abd, attention deficit disorder. Stabilize thighbone to forestall rotary motion, abduction & A ; adduction Over sidelong epicondyle of thighbone Lateral midplane of thighbone, citing greater trochanter Lateral midplane of calf bone, mention sidelong malleolus & A ; fibular caput hypertext transfer protocol: //at.uwa.edu/gon/KnExt.jpg hypertext transfer protocol: //at.uwa.edu/gon/KnExt.jpg

Rare Earth Properties

Rare Earth Properties When you look at the Periodic Table, there is a two-row block of elements located below the main body of the chart. These elements, plus lanthanum (element 57) and actinium (element 89), are known collectively as the rare earth elements or rare earth metals. Actually, they arent particularly rare, but prior to 1945, long and tedious processes were required to purify the metals from their oxides. Ion-exchange and solvent extraction processes are used today to quickly produce highly pure, low-cost rare earths, but the old name is still in use. The rare earth metals are found in group 3 of the periodic table, and the 6th (5d electronic configuration) and 7th (5f electronic configuration) periods. There are some arguments for starting the 3rd and 4th transition series with lutetium and lawrencium rather than lanthanum and actinium. There are two blocks of rare earths, the lanthanide series, and the actinide series. Lanthanum and actinium are both located in group IIIB of the table. When you look at the periodic table, notice that the atomic numbers make a jump from lanthanum (57) to hafnium (72) and from actinium (89) to rutherfordium (104). If you skip down to the bottom of the table, you can follow the atomic numbers from lanthanum to cerium and from actinium to thorium, and then back up to the main body of the table. Some chemists exclude lanthanum and actinium from the rare earths, considering the lanthanides to start following lanthanum and the actinides to start following actinium. In a way, the rare earths are special transition metals, possessing many of the properties of these elements. Common Properties of the Rare Earths These common properties apply to both the lanthanides and actinides. The rare earths are silver, silvery-white, or gray metals.The metals have a high luster but tarnish readily in air.The metals have high electrical conductivity.The rare earths share many common properties. This makes them difficult to separate or even distinguish from each other.There are very small differences in solubility and complex formation between the rare earths.The rare earth metals naturally occur together in minerals (e.g., monazite is a mixed rare earth phosphate).Rare earths are found with non-metals, usually in the 3 oxidation state. There is little tendency to vary the valence. (Europium also has a valence of 2 and cerium also a valence of 4.)