Friday, November 29, 2019

HIV/ AIDS in the UK

General Country Information Official Country Name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandAdvertising We will write a custom research paper sample on HIV/ AIDS in the UK specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Continent and Region: Europe and Western Europe Neighbouring States: France and Ireland Governmental System: Constitutional Monarchy Economic System: Liberal service based economy Head of State: Prime Minister David Cameron (CIA, 2010) Member of International Political Organizations (e.g. NATO)? NATO- a founding member and also the Commonwealth. A Security Council member of the UN. It also belongs to the G-8, IMF, Paris Club , Australia Group, IFC and many others such as Interpol.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Member of International Economic Organizations (e.g. ASEAN)? OECD, IEA, G-20, ILO, IMO, EAPC a nd BIS Member of Other International Organizations? It is in the European Union. Nonetheless, it has chosen not to implement some of the issues surrounding the Monetary or Economic Issues. Total population. 61, 284, 806 Average Life Expectancy. 79.16 years Literacy rate (%). 99 Official Language. English Major religion(s). Christianity accounting for 71.6%, Islam -2.7% and Hindu-1%Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on HIV/ AIDS in the UK specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Allies. US, France and Ireland Major trade partners. US (Biggest trading partner), France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Netherlands and Ireland Countries with which your Country has friendly/adverse relations. Conflicted with Spain over autonomy, Argentina over Island territories, Iraq, Afghanistan and other Arab Nations over involvement in the US led 2002 invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq. Former Colonial Powers (if applicable). Not applicable Fo rmer Colonies (if applicable). India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt (CIA, 2010) History of United Kingdom Early history. England was in place from 10TH C, It then joined forces with Wales in 1284 and then included Scotland in 1707. In 1801, Ireland was made part of Great Britain but was later partitioned in 1921 to leave only Northern Ireland as part of the UK. Recent history. The country has recently been fighting for constitutional reform. It has also been at the forefront of instating devolutions. Its involvement in the EU has made a continental and hence a global force intended on influencing other nations’ foreign policy. The UK enjoyed high economic growth in the last half of the twentieth century and the early twenty first, however, the global economic recession tool a toll on them. It has also been struggling with territorial defences over assemblies by Northern Ireland. (CIA, 2010)Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More HIV/AIDS Four major threats affecting my state The United Kingdom is confronted with a series of challenges. Obesity has become a serious cause for concern. This has permeated across all major age groups, including the youth and members of the older population. Several awareness campaigns have been launched through the media and other concerns in order to reduce obesity and hence the other health complications that arise from it. Secondly, crime is a pressing problem as well. This is especially common in the major cities like London. Matters have been worsened by high immigration rates which have been linked to this trend in subsequent times. (Weild, 1998) In order to solve the problem, police and prison reforms have been instated. Mental illness as a social challenge has also taken on centre stage. Concerns over providing proper medical care to these groups of individuals has been raised. Teenage pregnancies are also another crucial issue as well. (Pickett Wilkinson, 2009) AIDS st atistics In the United Kingdom, there are currently eighty three thousand HIV positive and AIDS infections; it was found that out of this number, three quarter knew of their status while the rest did not. This represents a percentage of about 0.3 of the entire UK population. Statistics show that the latest infection rates were 7, 928 newly infected persons. Out of the total number of people infected, 593 died in 2005. This compares to a total of 1, 720 deaths in 1995. Therefore, mortality rates for the disease have dramatically reduced in this time frame (HPA, 2009) Percentage of those infected who are women The latest statistics on HIV/ AIDS prevalence in the UK demonstrate that approximately, 32, 833 women out of the 105, 625 HIV cases are women. This represents about 31.09% of the infection rates within the population. Part of this disparity could be brought on by the fact that one of the common infection routes i.e. male-male intercourse is accountable for a high percentage of i nfection rates in the state. In this regard, 44, 537 of the 105, 625 HIV cases in the country were caused by male-male intercourse. Furthermore, heterosexual relations also involve males; in the end, men happen to fall in the two categories and will eventually report higher prevalence rates than their female counterparts who mostly belong to the heterosexual transmission route. (Dougan, 2007) Percentage of young people infected and possible explanations For persons under the age of 15, it was found that they represent 2% of the infection. Those between the ages of 15-19 also represented a fairly small percentage i.e. 2.1% percent. The individuals between 20-24 represent 10% of infection rates while the age group with the highest infection rates is 30-34 years (Avert, 2010). The latter accounted for 22%. Those between 25-29 years represented 19.9% of the population. It can be said that the lower prevalence rates among those below age 20 occur because few of them engage in heterosexua l relations. The latter transmission route is accountable for the highest number of HIV infections. Furthermore, male – to male intercourse and drug use are also highest on the middle age bracket which is 30-34 so younger people are not engaging in these activities and have therefore been spared from transmission. The country’s principle reasons for transmission Sex between males is one of the major routes of transmission within the UK. This is perpetuated by practising unsafe behaviour such as having more than one partner and the lack of condom use. The tendency to engage in risky behaviour within this group has been denoted by the fact that sexually transmitted diseases are highly prevalent. The other route (which accounts for the highest infection rates) is heterosexual relations. Engagement in risky behaviour within this group has also been reported to be a major reason for infection. Some individuals tend to have more than one partner. (Elam, 2006). Furthermore, o thers actually acquire it from other countries that are known for relatively high infection rates during periods of travel. Lastly, drug use has also been cited as an important factor in transmission. (UK collaborative HIV and STI surveillance group, 2004) Risky behaviour amongst gays has been targeted by the government and other HIV initiatives during the nineties and this resulted in lower cases. However, it seems as though the campaign momentum was not sustained and it led to a plummeting of infections in subsequent years. Needle exchange programs for drug users were also introduced and this accounted for a decrease in infections from the latter group. Political will does exist and has contributed to lower rates. (Department of Health, 2001). Nevertheless, more needs to be done in terms of reinforcing safe sex messages as risky behaviour accounts for most of the issues. Extent of effectiveness of local and national prevention initiatives Prevention initiatives within the UK seem to be working because HIV diagnoses over the past ten years have risen. (Brown et al, 2006). Consequently, this has ensured that counselling of uninfected partners has occurred. Furthermore, there has been a continual emphasis on recently infected HIV patients who are counselled on preventing further infections. Also, mother to child infection rates have been reduced to the bare minimum so this is definitely a step in the right direction (Townsend, 2008). However, there are still challenges in the drug taking sector because the state has moved towards needle exchange programs in pharmacies (Hope, 2005), (Hope et al, 2002). This may put the latter group at a higher risk of infection because counselling may not occur in such settings. Progress made within the country in terms of international agreements The sixth Millennium development goal is to combat HIV, Malaria and other diseases. (Department for International Development, 2010) The target would be to reverse HIV spread in five y ears time i.e. by 2015. An analysis of the HIV infection rates in UK demonstrates that there is no consistent rate of infections over the past ten years. In 2002, new infection rates accounted for 6,322. This increases to 7,373 and 7,849, 7,975 in 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively. The latter were patterns of increase. On the other hand, the numbers started dwindling after 2005, to 7,608, 7,495, 7,298 in 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively. Statistics for 2009 are yet to be published (Sullivan, 2005). The country needs to maintain the trend over the last four years and if does then it will be working towards achievement of the millennium goals. References CIA (2010). United Kingdom. Web. Pickett, K. Wilkinson, R. (2009). Spirit level: why more equal societies almost always do better. London: Allen lane. Dougan, S. (2007). HIV Diagnosis among men and HIV testing. Sexually transmitted infections journal, 83(2), 56. Health protection agency (2009). HIV in the UK – 2009 report.  W eb. Avert (2010). UK statistics summary. Web Sullivan, K. (2005). Newly diagnosed HIV infections-Ireland and UK review. British medical Journal, 330(5), 1301. Townsend, C. (2008). Mother to child HIV transmission, AIDS journal, 22(5), 8. Hope, V. (2005). HIV prevalence amongst drug users in England and Wales from 1990 to 2003. AIDS journal, 3(21), 19. Department of Health (2001). National sexual health and HIV strategy. London. Department of health. UK collaborative HIV and STI surveillance group. (2004). Focus on prevention: HIV and sexually transmitted infections in UK. London, Health protection agency centre for infections. Hope, V., Rogers. P. Jordan, L. (2002). Increase in needle and syringe sharing in England and Wales. AIDS journal, 16(2), 2494. Department for International Development. (2010). Millennium Development Goal Six. Web. Weild, A. (1998). HIV prevalence and associated risks. International AIDS conference. Brown, A., Logan, L. Fenton, K. (2006). Monitoring effecti veness of HIV prevention initiatives in Great Britain. Sexually transmitted Infections journal, 82(4), 4-10. Elam, G. (2006). Barriers to voluntary HIV testing among Africans in England. HIV medicine journal, 7(1), 28. This research paper on HIV/ AIDS in the UK was written and submitted by user Owen F. 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.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Free At Last essays

