Meteors Case Study Essay

Meteorites are rocks from space, which land on Earth, attracted by her gravity. The shooting stars that you see at night, are actually burning meteors that fall on Earth from outer space! This is the first of many interesting facts that are going to follow. Why do meteorites fall? For the same reason why anything falls on Earth – ‘Gravity’. Very few can escape it! Meteorites have their origin in outer space. They are relatively small pieces of dust and debris, usually left behind in the wake of a comet. Meteorites, that are huge in size, have their origin in space, as asteroids. They are left over pieces of matter from formation of the solar system, which could not clump together to form a planet like our Earth. There is a dense belt of such asteroids outside the orbit of the planet Mars, called the ‘Asteroid Belt’. Asteroids are huge in size and their lengths can number to kilometers! Once in a while, small pieces of rock or dust, come into range of Earth’s gravitational pull and fall on Earth as shooting stars. An asteroid dislodged from its trajectory and falling on Earth is also called a meteorite. However, an asteroid being huge in size, causes a cataclysmic explosion on Earth on impact. Origin ‘Meteor’ and ‘Meteorite’ facts are interchangeable terms and we shall see why they are so. When these rocks and pieces of dust are floating in space, they are called ‘Meteoroids’. When they make a blazing entry into Earth’s atmosphere, they are called ‘Meteors’. Finally, if they survive the burning entry into Earth’s atmosphere and fall on Earth, they are called ‘Meteorites’. So a meteorite could originate from comet debris called meteoroids or larger objects called asteroids! Here are some basic facts about meteorites, meteors and meteoroids. Comets leave tons of dust and debris in their trail as they travel along long orbits round the Sun. When Earth, while revolving around the Sun, passes through some patches of this comet debris, it enters the Earth’s atmosphere causing meteor showers. Meteor showers are periodic events. One can see thousands of meteors or shooting stars, as they are called, during such a shower. The most popular meteor showers are ‘Perseids’ (which peak around August 12) and Leonids (which peak around 17 November). During these showers, you can observe a shooting star at the rate of 1 meteor per minute on an average. A falling meteor can travel at speed of as much as 44 miles per second ! One of the facts is that they have some of the oldest rocks in the solar system among them. They could be older than the Earth and date from the period when Sun was forming! Every day, about 4 billion meteoroids fall on Earth! Majority of them are very tiny and therefore do not cause much harm. If a meteorite is observed while falling and recovered from the place of fall, it’s called a ‘fall’ meteorite. If a meteorite is not observed while falling, but found from any location, it’s called a ‘find.’ Till 2006, there have been roughly 1,050 witnessed falls while there are about 30,000 documented ‘Finds’. Falling meteors which are large in size, can create an intense electromagnetic pulse, which temporarily disrupt radio communication in the region of fall! With a properly designed radio antenna, you can actually ‘hear’ meteorites falling as radio noise. Types and Composition Here are some facts about their types and composition, that you should know about. Recovered meteorites are classified into three main categories which are ‘Chondrites’ (Make about 86% of all recovered meteorites), ‘Achondrites’ (8%) and ‘Iron’ meteorites (6 %). The name ‘Chondrites’ comes from features called ‘Chrondules’, which are melted silicate materials from their past. Chondrites are about 4.55 billion years old and are the types of rocks from which our own planet formed! Certain chondrite meteorites fallen from outer space contain traces of amino acids and organic matter, bolstering the theory that life may have been planted on Earth! This is one of the most astounding facts. Achronidtes are relatively younger meteorites of the igneous rock type and are pieces of asteroids, the Moon and Mars! Iron meteorites are composed of iron-nickel alloys and silicate materials. They are also thought to be pieces of asteroid s! Every one of these meteor facts are intriguing. Earth has been pounded by the impact of many meteorites, ranging from the very tiny to gigantic meteorites. The meteorites impact craters that are found on earth are testimony to this. It is time for the last of our facts. One gigantic meteorite impact occurred millions of years ago on Earth which brought on the extinction of dinosaurs! One question that may come to your mind is, ‘Where do meteorites fall?’. They could fall anywhere on Earth. Meteors have been found all over the world. The recent findings have been mostly in Africa and accessible parts of Antarctica. If you could find one, you are bound to be rich as private collectors and museums pay millions of dollars for them! The reason is that they are very rare and are made up of minerals, which are never found on Earth! So keep looking! You may never know, when one might pop out of the sky, making you rich. So it’s actually profitable to know some meteor fact s. Originating in the outer space, an object reaches Earth and gets a place in the list of meteorites. There have been many instances of extraterrestrial bodies impacting the Earth’s surface while some have only passed through the Earth’s atmosphere before they were destroyed. Meteorites have been arousing interest of the masses as there is an element of mystery that surrounds them. Where do they originate? What makes some of them enter the Earth’s atmosphere? How dangerous can they get? Space research and astronomy have revealed some interesting information about some of these questions and researched thoroughly on the different types of meteorites. Most of the meteorites disintegrate before reaching Earth while some reach the planet’s surface. Huge meteorites form craters on Earth while the smaller ones involve less danger. Meteorites containing small round particles are known as chondrites and form about 86% of those falling on Earth. Those similar in appearance to small igneous rocks are called achondrites and believed as being the crustal material of a steroids. Meteorites originating from the core of asteroids are known as iron meteorites and form about 5% of the meteorites, which fall. History has recorded a number of instances of meteorites impacting the Earth. ALH 84001: It was found in the Allan Hills, Antarctica in December 1984. Meteorite hunters of the United States working on ASMNET project discovered this meteorite. When discovered, its mass was 1.93 kilograms and its rock was reportedly one of the oldest forms. This meteorite was supposed to have come from Mars. Later it was believed to consist of some traces of the life on Mars and this made ALH 84001 more famous than ever. Hoba: This meteorite lies on the farm Hoba West in Namibia and has never been moved elsewhere because of its exceptionally greater mass. With a mass of about 60 tons, it is the largest meteorite known to mankind. It is tabloid in shape and composed of metal. It is believed to have landed on Earth about 80,000 years ago. In 1955, it was declared as a national monument and has since then been attracting visitors from different parts of the world. Tunguska Event: The Tunguska explosion took place in June 1908 near Tunguska River, now a part of Russia. Most probably, the air burst of a large meteorite caused this explosion. The energy emitted from this explosion was about 1000 times greater than that of the bomb blast of Hiroshima. According to the eyewitnesses of this explosion, the event started