This thesis attempts to outline changes in traditional societies, with particular reference to the Maori of Northland, that are related to the introduction of a metal technology. The possibility of recognising such changes from archaeological data is explored. Chapter One comprises a discussion of the comparative efficiency and effectiveness of metal and non-metal tools. Data from archaeological experiments and ethnographic accounts are used for this purpose. To illustrate the differences between a non-metal and a metal technology and the changes that accrue from the introduction of the latter, ethnographic and ethnohistorical accounts of the impact of metals on other societies are put forward in Chapter Two. Chapters Three and Four present a review of the prehistoric economy, technology and settlement patterns in Northland, so that the extent and nature of changes that occurred during the protohistoric period may be assessed. In Chapter Five, the conditions under which the Maori obtained metal tools are outlined in order to elicit the changing Maori attitudes toward, and evaluation of, particular metal items. Chapters Six and Seven review the changes that occurred in Northland during the protohistoric period, principally between 1803 and 1840. Prior to 1803, the quanity of metal in Maori hands was insufficient to effect changes in their way of life, and there is little evidence to suggest that they altered their traditional activities because of a desire to obtain metal goods. After 1840, many Maori had had [sic] such prolonged contact with Europeans that it would be difficult to attribute any changes in Maori society solely to the introduction of a metal technology. Chapter Eight discusses the archaeological implications of the impact of introduced metals and offers propositions that may be evaluated in the light of new archaeological data.

In recent years, the progress of medical care has increased the longevity much. Hence, the aged people hold a growing proportion of total population in developed countries. Besides, people in Taiwan have more spare time because the authority regulates workers in Taiwan own two holidays per week. And under such trend, people put sports recreation and health care at a premium. Among a lot of sports that aged people engage in, Tai Chi Chuan is considered to benefit our health. At this moment, over 100 countries have established Tai Chi Chuan associations and some activities of them call more than 10 thousand people to participate in. However, most of present researches just focus on the advantages that Tai Chi Chuan do for physical and mental functions. But there is still in lack of research about their participative motives. Hence, this research is making efforts to find out the primary motives that influence the silver-haired people to participate in Tai Chi Chuan, and then separate the aged people into different groups by their motives. And the promoters will be able to work out their marketing strategy toward these aged participants. About the research methods, this research adopts in-depth interview first. By abundant experience of Tai Chi Chuan masters, the participative motives of their students and the features of Tai Chi Chuan are found out. Later, through a focus group interview, the motives of Tai Chi Chuan participants are also discussed. Then, these found motives are used to make the questionnaire. Because of lack of member book of the participants the questionnaires are distributed on a convenient basis. In the research, 380 questionnaires are distributed to silver-haired participants who are over 50 years old. 280 questionnaires are received and the valid samples attain to 259. After factor analysis, five factors are extracted, including ¡§Extrinsic behavior and identity¡¨, ¡§Improving physical and mental health¡¨, ¡§Pursuit of Tai Chi Chuan philosophy and skills¡¨, ¡§Recreation, escape from pressure, and making friends¡¨, ¡§Longevity and soul inspiration¡¨, and ¡§Body shaping¡¨. And then according to cluster analysis, three groups are separated on the basis of the five factors. Each of them is named ¡§Pursuit of extrinsic identity¡¨, ¡§Pursuit of soul inspiration and mental health¡¨, and ¡§Pursuit of balanced physical and mental health¡¨. Finally, by Chi-square test and ANOVA analysis, this research discovers that the average years of practice is significant related to ¡§Extrinsic behavior and identity¡¨, ¡§Improving physical and mental health¡¨, ¡§Longevity and soul inspiration¡¨. Therefore, promoters can find the needs of the silver-haired Tai Chi Chuan participants by these chief motives and design unique activities for each segment to make their promotion more effective.

The article is meant to delve further "Taiyishengshui". In the discussion text main concept - "Tai-yi", "to give birth to", "the water"... Center does meaning contain why in "Taiyishengshui"?

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, Berkeley, 1981. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 264-267).

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 86-94).

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Architecture

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Applied Geosciences / Master / Master of Science

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Applied Geosciences / Master / Master of Science

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder and one of the leading causes of disability in elderly. Tai Chi is seen to be effective in relieving symptoms of OA knee joint. The main aim of this study is to design a Tai Chi program and a strength training program for the elderly with knee OA and to compare the effects of these programs on the range of motion, gait, pain and balance. 20 participants age 55 and over were divided into two groups (Tai Chi and Strength training) based on predetermined criteria. Both the groups showed improvement in WOMAC scores, balance and strength following Tai Chi and strength training intervention for 2 months.

Thesis (M. P. H.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007.