Free At Last essays African-Americans were enslaved for over 200 years. While enslaved many were beaten to death. Their children were taken from them, and their daughters raped. They finally gained their freedom, at least thats what they thought. They were still being stigmatized for what they were not, white. Why did it surprise them? After all they lived in a nation that believed in social Darwinism, only the fittest will survive. To white America they were only ex-slaves, ignorant and an inferior race. The discrimination against the black men was so out of control that it even created Jim Crow laws. It also caused the Great Migration and created the New Negro. Jim Crow laws were passed in the Southern states. It legalized the segregation between blacks and whites. The name is believed to come from a character in a popular minstrel song. These laws created separate streetcars, public waiting rooms, theaters, and even hospitals. Even soldiers serving in WWI were being discriminated. They were good enough to fight for our country but to not good enough to be considered equal to his white counterpart because of his skin color. World War I ceased European immigration and because of this, businesses where looking to hire southern Africans. The poverty level and racism caused blacks to move up North. This became known as the Great Migration. People were losing jobs not because incompetence but because of their color. I have never been discharged on account of ..., but I have been let out on account of my color (Letters from the Great Migration 1917). They were all looking for a better way of life. everything is gone up but the poor colerd peple wages (Letters from the Great Migration 1917). When they moved up North they didnt see the racism or the segregation that was seen in the South. I havent heard a white ...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Defining plagiarism in the digital age Annotated Bibliography

Defining plagiarism in the digital age - Annotated Bibliography Example The author strives to make it clear through several studies done before.Samples of what different students say in explanation of plagiarism issue give ground to think of the problem in a more global scope. The author states it clearly by asking himself as follows: â€Å"In this age of file-sharing, mashups, Wikipedia, and music sampling, has the practice of borrowing without asking become more pervasive†? In the course of time, plagiarism is said to change every now and then. The author brings it to a reader’s mind that plagiarism has been taken for granted, as students don’t think it is bad. In my opinion, the article fully supports my opinion that â€Å"plagiarism causes a lack of formation of intelligence.† It is a hazardous phenomenon in the age of high technologies and Web 2:0, in particular. Hence, the message by the author urges to break down any idea of counter attitude toward plagiarism as something needful for students. Digital innovations throug h the Internet prevent students from writing their papers alone, without any help of custom-writing services. This is why the article describes the core of the problem in detail. Thus, the formation of intelligence among students tends to get delayed, since Internet technologies grow quicker than ever before. This is why a gap in growing wiser is inevitable for students full of digital experience worldwide. This trend seems never ending for academic sustainability of universities today. Hence, it is about time to keep a strict eye on this issue.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The Use of Military Special Forces in CIA Paramilitary Operations Research Paper

The Use of Military Special Forces in CIA Paramilitary Operations - Research Paper Example Some of these military activities are in public knowledge while others remain classified. There is speculation that covert paramilitary operations will end up being the responsibility of unacknowledged distinct operation units within the USSOCOM. One of the fundamental concerns by the American people is the dichotomy of operations by the central intelligence agency and the military. This is fueled by the fact that military personnel can get involved in central intelligence agency operations1. At the same time, the central intelligence personnel can serve in the military. There is similarity in training and military operations means that it is never clear whether the central intelligence agency activities are alienated from the military activities. The nature of secrecy in the CIA operations means the Special Forces in the United States of America military can hold joint operations with CIA. The role of Special Forces in paramilitary activities is unknown to the public. Therefore, it becomes hard to tell whether a given activity is being conducted by the central intelligence agency or the particular forces of United States. For instance, paramilitary operations in Yemen require presidential authorization. Besides, the intelli gence committees have to be notified. There is a growing concern on whether the same requirement applies to secret military operations. In case of a joint operation of the central intelligence agency operations paramilitary officers and Special Forces, it is not clear on whose authorizes. There is a need to known to what extent Special Forces can get involved in paramilitary activities and operations. There is a perception that the personnel involved in United States covert operations are contractors. This poses a significant threat to the security of United States due to access of classified information2. According to Brennan, the