with a flash of bright blue light and a sound originating from east and moving northward. Later the sound was accompanied by shock waves that broke windows miles away. This was one of the famous disintegrating meteorites that remain in the list of world’s most famous meteorites. Willamette Meteorite: This is an iron-nickel meteorite that was discovered in the United States near Oregon. It is the largest of the meteorites found in the United Sates as also the sixth largest in the world. Probably the meteorite had landed in the region, which is now known as Canada. This meteorite weighing about 15.5 tons is one of the very large meteorites of the world. Orgueil: This meteorite fell in France in 1864 and is a relatively older meteorite. The fall of this meteorite consisted of small stones that covered a massive area. This is one of those eight meteorites that belong to the CL chondrite group. A striking feature of this type of meteorite it that its composition is similar to that of the Sun. This meteorite is one of the most researched ones. For purposes of deeper study of the composition of this meteorite, it was split into pieces. Currently, it exists in the form of pieces kept in different museums in Europe and the United States. These were some of the famous meteorites of the world. They have always been a subject of interest for researchers around the world. Meteor showers A meteor shower is a celestial event wherein it is observed that a group of meteors radiate from anyone point in the sky. This phenomenon is also known as ‘Meteor Storm’ or ‘Meteor Outburst’. The meteors that are present in the showers are actually cosmic debris that enter the Earth atmosphere at very high speed and vaporize very quickly due to friction leaving behind a streak of light which is known as the meteor shower. An identified meteor shower is usually an annual affair as the Earth will encounter the same meteors at approximately the same time and same speed every year. Causes Meteor showers are a result of interaction that takes place between the planet Earth and a comet. Comets consist of ice and rocks (often termed dirty ice balls) that orbit around the sun like planets. Every time the comet gets close to the sun, some of the ice present in the comet melts which produces a large amount of debris. This debris moves away from the comet and becomes a part of its tail which is visible part of the comet. The solid parts of the tail are the meteoroids and they spread along the entire orbit of the comet which is termed as a meteoroid stream. As the Earth orbits around the sun, its path may cross the meteoroid stream and a meteor shower follows. When the meteoroid stream is particularly dense, then we get to witness the meteor storm and having witnessed one myself, I can guarantee that the sight is truly spectacular. People Behind the Concept It is believed that Irish astronomer George Johnstone Clooney collaborating with the British astronomer Arthur Matthew Weld Downing and Adolf Berberich belonging to the Royal Astronomical Computation Institute in Berlin, Germany offered the very first idea of the meteoroid stream in the 1890. They were able to calculate as to how the meteoroids once freed from the comet would travel at low speeds when compared to the comet itself would start drifting after completing one orbit. This effect was attributed to simple orbital wherein the materials drift laterally away from the comet as some particles make a wider orbit when compared to other particles. The gravitational pull of the Earth’s atmosphere would decide where the dust trails would pass the Earth’s atmosphere. It is a fair possibility that some years, the dust particles can completely miss the Earth’s orbit. Major Meteor Showers If you want to watch meteor showers then the best time of the year is the night of January 3. The shower has been named Quadrantids and this particular shower can produce over a close to 140 meteors per hour. The source of this shower is not a comet but a minor planet, 2003 EH1 which suffered a catastrophic breakup in 1490. However, the showers are very faint and the peak hours last only for a few hours. Hence, you will have to be in a good spot and at an ideal point to watch the shower in all its glory and the best place to watch this particular shower is from the Northern Hemisphere. But people in Southern Hemisphere need not be disappointed. As a matter of fact, they get to witness a meteor shower termed Eta Aquarids which consists of debris from the famous Halley’s Comet. This shower peaks on the night of May 5 and the rate of meteors is about 30 per hour. The meteor shower ‘Geminids’ is considered to be the best annual shower. It peaks around the night of December 13 and the rate of meteor is around 70 per hour. The source of this shower is also a minor planet, 3200 Phaethon. It is best visible from the Northern Hemisphere and it is believed that due to the extreme cold conditions, the air tends to be more transparent and this is the reason as to why this particular shower is spectacular. Sporadic Meteor Showers When the meteoroids collide with each other and can become a part of the sporadic meteors background. They form isolated meteors and are not a part of any shower. Asteroids Asteroids are considered to be remnants of an early broken planet of the solar system. Asteroids have no fixed shape and are too small to be spherical in shape. They are ellipsoids (two dimensional figure), dumbbell or irregularly shaped. As they have different shapes, they also vary in their size. The first asteroid Ceres, discovered in January 1801 by Italian astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi, is the largest known asteroid and is 940 km in diameter. Some of the smallest asteroids are just 6 meters in diameter. The mass of all the asteroids added together, is believed to lesser than the mass of the Moon. Only 200,000 asteroids have been discovered so far, but billion more undiscovered asteroids still exit in our solar system. Asteroid Belt Most asteroids lie in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, however there are more belts in the solar system, namely the ones beyond Neptune’s orbit. The belt itself has interesting origination theories. Most astronomers believe that the belt is a broken planet, while some say that the belt is primordial material that never coalesced into a planet because of Jupiter’s gravitational pull. The asteroid belt lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter and contains more than 200 asteroids larger than 100 km in diameter, and more than 750,000 asteroids with diameters larger than 1 km. Most asteroids are found in this belt because of the gravitational interaction between the solar system and the celestial bodies in it. As opposed to the fiction made popular by various depictions of the asteroid belt, it is not at all dense. The region is so vast that asteroids are hundreds of thousands of kilometers away from their closest neighbor. The asteroids are so small and far away from each other that they appear as faint stars, and except for Ceres, are not bright enough to be seen without some telescopic aid. Only the asteroid Vesta, on rare occasions of an extremely clear dark sky can become visible to the naked eye. What are Asteroids Composed Of? Asteroids are made of different minerals and substances. This depends on the planet they broke away from in a collision, as well as the chemical reactions they might have experienced while orbiting in the solar system. The asteroids closest to the Sun are mostly carbonaceous and the ones further away are composed of silicate rock. The metallic asteroids are made of 70-80% iron and the remaining is nickel with many other metals such as iridium mixed in. Some are also made of half silicate and half metallic. The asteroid Ceres is composed of a rocky core covered by an icy mantle, whereas Vesta has a nickel-iron core, basaltic crust and a covering of magnesium iron silicate (olivine mantle). Asteroids composition has been classified as the following: C class asteroids: They are found in the Earth’s outer belt and are darker and more carbonaceous than the ones found in the S class. D class asteroids: They are also known as Trojan asteroids of Jupiter and are dark and carbonaceous in composition. S class asteroids: They are found in the Earth’s inner belt, closer to Mars and are composed of mostly stone and iron. V class asteroids: They are a far-out group of asteroids that follow a path between the orbits of Jupiter and Uranus, and are made of igneous, eruptive materials. A near-Earth asteroid collided with the Earth about 65 million years ago, which triggered environmental changes, leading to the extinction of the dinosaurs. This asteroid created a huge circular depression called the Chicxulub Basin and is centered in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, a major tourist attraction. Though the chances of asteroid collision with the Earth is very rare, they do come very close to our planet due to collisions and gravitational tugs on the highly elliptical Sun’s orbit. Most asteroids burn up in the atmosphere and never reach the Earth. NASA projects, such as the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) and the Near Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT) main objectives are to detect and intercept asteroids or other celestial bodies coming close to the Earth before they cause untold damage to our planet. Asteroids are small celestial bodies composed of rock and metal, that revolve around the Sun. Their size can vary: some asteroids are large and roughly spherical in shape, due to which they appear like miniature planets; while the others are small and irregularly shaped. The matter of these celestial bodies also differs. The asteroid ‘Vesta’, is believed to have a nickel-iron core, olivine mantle and basaltic crust, while the asteroid ’10 Hygiea’ is composed of carbonaceous chondrite. Most of the small asteroids are piles of rubble held together by gravity. Some asteroids supposedly have traces of amino-acids and other organic compounds, and it is assumed that the impact of asteroids on the Earth could have initiated life on the planet by seeding it with the necessary chemical substances. Although, it is believed that the asteroids may have planted life on the Earth, they are capable of having catastrophic effect on the planet as well. Asteroids with a diameter of 5 to 10 meters, and energy equal to 15 kilotons of TNT, enter into the Earth’s atmosphere approximately once every year; while, those with a diameter of over 50 meters enter the Earth’s atmosphere approximately once in a thousand years. Their impact can be devastating if they hit the Earth, but they disintegrate in the upper atmosphere and most of the particles are vaporized, thus rendering them harmless. In the distant past, our planet has experienced a massive climate change and large-scale extinction of animal and plant species, ascribed to the impact of some large asteroids on the planet. The exogenesis theory suggests that origin of life on the Earth must have been triggered by the impact of some asteroid, carrying organic chemicals needed to initiate life form. The Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event, which led to the end of dinosaurs and the Permian-Triassic extinction event that led to the end of the Permian period finishing off 90% of the species on the planet, are believed to be the result of an asteroid impact on the Earth. The craters on the solid bodies in the solar system, which were attributed to volcanic activities till 1960s, were actually formed due to the impact of celestial bodies. Researchers have determined that in the last 600 million years, 60 objects with a diameter of five km or more, have struck the Earth. Even the smallest of these object possessed energy of ten million megatons of TNT, and would have formed a crater, approximately 95 km in diameter, on the surface of our planet. The Rio Cuarto craters in Argentina are believed to have formed due to the impact of asteroids that struck this area around 10,000 years ago. In 1490, ten thousand people reportedly lost their lives due to a hail of stones from the sky. This hail of stones is assumed to be result of the disintegration of a large asteroid, after it entered the Earth’s atmosphere. In 1908, a mid-air explosion of an asteroid destroyed 80 million trees, within an area of 830 miles, near the Podkamennaya Tunguska River, in Si beria. In many cases, the sighting of a foreign body, such as an asteroid or a meteoroids is reported as a fireball in the sky. Millions of asteroids will pass by the Earth in the years to come. Though, they are unknown now, they are detectable as they come closer to the planet. The Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) and the Near Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT) are projects initiated by NASA to detect asteroids or other such foreign bodies coming close to the Earth. The need of the hour is to develop an intercept system in space, to destroy or deflect foreign objects heading towards our planet, before they prove catastrophic. Asteroids are celestial bodies consisting of rocks and metals. They are mainly concentrated in the region known as the asteroid belt which lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Asteroids can be as big as Ceres, which is close to 1000 kilometers in diameter, or can be just a few feet in diameter. Whatever the size, asteroids are neither big enough to be called planets nor are they as small as comets. They are classified as minor planets that include the Kuiper Belt Objects. Discovery On January 1, 1801, Giuseppe Piazzi discovered the first asteroid which he initially thought to be a comet. He named this asteroid Ceres, after the Sicilian Goddess of grain. Ceres is also the largest asteroid to have been discovered so far. Soon, other large asteroids like Pallas, Juno and Vista were discovered. By the end of the 19th century, several hundred asteroids were discovered. Formation of Asteroids It was once believed that asteroids were formed by the explosion of a planet orbiting between Mars and Jupiter. However, according to present day astronomers, asteroids are debris left behind by the Big Bang that could not come together to form a tenth planet because of the effect of Jupiter’s gravitational pull. Asteroid Hits Asteroids have been hitting the Earth since millions of years. However, due to the friction with Earth’s atmosphere most of the asteroids get burnt. The asteroids that enter the Earth’ s atmosphere are called meteors while the ones that get burnt and appear as shooting stars are called meteorites. According to the Giant Impact Theory, the Moon was created when Theia, an asteroid of the size of Mars, collided with the Earth in the early days of the solar system. However, some consider Theia to be more of a planetoid than an asteroid. The largest crater caused by an asteroid hit is the Chicxulub Crater in Mexico that is 180 km in diameter. The asteroid that formed the crater had a diameter of 10 km. This collision is supposed to be responsible for the extinction of a large number of flora and fauna including the dinosaur. However, the evidence of the largest asteroid hit is in the Vredefort crater in South Africa that is 300 km in diameter. Impacts of Asteroid Hits The damage that an asteroid’s impact can cause depends mainly upon its mass and velocity, as these are the two factors that determine