Monday, November 18, 2019

Kurt Vonnegut Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Kurt Vonnegut - Essay Example We were out all the time around the clock and every time we came across a really juicy murder or scandal or whatever, they’d send the big time reporters and photographers, otherwise, they’d run our stories. So that’s what I was doing, and I was going to university at the same time."[15] Vonnegut admitted that he was a poor anthropology student, with one professor remarking that some of the students were going to be professional anthropologists and he was not one of them.[citation needed] According to Vonnegut in Bagombo Snuff Box, the university rejected his first thesis on the necessity of accounting for the similarities between Cubist painters and the leaders of late 19th Century Native American uprisings, saying it was "unprofessional." He left Chicago to work in Schenectady, New York, in public relations for General Electric, where his brother Bernard worked in the research department. Vonnegut was a technical writer but was also known for writing well past h is typical hours while working. While in Schenectady, Vonnegut lived in the tiny hamlet of Alplaus, located within the town of Glenville, just across the Mohawk River from the city of Schenectady. Kurt rented an upstairs apartment located along Alplaus Creek across the street from the Alplaus Volunteer Fire Department, where he was an active Volunteer Fire-Fighter for a few years. To this day, the apartment where Vonnegut lived for a brief time still has a desk at which he wrote many of his short stories; Vonnegut carved his name on its underside.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Emotional Intelligence And Healthcare Leadership

Emotional Intelligence And Healthcare Leadership Development of emotional intelligence in healthcare has been slower to progress than in other industries. This paper defines emotional intelligence and describes benefits related to developing the attributes of emotional intelligence. It explores physician, clinical, ancillary, and administrative use cases documenting the benefits of implementing emotional intelligence awareness. In addition, it describes how emotional intelligence can positively impact healthcare executives in leading their organizations to retain talent, improve patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Emotional Intelligence Healthcare Leadership A lot of research has been conducted on the topic of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the capacity for effectively recognizing and managing our own emotions and those of others (Pharmaceutical Information, 2007). The Harvard Business Review (HBR) released a number of articles which examine emotional intelligence. As described in the HBR article What Makes a Leader there are five key components to emotional intelligence including knowing ones emotions (Self-Awareness), managing ones emotions (Self-Regulation), motivating self (Motivation), recognizing the emotions of others on the team (Empathy), and developing / handling relationships (Social Skills), (Goldman 2004). Publication of emotional intelligence research started in 1990 and since that time companies have been working to integrate emotional intelligence into their employee selection processes (Freedman 2010). This work started in non-healthcare related industries and is increasingly stressed in healthcare beh avioral development today. In an article by the journal BMC Medical Education, Emotional Intelligence is the set of abilities (verbal and nonverbal) that enable a person to generate, recognize, express, understand, and evaluate their own, and others, emotions in order to guide thinking and action that successfully cope with environmental demands and pressures(Birks, Mckendree, Watt 2009). Are emotional intelligence attributes just a performance metric fad utilized by senior leadership to stimulate change within the organization? Or does it lead to enhanced effectiveness of healthcare executives and the organizations they lead? One of the reasons emotional intelligence is critical to success is that it is effective in handling stress. Healthcare is a multifaceted, evolving and stressful environment. Managing the stress of change management in healthcare is a skill that healthcare leaders must acknowledge. A study was performed at a large urban hospital with professional midwives and obstetricians. It found that emotional intelligence is predictive of performance 66 percent of the time, of stress up to 24 percent and of stress management 6.5 percent of the time. This study found in examining senior leadership in relation to the focus group that emotional intelligence made the biggest difference in the supervisory and leadership roles (Freeman 2010). This provides indication that emotional intelligence actually is more important to recognize as one is in transition to higher management and leadership levels. Another study performed indicated that emotional intelligence can actually be improved throughout life. The study focused on supporting staff of a large healthcare center. It utilized an emotional intelligence test focusing on emotional sensitivity, maturity, and competence. This study measured the ability to respond to interpretation of human expressions with empathy and scored competency of self-control against age / maturity. Findings revealed that maturity of emotional regulation tends to be after the age of forty and that emotional sensitivity grows with experience (ie. age) as well. The study also found a significant difference in the perception of emotion intelligence between gender showing that both men and women have equal ability to increase emotional intelligence but that women tended to be stronger than men as it relates to empathy and self-regulation (Freeman 2010). This provides evidence that emotional intelligence is learned with experiences. Therefore healthcare leade rs can influence supporting staffs development of emotional intelligence in handling operational stress management. It is important to ensure the development concentrates on the right part of the brain to achieve successful results. Emotional intelligence training must focus on the limbic system which requires motivation, extended practice and feedback on behalf of the student to advance capabilities (Goleman 2004). Healthcare leaders need to recognize the importance of emotional intelligence competency in order to make it a part of their organizations culture. There are a number of case examples showing that healthcare executives believe that their own development of emotional intelligence is imperative to successful implementation of initiatives for their organization. For example in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine designed an exploratory study in order compare leaders and physician perspectives with respect to required leadership qualities. The purpose of the study was to gauge what is necessary to develop current and future leaders. This study centered on leaders that expressed interest in gaining new academics and leadership skills. They structured interviews to gather data from leaders and found that both developmental and established leaders agreed that knowledge, people skills, emotional intelligence and vision are all characteris tics required for leaders to be successful. The interviews indicated that healthcare poses unique leadership challenges and the complexity of healthcare institutions is greater than other industries with respect to training. Physicians tend to be far less willing to receive direction and collaborate on training necessitating the need for healthcare leaders to possess mature emotional intelligence skills; especially in areas such as empathy, self-awareness and self-restraint. The study provided evidence that leaders need and desire emotional intelligence training. Healthcare leaders admitted in the interviews that often one is promoted based upon academic and clinical accomplishments. Therefore they lack and desire training in other skilled leadership competencies such as emotional intelligence. The leaders agreed that knowledge is important however 70 percent stated that emotional intelligence was the most admired attribute (Taylor, Taylor, Staller 2008). Healthcare leaders agree that emotional intelligence is important element for leadership. But there is also evidence that leaders should promote development of emotional intelligence for their clinicians as well. A study published in the March 2011 issue of Academic Medicine highlighted a study performed by Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. It was established in order to quantify if there is a relationship between physician empathy and clinical patient outcomes. Researchers measured 29 physicians associated with 891 diabetic patients by utilizing the Jefferson Scale of Empathy as an instrument to measure empathy. The scale rated and provided a physician score on their empathy awareness based on the context that patient care requires a cognitive attribute that involves understanding and intention to help. After scoring the physicians empathy skills, the study compared them with the patients ability to control hemoglobin Alc and LDL cholesterol levels. The study concluded that good control of A1c and LDL levels was significantly better with patients associated with physicians having high empathy scores than with patient of physicians with low empathy ratings. This suggests that empathy should be a key component in overall physician competence (Jefferson University Hospitals 2011). As referenced in a research study documented in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (JRSM), healthcare policy and practices are trending towards emphasizing the principles of patient-centered care. Providing patient-centered care is a multi-dimensional concept which addresses patients needs for information, views the patient as a whole person, promotes concordance and enhances the professional-patient relationship(Birks Watt 2007). There is a variance in the level of patient-centered care provided by professionals practicing within healthcare organizations. Healthcare executives are therefore interested in ways to improve patient-centered outcomes. Training professional staff on emotional intelligence generates self-confidence, sensitivity to patient needs and trustworthiness. These attributes can actually play a part in improving outcomes (Birks Watt 2007). Evidence of this is documented in JRSM where a study involving 30 physicians and 138 patients provided evidence that emotional intelligence plays a role in patient satisfaction. An extensive study involving 213 dental students found that perceived stress is lower when the student possesses higher emotional intelligence scores. Decreasing stress levels help to retain talent and quality nursing staff is extremely important in patient-centered care. A correlation between low emotional intelligence scores and nursing burnout and attrition was found based on study conducted on 380 nurses. It indicated that emotional intelligence can improve the working relationships within the healthcare culture; increasing the likelihood of retaining talent (Birks Watt 2007) A Clinical Connections journal article written by Erik Swensson, MD, FACS agrees with the premise that emotional intelligence improves healthcare culture. He emphasizes the continual challenge for physicians and leadership professionals to routinely coach and hold peers accountable. The article stresses the need for professionals to possess emotional intelligence skills involving self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Healthcare professionals need to move away from protecting our own and towards helping our own, he stated. Emotional intelligence establishes a foundation for building a caring environment and establishing a culture of collaborative safety (Swensson 2012). The International Journal of Collaborative Research on Internal Medicine and Public Health suggests that making emotional intelligence a core competency for the healthcare professional will result in enhancing clinician-patient relationships. Patients feeling empowered, knowledgeable and in control of their healthcare tend to make healthy lifestyle modifications. Clinicians whom are trained in emotional intelligence skills can help patients with self-awareness, self-regulation, and motivation. This requires time to listen to patient concerns (ie. empathy). Enhanced relationships will thereby result in an increase in desirable health outcomes (Coelho 2012). Cultivating the patient-clinician relationship may affect a patients emotional intelligence on initiating legal action against providers because the patient is part of the care solution and overall more satisfied with the care provided. Research indicates that more satisfied patients are the less likely they are to take legal actio n. Therefore cultivating emotional intelligence may be a mechanism towards a reduction in healthcare legal cases and costs associated. Todays healthcare environment demands pay for performance. Healthcare executives need to expand their overall emotional intelligence competencies in order to recognize and expect these attributes in leaders and clinical professionals within their organization. Executives have to establish and take ownership for their culture. In doing so they must consistently demonstrate the leadership qualities they expect to be exhibited by their administrative and clinical staff. As evidenced in the studies described above executives will benefit by investing in their own emotional intelligence education and should extend it to all levels within their organization. Doing so will provide a caring culture, reducing healthcare costs, retaining talent, and motivating clinicians to provide excellence in patient care.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Happiness in the Fourth Epistle of Alexander Popes An Essay on Man