the energy that is released when an asteroid hits the Earth. While some asteroids are capable of sending thermal waves that can incinerate most flora and fauna within a few hundred kilometers, some larger asteroids can create huge impacts causing magma to cover areas as big as continents. The worst effect of an asteroid hit is the blocking out of sunlight for months together due to formation of dust clouds and soot in the upper atmosphere. This would hamper the green plants’ ability to prepare food through the process of photosynthesis and the food chain would be disrupted. Near-Earth Asteroids Near-Earth asteroids are those that have moved closer to the Earth’s orbit as they have been knocked out of the asteroid belt due to collision with other asteroids or comets, or due to the gravitational forces of Jupiter. They are classified into the following three groups: The Amors: These are near-Earth asteroids that cross the orbit of Mars but do not go out of the Earth’s orbit. The Apollos: The orbits of these near-Earth asteroids cross the Earth’s orbit but have an orbital period of greater than one year. The Atens: These near-Earth asteroids have orbits that cross the Earth’s orbit but have an orbital period of less than one year. Asteroids are currently being monitored for their probability of colliding with the Earth. Such studies have predicted that asteroids may hit the Earth on February 1, 2019 and March 16, 2880. The probability of the 2880 collision is as high as 1 in 300. A number of projects in the field of astronomy, like Spacewatch, Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking and Catalina Sky Survey are being carried out to detect any threat of such catastrophes. Comets A comet is a small body in space. It was matter of great interest to astronomers like Sir Edmond Halley. Many decades later, comets still remain a challenging mystery for the field of astronomy. Space research institutes around the world have reported the existence of 3628 comets that are known and studied. Annually, an average of one comet is sighted by the naked eye from the surface of the Earth. According to the definitions given by the various space research organizations, a comet can be defined as a space body that travels in an elliptical orbit around the sun. Most of the comets travel in elliptical orbits. When the comet comes in the vicinity of the star it is orbiting around, its comma-like tail gets illuminated. A majority of comets are visible only through telescopes and other aids. There are however, some comets which are also visible to the naked eye. What is a Comet Made Up of? A comet is principally made up of ice, dust and different forms of gases. The nature of the components differs from comet to comet. The central part of a comet that looks like a ball is termed as the nucleus. The nucleus is principally made up of ice and frozen gases. The frozen components also include many other compounds like ammonia, methane and carbon dioxide. Rocks are another component of the nucleus. Due to such composition, the nucleus of the comet often resembles a huge ball of dirt and snow. It is also believed by some astronomers, that the nucleus of a comet is rather fragile because several comets have split into parts without any explainable reason except immense velocity. The huge elliptical orbit takes the comet in the range of heat of the star around which it is orbiting. When the comet enters the inner parts of the solar system, the frozen content of the nucleus starts melting. The gases and water within the nucleus vaporize as a result of radiation from the star and the solar wind. The immense velocity of the comet and the solar wind, push the vaporized matter away from the nucleus. This gives the comet it’s distinct tail and the comma-like appearance. The high amount of heat and the ions (charged particles that are formed due to the heat of the sun) cause the tail of the comet to glow. How are Comets Formed? According to their formation or birth, the comets can be classified into two types. The first type is short-term comets which originate in the Kuiper belt as space bodies beyond the orbit of Pluto. The gravitational pull of the planets in the solar system, causes the origin of short term comets. These comets enter the solar system and take the form of active and glowing comets. Long term comets originate as traveling bodies in the Oort cloud (located around 50,000 light years away from the sun). The gravitational attraction of the planets in the solar system and other gravitational forces cause these comets to form elliptical orbits. Death of a Comet The study of comets has revealed that they have a fragile structure. Sometimes, comets split into parts due to sheer velocity. The entry and exit of comets in the solar system in course of its orbit, reduces the amount of matter (ice and frozen gases) in it. Due to this reduction in matter, the comets break-up and disperse into clouds. A dead comet is nothing but an asteroid or a similar form of a space body. Sometimes the comets also crash in other planets when their orbits cross each other. The most famous example of such a comet is the Shoemaker Levy 9, that crashed into Jupiter. For astronomers who have spent their lives studying comets, it a very heart-breaking moment to gaze at a dying comet. The Halley’s Comet is said to be one of the most beautiful comets. Another very beautiful comet is the Hale-Bopp, that was discovered in the year 1995, on 23rd July. It was predicted by astronomers that the Halley’s Comet would be sighted in the November of 1835. Mark Twain, the famous writer, was born just two weeks after the sighting. He developed a very special liking towards the Halley’s Comet. In his biography he comments,†I came in with the Halley’s Comet, and expect to go with it. The Almighty has said no doubt, Now here are two unaccountable freaks; they came in together; they must go out together.† Halley’s Comet was next sighted on 20th April, 1910. Twain ended the journey of his life the very next day. The journey of any comet is indeed like that of Mark Twain. It is remarkably long, fast, adventurous as it streaks across the dark sky. Haley’s comet Historical Spottings British scientist, Edmond Halley who observed the comet in 1682, was the first person to establish its periodic reappearance after every 75-76 years. He studied the comet and quite accurately predicted that it had earlier appeared in 1531 and in 1607. It was named ‘Halley’ in his honor and was observed again in 1758 as stated by him. It was last seen in February 1986. However, this was not the first time the comet was in focus. The first sighting recorded, was way back in 240 BC, by the Chinese and was mentioned in a chronicle, ‘Records of the Great Historian’. The comet also finds a mention in a Babylonian clay inscription of 164 BC. It has always been a subject of great interest, since it was believed to have an influence on the contemporary events. Armenian king Tigranes II, had its image printed on the coins issued in his regime after it was sighted in 87 BC. Therefore, even though the recurrence of the comet was an unknown fact, people were fascinated b y its appearance. The bright star that appeared in the night sky in 12 BC, coinciding with the birth of Jesus, is widely believed to be the Halley’s comet. Giotto Di Bondone, the famous Italian painter, who lived before the renaissance era, painted it in his work ‘The Star of Bethlehem’ in the Nativity, in 1305. He had seen the comet appear in 1301 and was impressed by the spectacle. In the middle ages, the appearance of a comet was considered to be a warning sign of a forthcoming danger. The most famous incident of spotting a comet during this period, was in 1066, before the Battle of Hastings. King Harold who had lost the battle, was believed to have seen the comet due to which he was cursed. In fact, the Bayeux Tapestry in Normandy, France, signifies the Norman victory in this battle with an image of King Harold looking at the comet in the sky. In 1456, Pope Calixtus III had condemned its appearance considering it to be an evil omen. Three years prior to this, Europe was defeated by the Ottoman Empire. Human beings have always blamed celestial phenomena, whenever they have not been able to explain the causes of certain unfavorable events. Historically, the presence of a comet in the night sky was commonly cited as the reason behind difficult situations that were beyond the reasoning of common man. A French physician, Ambroise, had described the pitiful conditions of middle ages, when a comet was seen just before the spread of a big epidemic. According to him, some people were scared to death while others fell sick on seeing the comet. It was believed to be some ‘evil form’ leaving behind a trail of blood, believed to be a sign of misery. Recent Spottings In the 16th and the 17th century, scientists learned to calculate the speed and distance at which comets travel around the Sun. Once, Edmond Halley had established the year of its reappearance, Halley’s comet became a matter of great interest. Although, he didn’t live to see his prediction coming true, his observation had a significant impact on the way society perceived comets. The sighting of a comet, especially Halley’s comet became less of a concern and more of a curiosity among people. Once people realized that comets are orbiting bodies just like planets, they became less apprehensive on the arrival of a comet in the Earth’s visibility zone. The change in the attitude of the people was seen in the depiction of the comet in the contemporary pictures. Halley’s comet was a subject of scientific study and was depicted as a beautiful heavenly body in the sky. Famous American writer Mark Twain was born in 1835, the year when Halley’s comet ha d appeared. He predicted in 1909 that since he had ‘come’ with the comet he will ‘go out’ with it. Sure enough, he passed away a year after the comet reappeared in 1910. In the 1900s, it had appeared twice; once in 1910 and then in 1986. Further studies gave us a deep insight into the structure, composition and orbital journey of many different comets. Halley’s comet has one of the shortest orbital paths. It is classified as a short period comet, i.e. comets having an orbit period of 200 years or less. Once upon a time, it belonged to the long period class, but due to the gravitational force of planets, its orbit shortened over a period of time. Today, it is known that comets like ‘Hale Bopp’ which appeared in 1997, will reappear after 4200 years! Thus, Halley’s comet is the most frequently spotted one. Recently, it was seen in February 1986. During this visit, it was subjected to its biggest scrutiny ever. Five spacecrafts from The European Space Agency, Japan and the USSR were launched to study its surface. Structure and Composition of Halley’s Comet Halley’s comet is a big mass of ice and dust, having an elliptical orbit and shaped like a peanut. It has a highly elongated orbit, taking it very close to the Sun. It flings off far in the outer solar system, similar to a slingshot motion. The composition is mainly of water, sodium monoxide, methane, ammonia, hydrocarbons, iron and sodium. Its closest distance from the Sun was found to be just 0.6 AU (astronomical unit) and the farthest distance was calculated to be 35 AU, roughly the same distance as that of Pluto. It orbits the Sun in a retrograde or in the direction opposite to that of the planets’ revolution. The speed with respect to the Earth is quite high, since it is highly eccentric and inclined. The day time is relatively more on its surface and its maximum temperature rises up to 77 degrees celsius. Due to its large size and a well-defined and regular orbit, it was easy for the probe missions photograph it closely and study its surface. The mass of the comet is 1.7Ãâ€"1015 kilograms and the size of the nucleus has been estimated to be 15 km Ãâ€" 7 km Ãâ€" 7 km. Winds blowing near its surface are so strong that 1 gram particle of dust which hit the Giotto space probe, briefly destabilized it. Halley’s comet will next appear in 2062. Comets have always been a fascination for human beings and will continue to mesmerize generations to come, as we discover more interesting facts about these spectacular fireballs, the comets. Comet lullin Comet Lulin was discovered on July 11, 2007, by the duo of Ye Quanzhi and Lin Chi-Sheng. A non-periodic comet, Lulin appears to be greenish in color. This green color is attributed to the presence of gases such as cyanogen and diatomic carbon, which produce a green glow when illuminated by sunlight in the vacuum of the space. Officially designated as C/2007 N3 (Lulin), it is also known as the ‘Comet of Cooperation’ in China and Taiwan, as the two individuals involved in its discovery, were from these two countries. This comet was first photographed by Taiwanese astronomer Lin Chi-Sheng on July 11, 2007, while he was working on the Lulin Sky Survey Project (LUSS) at the Lulin observatory in Nantou, Taiwan. The Lulin Sky Survey Project aims to identify the numerous small objects in the solar system, particularly those that pose possible hazards to our planet. Lin used a 16-inch telescope to photograph this comet, which was initially assumed to be an asteroid. A few days later, Ye Quanzhi, a 19-year old student of meteorology from Sun Yat-Sen University, China, recognized this comet while going through Lin’s photographs. Its status of being a comet was confirmed after the presence of coma, the nebulous envelope around the nucleus of the comet, was noticed. Both, Lin and Quanzhi were accredited with the discovery of this new comet. As it was first noticed from the Lulin Observatory, it was named as Comet Lulin. Comet Lulin was seen in the Libra constellation from January to March 2009. In January, it was getting brighter and could be seen just before dawn; while in February, the brightness reached its peak. Eventually, in March, it started to fade as it went farther away from the Earth. While it was approaching the Earth, it had a typical tail pointing away from the Sun, as well as an ‘anti-tail’ which was directly pointing towards the sun. Although, it was assumed that this anti-tail was observed only in photographs, so me observers reported that it was visible even from a telescope in February 2009. According to Brian Marsden, an astronomer at Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Massachusetts, this comet’s closest approach to the sun was on January 10, 2009 when it reached a distance of 113 million miles from the sun. He noticed that the comet was moving in a retrograde orbit that is near-parabolic. On February 24, Comet Lulin came the closest to the Earth, at a distance of 0.41 AU or 38 million miles to be precise. On February 4, 2009, a team of Italian astronomers, under the leadership of Ernesto Guido, witnessed a strange phenomenon taking place in comet Lulin. While photographing the comet with a remotely controlled telescope in New Mexico, they saw that its tail suddenly disconnected. Ernesto attributed this odd phenomenon to magnetic disturbance of the solar wind hitting the comet. Earlier, this had been observed with Comet Encke too, when coronal mass ejection occurred, due to such magnetic storms. Photographs taken by NASA’s Swift Gamma-ray Explorer satellite in ultra-violet and X-rays show that Lulin is shedding 800 gallons of water every second. Observations by NASA also revealed that the surface material of the comet was