Alexander Pope's philosophical poem An Essay on Man, published in 1732-134, may even more precisely be classified, to use a German phrase, as Weltanschauungliche Dichtung (worldviewish poetry). That it is appropriate to understand An Essay on Man as world view in verse, as a work which depicts humanity's relationship to and understanding of a perplexing and amazing world, is indicated in the statement of the poem's "Design" in which the author avows that his goal was to examine "Man in the abstract, his Nature and his State." Indeed, Pope sought to fulfill his agenda by describing in each of the work's four "epistles" the nature and state of man with respect (1) to the universe, (2) to man himself as an individual, (3) to society, and finally, (4) in relation to happiness. Pope's poetic and powerful examination of these themes in which "attitudes generated by deism, eighteenth-century sociality, and Roman Catholicism come together" (Mack lxxiv-lxxv) establish this composition as one of the truly great literary statements of a particular world view perspective in the history of the West. Pope's concern with human teleology in An Essay on Man also distinguish it as a distinctive piece of world view literature. According to "The Design" of the poem, Pope asserted that in order to understand man or any creature, it was necessary "first to know what condition and relation it is placed in, and what is the proper end and purpose of its being." For Pope, drawing on a venerable ideal from antiquity onwards, the end and purpose of humanity was happiness.1 As he exclaims at the very beginning of the fourth epistle, The heritage of the supremacy of happiness is impressive. For example, Aristotle believed that happiness was man's stron... ...he bliss of all beings in the chain of being) "Sees, that no Being any bliss can know, But touches some above, and some below." EM 4. 343-50 (regarding bliss in God) "For him alone, hope leads from goal to goal And opens still, and opens on his soul; Till lengthened on to Faith, and unconfined, It pours the bliss that fills up all the mind. He sees, why Nature plants in Man alone Hope of known bliss, and Faith in bliss unknown: (Nature, whose dictates to no other kind Are given in vain, but what they seek they find) Wise is her present; she connects in this His greatest Virtue with his greatest Bliss." EM 4. 359-60 (regarding love and happiness) "Happier as kinder, in whate'er degree, And height of Bliss but height of Charity." EM 4. 397-98 (regarding bliss and virtue) "That Virtue only makes our bliss below; And all our Knowledge is, ourselves to know."

Monday, November 11, 2019

Assignment. Sustainable Tourism Essay

Marking Criteria 1. Relevance and appropriateness of title & Addressing posed assessment topic/task 2. Sound, logical, clearly developed and well supported argument 3. Clear essay structure (intro, body, conclusion; paragraph structure) & Adherence to good academic writing practice (presentation, grammar, clarity of expression) 4. Depth and breadth of research & Analysis, evaluation and integration of research 5. Referencing (minimum of 8 academic references; in-text citations and quoting; consistency of referencing style; construction of reference list) Choose one (1) of six topics: Sustainable tourism and†¦ 1. †¦climate change 2. †¦protected areas 3. †¦poverty alleviation 4. †¦mining 5. †¦ecotourism 6. †¦, cross-cultural understanding & peace Topic 1 – ST & climate change Many authors argue that tourism is a major contributor to climate change, particularly through its travel/transport component. As the consequences of climate change are starting to influence government policies (e.g. carbon tax) and consumer behaviour (i.e. through increased consumer awareness), explore the future of tourism and how it may change (or not) over the next 20 years. Draw on examples from government policy, travel behaviour data, climate change studies and/or tourism and sustainability debates to support your case. Topic 1 – support materials †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Unit topic 6 materials Unit topic 3 reading – What if governments banned tourism? Sustainable Tourism CRC reports: http://www.crctourism.com.au/BookShop/SearchResult.aspx?k=climate%20change CSIRO resources: http://www.csiro.au/Outcomes/Climate/Understanding.aspx Can ST include flying? Watch the debate: http://vls.uclan.ac.uk/play.aspx?videoid=5903 ABC TV series on climate change: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/changeyourmind/characters/ News report on some impacts: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-14/heatwavesbushfires-predicted-to-hammer-nsw/4009006 Official government website on Carbon Tax: http://www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au/ Topic 2 – ST & protected areas About 10-15 percent of the earth’s surface is in designated protected areas, with the primary focus on biodiversity conservation. However, despite protection, â€Å"[t]he loss of biodiversity is still accelerating within and beyond the boundaries of protected areas† (Bushell & Eagles 2007, p. 1). Nelson Mandela, in his opening speech at the 5th World Parks Congress in Durban argued that â€Å"It is only through alliances and partnerships that Protected Areas can be made relevant to the needs of society.† In this context, critically review tourism’s contribution to biodiversity conservation and explore opportunities for alliances between protected areas and tourism to foster relevance of protected areas to local communities and the broader society. Use examples from around the world to illustrate your argument. Topic 2 – support materials †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Materials from Unit topic 7 World database on protected areas: www.wdpa.org Tourism and Protected Areas : Benefits Beyond Boundaries / Paul F. J. Eagles, Robyn Bushell Wallingford:CAB International, 2007: http://www.cabi.org.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/CABeBooks/default.aspx?site=107&page=45&LoadModule=PDFH ier&BookID=342 â€Å"Arguments for Protected Areas : Multiple Benefits for Conservation and Use†. You can access the book using this link: http://scu.eblib.com.au/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=517175 Tourism potentials for financing protected areas: Annals of Tourism Research, 2000, Vol.27(3), pp.590-610 http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/10.1016/j.bbr.2011.03.031 Protected areas, poverty and conflicts:A livelihood case study of Mikumi National Park, Tanzania: A livelihood case study of Mikumi National Park, Tanzania. Forest Policy and Economics, 2012, Vol.21, pp.2031: http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/10.1016/j.bbr.2011.03.031 †¢ †¢ †¢ Topic 3 – ST & poverty alleviation Discuss the role of tourism in reducing poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Critically examine models such as pro-poor tourism or volunteer tourism and draw on international examples and case studies in your argument. Topic 3 – support materials †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ http://www.propoortourism.org.uk/ http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk/ Make Poverty History http://www.makepovertyhistory.com.au/ Micah Challenge & Millenium Development Goals http://www.micahchallenge.org.au/mdg UN website on MDGs http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/ http://www.miniature-earth.com/ Global Poverty Project http://www.globalpovertyproject.com/pages/about_us & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1mp0t0qc80 Topic 4 – ST & mining With the rapid expansion of natural resource extraction industries such as mining and oil and gas operations in Australia, they are increasingly encroaching on areas used for nature-based tourism. For example, the expansion of Gladstone Port in Queensland is threatening the integrity of the Great Barrier Reef; and mining and gas projects along the Kimberley Coast in Western Australia are likely to negatively affect the current tourism experience in this area. Similarly, the continuation of old-growth logging in Tasmania may reduce opportunities for nonextractive economic opportunities such as ecotourism. In a political and economic environment where governments currently see themselves as highly dependent on the short term revenues from natural resource extraction industries, the needs of the tourism industry may be seen as secondary. Explore avenues for tourism to strengthen its voice and image as a more sustainable alternative and to ensure that the strategic needs of the tourism i ndustry are recognised and being considered in the political arena. Topic 4 – support materials †¢ †¢ Great Barrier Reef – http://youtu.be/tYd5_u6ehlA Kimberley – http://www.wilderness.org.au/campaigns/kimberley/kimberley-tourism-report-launch-aug31st-2010 & the report http://www.wilderness.org.au/pdf/Kimberley_WhaleCoast_Report.pdf Topic 5 – Ecotourism Over the last two decades, ‘ecotourism’ has come under some scrutiny and has been subject to criticisms. Explore the concept of ecotourism (1) as defined in theory and (2) as applied in practice and outline (3) what you consider ecotourism to be. Through research, clearly identify key arguments by experts and practitioners who are pro ecotourism and arguments by experts and practitioners who are against ecotourism and support their positions with examples and references. Reflect on your personal position and critically examine the pro and con views against your position. Topic 5 – support materials †¢ †¢ †¢ Journal of Ecotourism – http://www.multilingual-matters.net.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/jet/default.htm Journal of Sustainable Tourism – http://www.multilingual-matters.net.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/jost/default.htm Unit topic 3 & 8 in particular & unit materials throughout Topic 6 – ST & cross-cultural undersanding The social and cultural dimensions of tourism sustainability have gained increasing attention over recent years in attempts to more equally balance and consider the economic, environmental and socio-cultural impacts of tourism. For example, research is exploring ways of capturing and monitoring the less tangible impacts of tourism activities particularly in cross-cultural contexts, such as the effects on local Aboriginal communities of tourists accessing Aboriginal lands without Traditional Owner permission. In this context, explore and critically examine arguments by tourism scholars who promote tourism as a means for promoting peace and cross-cultural understanding. Draw on examples from the literature and reflect on your own experiences as a tourist to illustrate your arguments. Topic 6 – support materials †¢ International Institute for Peace Through Tourism – http://www.iipt.org/ †¢ Alternative Tourism Group – http://www.atg.ps/index.php?page=1177263170.1198159598.1208362704 †¢ Authors such as Freya Higgins-Desbiolles: – – – Higgins-Desbiolles, F. (2010) In the eye of the beholder? Tourism and the activist academic. In P. Burns et al. (Eds.) Tourism and visual culture: Vol 1 theories and concepts (pp. 98-106). Wallingford: CABI. Higgins-Desbiolles, F. & Blanchard, L. (2010) Challenging peace through tourism: Placing tourism in the context of human rights, justice & peace. In O. Moufakkir & I. Kelly (Eds.) Tourism Progress and Peace (pp. 35-47). Wallingford: CABI. Higgins-Desbiolles, F. (2009) International Solidarity Movement: A case study in volunte