burning away due to sun’s heat. This sighting of Comet Lulin was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the whole world, as there is no possibility of this comet returning to the inner solar system, at least not for the next thousand years. Human kind has always looked to the heavens in awe and wonder, and sometimes in fear. Perhaps no other astronomical phenomenon except a total solar eclipse has historically evoked as much fear as comets. When the specter of fear is removed, however, they emerge as strikingly beautiful objects in the sky. It was once believed that if earth passed through a tail of a comet, its inhabitants would die; this theory has been discredited. Comets are messengers from a time long past. Most are chunks of dirty ice, locked away in the Oort cloud for billions of years. (Oort cloud: – It is the source for long period comets, with orbital periods of greater than two hundred years.) Comets are familiar to nearly everyone as striking star like objects with long tails stretching across a wide band of the sky. The most famous comet, Halley’s comet makes its return to the skies every seventy-five years. The word â€Å"comet† is derived from a Greek word meaning â€Å"long haired† Comets were greatly feared before the twentieth century as bad omens. Since then, they have been identified and cataloged as objects that come from deep space. Most of them occupy orbits that carry them far outside the solar system. Many of them make only a single approach to the sun and never return again, while others exist in stable, but highly elliptical orbits that allow them to return after an extended period of time, such as the Halley’s comet. In 1986, the European space probe Giotto passed about 600 kilometers from the Comet Halley as it made its close approach to the sun. The probe verified existing theories that comets are made up of ices covered by black dust or soil. The spacecraft confirmed a theory that had been advanced prior to the reconnaissance that described comets as â€Å"dirty snowballs.† Using data taken by the spacecraft, scientists determined that the dust is composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Other metals have also been discovered in comets, such as iron, calcium, nickel, potassium, copper and silicon. Halley’s comet was one of the darkest objects ever seen in the solar system; it was basically flat black. Comets are composed of a mixture of ices and dust. As a comet approaches the sun, it absorbs the suns energy and warms up. The main body of the comet is called the nucleus. As the nucleus warms, the ice beneath the comets soil evaporates. Because the comet has no atmosphere, the evaporated substance (also called a volatile) escapes into the vacuum of space as a gaseous envelope that surrounds the comet called â€Å"coma.† As the coma grows, it forms a plume of vapor that carries away some of the comets surface as well. This mixture of evaporated volatile particles and dust is carried away from the comet by solar wind, is ionized by high-energy particles, and creates the spectacular tail of the comet. The comet’s tail, glowing in the solar wind, can stream behind the comet for millions of kilometers. The nucleus of the comet consists of mostly volatile ices and dust. The ice is nearly all water ice, but there is also evidence of ices composed of carbon dioxide and methane. More elementary compounds of nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon monoxide may exist as volatile ices. Comets are typically small bodies (comparatively!!). Halley’s comet is a potato shaped object, 14 by 17 kilometers. The largest known comet is Chiron, which is estimated to be approximately 200 kilometers in diameter. Comets are thought to have formed as the solar system evolved. The material of which comets are composed was constructed by accretion at the outer edge of the disk of material that ultimately became the sun and planets. Because the comet material was fashioned at the outer edge of the solar system, the sun did not evaporate the volatiles in the cometary material. At the same time, the giant planets of the solar system formed at what would become the outer orbits of the solar system. These massive planets encountered the newly formed comets, and the ones that were not engulfed by the giant planets were, over the first billion years, catapulted into interstellar space by the planets massive gravitational fields. Not all comets met that fate, however. Some were gently nudged into stable orbits closer to the sun. Others were flung into the inner solar system and impacted the inner planets. Relevance: – The study of comets involves detailed knowledge of its composition of the outer regions of the solar system and the space between the last planet and 100,000 astronomical units onwards. Cometary study also seeks to understand complex gravitational interactions between bodies separated by wide distances and even gravitational interactions between tiny comets, their behavior when approaching the sun, and something of the makeup and evolution of the early solar system. New comets approaching the sun for the first time have been held in deep freeze in the Oort cloud and are thought to be composed of primordial material of the newly forming solar system. They have been tied up in the Oort cloud for billions of years at temperatures slightly above absolute zero. As they approach the sun, their internal gases begin to steam away. A detailed study of an approaching comet may tell cosmologists about the composition of the early solar systems. Comets and their approach have also hinted at the existence of the elusive brown dwarf, thought to be one of the most common bodies of interstellar space. Because they are so dim, they are all but invisible from Earth. On the other hand, because brown dwarfs are thought to be so plentiful, the study of comets and their orbits may give the first real clues to the former’s reality and abundance. In the early 1980s the existence of the galactic tidal action was merely speculation. Since then, careful study of cometary orbits and approaches has favorable supported the theory of galactic tides. In the close approach of Halley’s comet by an unmanned spacecraft in 1986, a wealth of information was recovered on the shape, behavior, and composition of comets. The existence of the Oort cloud and the concept gravitational interactions by passing objects in space have led to the theory of periodic comet showers. Such comet showers, separated by periods of tens of millions of years, may be responsible for the mass extinction on Earth. There is a wide speculation that Earth was struck by one or more comets 70 million years ago, which wiped out the dinosaurs. Some scientists have speculated that this extinction was the result of a shower of comets from the Oort cloud, sent on their close approach to the sun by a passing star or brown dwarf through the Oort cloud. Comets have been used to judge vast distances, evaluate the composition of the solar system as it was being born, and even test the idea that the gravity of the entire galaxy can make a difference to the smallest objects in space. Comets have been used as yardsticks to evaluate what may be the most type of star in the galaxy-the brown dwarf-which ironically is one that may never be seen. They have also been called dirty snowballs. Halley’s comet was so black that it was the darkest object ever seen in space. Yet, from these dirty specks of ice, cosmologists have witnessed some of the most spectacular light shows. Ultimately comets may also generate clues to some of the most fundamental secrets about the solar system and planets. From these tiny messengers, cosmologists may unlock and examine pristine elements from creation itself.