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Hotel Immersion Essays

Hotel Immersion Essays Hotel Immersion Essay Hotel Immersion Essay Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila is a 5 star, deluxe landmark hotel overlooking Manila Bay which is situated at the Malate district on the corner of Pedro Gil, M. H. del Pilar and Mabini Streets. This mixed-use complex occupies 94,000 sq m and includes a hotel, a casino and residences. Situated in a 32-storey tower with a nine-storey podium, the hotel houses 378 stylish guestrooms, including 113 executive floor rooms, 61 suites and five Presidential Suites; three innovative restaurants and bar; and three banquet facilities. Guestrooms are equipped with the latest in-room technology, including broadband Internet access, a 29-inch flat-screen television and DVD player, and a spacious Italian white marble bathroom with two shower options and separate deep soaking tub. It offers the Regency Club which is perfect for the business traveller in search of privacy, convenience and an outstanding level of personalized service. A five Presidential Suites, all with 180-degree views of Manila Bay, provide a more luxurious alternative. The hotel’s Market Cafe has set the trend for interactive dining featuring theatrical live cooking of Western, Chinese, Japanese, Korean dishes and desserts. The contemporary and residential-inspired Li Li Chinese restaurant offers authentic Cantonese cuisine prepared by five master chefs from Hong Kong. Li Li also has five private rooms, a tea bar serving premium Chinese teas and a wine cellar. The Fireplace, an upscale grill room, offers prime meats and seafood cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. It also features a library of more than 800 bottles of vintage and new world wines. The Lounge is a stylish gathering place for the local community which serves daily afternoon snack buffets and features nightly live entertainment in a chic and sophisticated atmosphere. Pastry Boutique is a gourmet haven offering a wide selection of freshly baked breads, home-made chocolate cookies, beautifully decorated cakes and other delectable delicacies such as spreads and dips. For outdoor barbeque and exclusive gatherings, the Pool Bar is a comfortable venue with rows of relaxing lounge chairs to sunbathe or cool down with a refreshing drink. The new-generation Casino at Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila is the largest hotel gaming facility in the country. It has been meticulously designed to exude opulence and comfort, setting it apart from the existing casinos in the country. The casino covers 15,000 sq m of floor space over four floors, and features 123 game tables and 626 slot machines of 30 different types. For more recreational activities, Club Oasis features the Spa, offering relaxing and invigorating treatments 24 hours for in-room services, and the Fitness Centre, equipped with Life Fitness cardiovascular and whole body machines. The 35-metre outdoor lap pool, children’s pool and outside whirlpool are accessed through the gym. For secretarial and administrative assistance, the Business Centre also located on the 8th floor is open 24 hours. Le Salon and two meeting rooms are ideal for business meetings and intimate social events that require greater detail and attention. Each of the three banquet and meeting facilities are fitted with sound-proof partitions, wireless broadband Internet connections and the latest technological features. For a much larger and sophisticated gathering, The Ballroom stands at the core of the hotel’s banqueting facilities. It is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology and features Hyatt’s notable culinary excellence. The architectural design of the hotel, developed by Hong Kong-based world-renowned Bilkey Llinas Design, blends classic elegance and contemporary style. To complement the hotel’s tastefully crafted interior design, art consultant Art Internationale Asia has incorporated distinctive art pieces by notable Filipino and foreign artists to exude an ambience that reflects the traditional warmth and vibrancy of the Philippines. Source: Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila The Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila is just a walking distance from many of Manilas attractions, including historical and cultural places of interest such as Intramuros; Ermita, Malate and Remedios Circle Areas; Luneta and Rizal Park. The hotel is at the heart of Manilas business and shopping areas. It is only 30 minutes away from Manilas airports and the hotel is just a block away from Roxas Boulevard. Our hotel immersion at Hyatt provided a different experience for me as I have been used to checking-in at various hotels in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. To start with that the hotels which I have gone are located in relatively newly developed and highly commercialized areas such as Makati, Ortigas, Subic, Clark etc. The site of Hyatt Hotel is congested and seems scary. But upon entering the establishment such impression has faded because of the warmth ad elegance of its interior. When Karmela and I arrived at the place, we were quite disappointed since we were not met by the valet staff. In fact, we had to ask the guard for the valet. Likewise, there was no doorman to assist us with our baggage. But there was reason to ignore the previous hassles because we were greeted by a receptionist with a warm smile. Upon reaching the Bayview, the seminar venue, I observed that the room was already set and there were hotel staff composed of waiters, supervisors and ushers, who were ready to provide assistance to the participants. The seminar speakers were part of the hotel management staff who were very competent in their own departments. The orientation was very informative, enlightening and encouraging. It was conducted in a formal but lively manner. This allowed us to easily relate and comprehend the topics presented. The questions of the participants were satisfactorily answered by the speakers. On the other hand, the refreshments which included assorted pastries and coffee, were delicious and appetizing. After the seminar we were divided in to three groups namely, opera, bartending and bed making. Initially, I was disappointed to be assigned in the opera group but when we had the hands-on activities, I started to appreciate the work. We were taught how to save guest’s information/data and were given exercises too. The next activity was a tour in the hotel. We were the last group to finish the tour but it was worth it because the tour guide provided us detailed information on the different function rooms and departments. We were taken to the Regency Club, Presidential Suites, Market Cafe, Li Li, The Fireplace, The Lounge, Pastry, Boutique and Club Oasis which house the Spa, Fitness Centre and the Business Centre. We also went to the Le Salon and the Ballroom where a function was being held that time. We had the opportunity to see how it was set up for an event. Likewise we had the chance to observe the activities at the back of the house. This is where I was very interested in because it was my first time to see the actual operation in the kitchen and reception office. The utensils and equipments in the kitchen were very organized although the area was humid. I also noted that the floor was wet and slippery. On the other hand, as we toured the hotel, it was also noted that the security personnel were alert, very polite and were good in remembering faces or identifying hotel guests. Likewise, the cleanliness of public areas as well as guestrooms was observed. When we checked-in, each of us were given key cards which we had to swipe upon entering the elevator, for security purposes. The room that was assigned to us was located in a remote area, far from the elevator. It was small compared to the other rooms but was nice, fully furnished and comfortable except for the fact that the bathroom door lock was busted. We also noted that there was no free internet access in the rooms. As coordinator of our class, I had to inform my classmates that we were expected to be at the Le Salon at 7pm for dinner. Unfortunately, I did not have all the cell phone numbers of my classmates, so I decided to call up the front desk to request for a copy of the room assignments. I waited for an hour but there was no response from them. I had to personally go to the front desk for this purpose. This was one instance when a gave a minus point to the hotel service. I had the chance to swim in the pool and relax at the Jacuzzi. Compared to the other hotels I have been to, the pool attendants in Hyatt were very accommodating. Instead of handing the towel to me, the attendant graciously placed it on my shoulder. I felt like I was a princess! The fine dining experience was awesome. The food was sumptuous and filling. The program after dinner provided an opportunity for our class to bond and to show our talents. Even the waiters were moved to join the fun. The following day, we had a breakfast buffet at the Market Cafe which offered various cuisines. The waiters were friendly and they even suggested food choices and explained how the foods were meticolously prepared. The waiter service was efficient and superb as they were quick to attend to our needs. We were supposed to check-out at 11:00 am, Sunday but we decided to request for a late check-out. We appreciated the immediate action on our request. We left the hotel at 2:30 pm. The overall quality of guest experience is satisfactory. I would recommend the Hyatt Hotel to friends and acquaintances not only for its relaxing ambiance but also for the friendliness, hospitality and efficiency of its staff. The Out of the Classroom Learning Activity (OCLA) provided students an opportunity to observe and experience the actual operation of the hotel. Our classroom study became more meaningful through the immersion activity. I realized that as a people oriented business, the hotel industry is very dynamic and challenging. There is no doubt that it has created a large impact on our tourism. In fact, it is a major contributing factor to the economic development of our nation. The class was fortunate to have its OCLA in a 5 star hotel. Indeed the cost of this immersion activity was worth it since we where given a 5 star experience. Moreover such exposure has opened a possible career option for me after graduation.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Essay on American Government Part 1

Essay on American Government Part 1 Essay on American Government Part 1 Essay on American Government Part 1  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chapter 1 Sun to Sun  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The first chapter of the book depicts the first encounter of the author with his father. The chapter provides the background information about the author, his origin and family life. The chapter shows that the main character has started the life being even not acquainted with his father, whom he has encountered for the first time, when he was nine, and had scarce encounters later. He originated from West Africa.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chapter 2 As Good as Us  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The second chapter focuses on the education of the author and his strife for learning. The author depicts his educational aspirations and attempted to show his progress in the course of his education. At the same time, the author uncovers that he was very concerned with his education but his aspirations have proved to be ex tremely challenging. For example, his desire to study at the white school was a challenge not only for his family or community but also for existing social and cultural norms which maintained segregation and did not allow a black student study at a white school.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chapter 3 The Corridor  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chapter 3 reveals the turning point in the life of the author, when his father had thrown him off his own home, and he had to start the independent life on his own being a child. The author had to turn to the Holy Cross school as the only opportunity for him to survive and obtain his education. At the same time, the chapter reveals the full extent to which education was important for the author, who had found shelter in the Holy Cross school, being sent off his home.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chapter 4 No Room at the Top  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The chapter focuses on the develop ment of the personal life of the author. The author encounters his first love, Kathy, a girl, whom he fell in love with for the first time in his life. At the same time, the chapter uncovers the persisting racism and injustice, which virtually seals the way for black students and people to top positions in society. Instead, they were doomed to hold the inferior position, in spite of the overall progress and individual skills and abilities of individuals. In other words, the chapter shows how the author has grown aware of the fact that the race of people played more important part in their social standing compared to their skills, abilities, intelligence and other individual features.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chapter 5 The Golden HandcuffsThe chapter depicts the further education of the author and his settlement in the new family environment, which he considered to be inspiring since family members liked reading and were very sociable and often conducted debates on important social issues. On the other hand, they did not share the author’s idea of the support of students from low-income families. The title of the chapter is quite symbolic, since on the one hand, the author has improved his life and environment, but, on the other hand, he could not afford living with people, who did not share and condemned his ideas and beliefs.Quotesâ€Å"The children from middle- and upper-class families would find it far easier to bridge the cultural gap and thus help to break down racial barriers† (Thomas, 92). This quote refers to the situation, when the author presented his idea that students from low-income families should be primary beneficiaries of preferential admission policies. However, Mrs. Wilson confronted his idea with the aforementioned message that reveals the deep-rooted belief that determined and maintained the racial inequality, which was based on the economic inequality. Low-income students, who represented the black communi ty mainly, were not even considered to be able to tackle their problems and close gaps between them and upper-classes. Instead, the public personified by Mrs. Wilson believed it was the middle- and upper-class that should take the lead, while the lower-class remained inferior. Remarkably, such a reaction of Mrs. Wilson on the author’s idea about the wider access for lower-class students to education discouraged him from participating in debates within the family. In such a way, the author shows how representatives of the lower-class were simply deprived of an opportunity to share their ideas freely because they were immediately suppressed and condemned by representatives of upper-classes.â€Å"Much of my family tree is lost to me, its secrets having gone to the grave with my grandparents† (Thomas, 2). The quote uncovers the background of the author, who does not know the history of his family but, in broader terms, this quote uncovers the tragedy of African Americans, who did not know their ancestry and family history. They were people, who have lost their family trees just like the author of the book. However, the lack of any links to their past and ancestors deprive people of the lion share of their cultural heritage, breaks up close social ties which exist in cultures, where traditions are transferred from one generation to another.Essay on American Government Part 2