Ethical Issues in Managing Employee Behavior

Ethical issues for dealing with individual employees is difficult because managers on the front line are responsible for various accounts such as hiring and firing disciplining and performance evaluation also during all these procedures managers are responsible for employee supervision because managers are role models for their employees in their department it is critical the managers are able to ethically resolve problems within the organization but unfortunately it is not always the case. Employee behavioral problems that occur in the workplace can have a dramatic effect on the overall atmosphere.It is the manager’s responsibility to correct these problems in a morally right way. Doing so disrespectfully or unethically can result in even more problems and a decrease in productivity within the organization. The concept of ethics is a key practice that many organizations need to obey by. Managers and supervisors must develop strong ethical standards that are to be taken into c onsideration when employees are disrupting the workplace. What are ethics and business ethics? Ethics is defined as a code of morals practiced by a person or group of people.Ethics in business the study of what divides the right and wrong or the good or bad behavior in the workplace environment. An Organization has a group of people that work together to achieve a common purpose. The moral challenges that these men and women face each day along with a whole range of problems that could occur, are why ethics plays such an important role in business. Most large businesses have a written code of ethics, sometimes called a code of conduct to set the standards that employees are to follow.Many ethical decisions are based on morality, society’s accepted standards of behavior. Unfortunately it is not always clear cut what decisions are ethical and which are not, In many cases the law is used to determine the direction of our behavior, however the law is not always the best tool to u se because some things may be legal but not right. Ethics are what you stand for, not just about what is legal. Unethical Practices by employees can arise in three ways; The first are individual factors, because people bring to their jobs, tier own ideas of what is morally right and wrong.The second is organizational factors the scary thing about unethical behavior at work is that it is not necessarily driven by personal interests, sometimes ethical lapses occur because employees feel pressured to do what they think is best to help their company. Third is Management influence, the manager sets the tone and by his or her actions sends signals about what is appropriate behavior for example if the boss is seen taking a longer lunch break, you may not follow the directed time and take a longer lunch breakThere are three main reasons on why employees act unethically and it is becoming a rapidly increasing problem in organizations some of the more problematic and reoccurring issues are, E mployee theft, showing up late, disclosure of confidential information, on the job drug and alcohol abuse, false documents, employee discrimination and bullying, misuse of company funds, improper hygiene and a rapidly growing concern is using email and social media and cell phones for personal on work hours the only way to effectively make sure these issues are diminished or improved is for the manager to handle the situation ethically, but it is not a perfect world and people even managers can bend the rules.One of the first problems are automatic dismissal when it is not needed. Manager must have proof the employee has had been performing unethically, instead of setting up a meeting with written documentation and a third party to hear the conversation . Managers also know that if it is their word against the employees that there are good chances ofthem not even being questioned. Similar personality traits lead to managers that are power hungry and are too assertive when engaging w ith the employee, almost to the point where it is bullying. Even tho assertiveness is good and generates results it must not be aggressive. Managers who take pleasure in fear will use this tactic rather than understanding the issue.Managers who are considered bullies, have little interest in change and is the company likes the results that manager is providing they may have even less interest on how they are behaving. Managers will also bully to avoid accepting responsibility for their behavior and why it may have assisted in the employees unethical decision making and to divert attention away from their inadequacy . The same can be said for harassment the â€Å"fear† approach to fix things. Instead of dealing with the situation head on, they constantly call or think that checking over your shoulder will resolve employee behavior, and it may produce results but does that make it right, no. With the ever growing use of cellphones in the workplace managers may take advantage of the fact they can contact you at any given time.What can happen in a lot of cases is the harassing manager will scold any employee suffering from stress and see it as a weak and excuse for their poor performance for example constantly saying â€Å"get back to work† and always being on ones back. On the other side of the spectrum of dealing with employee behavior that is not accepted is managers can be passive, some managers have a difficult time disciplining employees for a number of reasons. They may feel insecure or akward about approaching employees.Some managers rather keep an employee who is producing results and and not behaving, then have to report them or even fire them and train another weather it is that they do not want their management skills questioned, or the cost and time and energy it takes to train. In some occasions managers believe the problem will resolve itself  or they may not have the assertive personality to discipline other adults. Ignoring conflic ts may also be because some especially new managers can find themselves at loss the first time a conflict arises and it doesn’t just sort itself out and have difficulty finding the right language and the right techniques to use at the time. Also managers who have tried to solve a problem and failed could Lose hope and a willingness to commit to problem solving are common responses when a manager feels that his efforts are all for nothing. If previous attempts at resolution haven’t gone well, they may feel others may have lost trust in their abilities. â€Å"I don’t know where to start.†Taking the time to assess a situation and make a plan burns up energy and attention. It’s smart to sit back and consider your next steps instead of jumping into a conflict willy-nilly, but inaction doesn’t get you any closer to resolution. Develop a plan with clear goals in mind, and get whatever help you need to put it into action. A common issue is the †Å"I have real work to do† approach. Addressing personnel issues is an important part of being an effective manager but in some organizations managers feel it is better dealt with by human resources, the same could be said it there is an accounting issue that the document is sent straight to the Accounting department.Although human resources managers are for recruiting, hiring and problem solving it is as equally important for the manager to be involved, you cannot manage properly if you are not fully aware or separate from what is going on in the organization, another issue is that managers will put blame on HR when the problem is not solved. Managers make mistakes while evaluating employees and their performance because of biases and judgment errors of various kinds spoil the process. When there is a behavioral issue managers will automatically assume that is not committed by â€Å"all-star† employees and spend so much time on the average joe in the organization the pr oblem is never solved or may even worsen , new issues and jealousies may arise if the employees feel pin pointed on. This would be an example of horn and halo effect.Personal Biases are very serious he way a supervisor feels about each of the individuals working under him – whether he likes or dislikes them – as a tremendous effect on how the employees are handled personal Bias can stem from various sources as a result of information obtained from colleagues, considerations of faith and thinking, social and family background and so on. They could be based on: Race and ethniticy which refers to broad division of people based on their biological characteristics such as colour of skin, colour of hair and their facial features. These differences developed among humans in prehistoric times due to different groups of people developing in