Monday, November 4, 2019

Internationalization Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Internationalization Strategies - Essay Example An organization can also have facilities and economic interests in several countries. According to Hitt, Ireland, Hoskisson (2011), the main reason firms go international is to extend the lifecycle of their products. Firms require expanding to secure required resources. Supply of raw materials has caused many Chinese companies to expand internationally. Industries such as electronics and clothing move their operations to foreign companies due to lower production coasts. Industrialization in different countries has caused similar demand for products. This has caused pressure in several companies to integrate their operations globally. People in developed countries have similarities in lifestyles and companies are forced to expand globally to meet increased demands. Business level- integrated cost leadership and differentiation Every business requires a competitive strategy in its domestic market. In international business the home country is the main source of competitive advantage. T he ability of a firm to expand into international countries depends on the resources and abilities established in the home country. However, as the business expands into the global market, the home country becomes less significant in providing competitive advantage Hitt, Ireland, Hoskisson (2011). As stated by Michael (1998), this advantage occurs in two types: cost leadership and differentiation. ... dership and differentiation are integrated actions aimed delivering goods or services at prices lower than competitors with features acceptable to customers. A business requires efficient scale facilities and control production costs and overhead tightly. Monitoring costs of competitor products helps an organization adjust its prices to lower levels. Advantages The firm concentrates on a segment of customers and tailors its strategies and resources to its service. Hoskisson (2008) argues that strategic competitiveness is achieved when the firm satisfies a group of customers. The firm is committed at providing customers with superior value to gain advantage over competitors. This helps a company increase its profit. For example, Ford Motors estimates that increase in customer loyalty creates approximately $100 million additional profits annually. Firms concentrate more on their core business activities. Firms channel most of their resources on core activities and carry out innovations aimed at satisfying their customers. SAS institute is a software company that allocated more than 30 percent of their revenues to R&D. the firm concentrates on its core competences to serve customers such as the U.S bureau. Companies maintain low costs while serving a wide segment of customers. In the case of airlines, flight attendants may be required to purchase their own uniforms and customers are charged to check luggage. Flight attendants spend time selling products like water, digital cameras and MP3 players to passengers. Global companies can participate in e-commerce. This improves customer relations management. Careful integration of technology in a firm increases successful competition of a business. CEMEX SA, a Mexican global cement company, uses the internet as a link between

Saturday, November 2, 2019

The Origin of the Moon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Origin of the Moon - Essay Example The earliest theory among them is that â€Å"earth had somehow spawned the moon† out (Schrunk, 1). George Darwin, son of the biological evolution theorist, Charles Darwin, had proposed this theory known as â€Å"fission hypothesis† in 1878 (Schrunk,1). This theory was based on the logic that as moon is gradually moving away from the earth (because the time taken by moon to make one revolution around the earth goes on increasing), logically it can be concluded that this is the continuation of an outward momentum initiated by the fission. Hence it is concluded that once moon might have been â€Å"closer to the earth than it is now† (Schrunk, 1). The reason for the split is also well-explained in fission theory. It is speculated that some kind of gravitational imbalance within the earth caused by its previous shape might have made it spit out a piece which became moon. The fission theory is supported by the fact that the core matter of moon is â€Å"not as massive as the earth’s† and also that same nonradioactive stable oxygen isotopes are found on the â€Å"terrestrial rocks† of both earth and moon (Gergo, 4,5). Thus this theory speculates that it was from the less dense mantle of the earth that moon was broken away as a separate entity. The weakness of fission theory is that there is a scientifically proven minimum distance near to the earth below which moon cannot exist in solid form and can exist only as â€Å"a ring of debris† (Schrunk, 1). Hence moon could never be close to earth within this minimum distance and continue to exist as a solid cosmic body. After proving this in 1873, Edouard Roche contested fission hypothesis and put forth the â€Å"co-accretion† theory (Schrunk, 1). Co-accretion theory said that earth and moon most probably might have been formed â€Å"at the same time, in the same neighborhood of the solar system† (Schrunk, 2). This is an assumption based on the similarities in st ructure between earth and moon like the presence of oxygen isotopes. A third theory on the origin of moon was proposed by Thomas.J.J.See (qtd in Schrunk) who theorized that â€Å"moon was †¦ a captured satellite† (Schrunk, 2). This theory was supported by one fact which came to light in that period. It was proven that at least some of the satellites of Saturn and Jupiter might have been captured ones (Schrunk, 2). See’s theory later came to be called as â€Å"capture hypothesis† (Schrunk, 2). This theory says that owing to the gravitational dynamics within and around the area where now the solar system exists, the orbit of moon (which was then far away from the earth) came near the earth (Schrunk, 2). And earth captured moon into becoming its satellite. The fourth and latest hypothesis on the origin of moon is known as â€Å"planetesimal impact hypothesis† and this theory has evolved combining certain features of all the three theories on the origin of moon that were proposed before it (Schrunk, 2). This hypothesis takes the idea that earth was hit by a â€Å"pre-planetory body† of the size of Mars, from the capture hypothesis (Schrunk, 2). It also brings in the argument that this collision had forced out, a huge quantity of debris which is a proposition put forward by the fission hypothesis (Schrunk, 2). And finally the â€Å"planetesimal impact hypothesis† also concludes that this debris â€Å"condensed into moon,† as was suggested partially by the co-accretion hypothesis (Schrunk, 2). The collision is supposed to have happened around 100 million years after the formation of the earth (Wilkinson, 73). This great impct is also thought to have caused the tipping of the axis of the earth and â€Å"inaugurated the seasons† on earth (Wilkinson, 73). This is the theory on moon’s origin which has gained the maximum approval. This is also in the context of many