different parts of the world isolated from each other. Ethniticy, Ethnicity refers to the common characteristics of a group of people that distinguish them from most other people of the same society. Ethnicity is based on commonality of ancestry, culture, language, nationality, or religion, or a combination of these things.Gender and sexuality – gender bias is unequal treatment in employment opportunity (such as promotion, pay, benefits and privileges and resolution tactics, and expectations due to attitudes based on the sex of an employee or group of employees. As times develop sexual orientation is becoming more accepted but there are still judgements and labels placed. Managers may lie to employees who are not meeting up to standards Or, give out false deadlines. Nothing drastic, perhaps a day or two earlier than normal, just as long as they still has a reasonable amount of time to complete the task, but also enough time to handle anything that may pop up unexpectedly.Many employees will often say that rewards or bonuses were promised and never given, this happens a lot in major organizations when higher posi tions know that employees need this job and take advantage of that fact they are very confident that if these promises are not met the employee will not complain or quit. When issues arises managers may unevenly distribute the workload to employees that they know will get the task done and give the â€Å"slacker† less responsibility without notice or increase in pay. This quick fix is unfair and will only be a temporary fix. In most cases the employee with the increased workload will find themselves pressed for time and other responsibilities will be put on the back burner and could be completed incorrectly or rushed. That same employee may develop stress which can lead to absences, spoiled work environment, less production in work, stress leaves or at the last case the employee may quit.To ensure proper decision making, it is important to follow these basic steps ; step 1: Evaluate all the facts in the situation closely, it is very easy to distort information to benefit ones elf, getting outside input can help you see things that may have been overlooked . It is also very important to see the situation based on your values and the values of the people involved. Step 2: To make a fair prediction based on the facts gathered the reasoning for this is increasing your chances for better results. Step 3: Identify your feelings (or your inner conscience) to make sure you are rationalizing the situation properly Step 4: Ask yourself if you can live with the decision you are about to make ask questions like; – Would I be willing to tell others what I had done?– Would I feel worse or better about myself? – Would I feel proud about my decision making and would expect others to do the same under similar circumstances? – And would you want everyone to act the way you did Step 5: Would you be able to have evidence to justify your decision if questioned

Security system is said to be one of the most vital aspects in doing business

Security system is said to be one of the most vital aspects in doing business and ensuring the interest of the company and the welfare of all the employees. Thus, the security personnel are in charge of guarding and protecting the company's resources and its people. As for the case of Walter, a security guard in Bug, it is considerable that he has committed a wrongdoing against the company and to his duty, as one of the security personnel that is responsible of guarding the company's business.As a security guard for Bug, Walter's primary duty is to protect the interest of the business and defend the company's property against the probable deliberate subversion coming from external forces. Thus, knowing the fact that Steve is working for Wiretap, Walter should have not freed Steve and let him walk away from Bug, as if nothing happened and he has not possibly gathered vital information about Bug's nature of doing business.Under the tort law, Walter has committed an offense, which is th at of breach of duty, as he conciously let Steve to walk away despite of the fact that he has made an offense in tresspassing the private domain of the company. Hence, Walter could be held liable to any harm and damages that might happen to Bug, as a result of successful subversion of Steve to the company's premises.More so, Walter could be held accountable to any probable lost in the company because of being negligent and disregarding direct orders, which is that of protecting and ensuring the company's resources and confidentiality in doing business. The tort law, on the other hand, is considered to be different as oppose to other areas of law because it is only a branch of civil law. Unlike in criminal law, wherein the plaintiff is always regarded as the state and the defendant, the dispute in tort law is only between two different private parties.More so, in tort law, the punishment for unsuccesfull defendant is only a matter of paying and shouldering for the damages of the plai ntiff, which evidently different as oppose to other areas of law wherein the defendant is usually punished by the state incase of proven guilty of committing a crime. Reference Theories of tort Law. (2003). Retrieved June 12, 2009, from http://plato. stanford. edu/entries/tort-theories/ Larson, A. (2003). Negligence and Tort Law. Retrieved June 12, 2009, from http://www. expertlaw. com/library/personal_injury/negligence. html

Discuss the extent to which social work can be considered a profession Essay

Discuss the extent to which social work can be considered a profession - Essay Example Social work also entices creation of favorable societal conditions to their goals (Zastrow, 2009:27). Social work subsists in the society, to supply gentle and effective group, individual, family, community, and societal-social services, to enhance and improve both social functioning and the quality of life. Social work can be, classified as both academic and professional exercise, involving life and health, and environmental development (Segal, Gerdes, and Steiner, 2010:62) Social work as a profession consists of two aspects: the macro practice and the micro practice. The micro practice involves assisting individuals suit better in own environment. On the other hand, macro practices involve changing of the environment to suit individual who live in it (Segal, Gerdes, and Steiner, 2010:71). Social work is explained as, both professional and academic exercise that hunts to develop and recover the value of life and health of individuals, a group, or community. The social workers target to improve lives of individuals and as well the society as a whole. Social work can be termed a career, though exciting and challenging. There exist two kinds of social workers. First is direct-service social workers and second type is clinical social workers. The direct-service social workers are those who assist people resolve and survive with problems in their lives while clinical-service social workers diagnose and cure behavioral, mental or psychological and emotional matters. Social work is somewhat of recent origin with first welfare agencies formed by early 1800s mostly in urban areas (Zastrow, 2010:110). Originally, these agencies were founded from religious groups, and were more of private focusing on providing physical basic needs like shelter and food. These ancient private agencies also made attempts of treating private and sensitive complexities with religious rebukes. The examples of these agencies

The battle between emotion and reason Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The battle between emotion and reason - Essay Example Personally, emotional intelligence is the most significant tool for ethics and has been used to understand one’s reasoning and logical behavior by conducting various self-assessments both scientific and based on emotional self-control. Ethical living involves ensuring adherence to relevant laws designed to protect the safety and well-being of others. Ethical living is also recognizing that one’s behaviors have a direct impact on the environment and on the attitudes of others in the broader social network and then attempting to conduct oneself according to the standards and principles. Emotional intelligence is the tool for ethical living that is personally considered the most important as it allows an individual to proverbially step out of their own shoes and consider how one would feel if they were exposed to non-ethical behaviors that could serve to strip others of their dignity or sense of social belonging. It is not hard to live ethically, so long as others in society follow similar codes and principles and do not engage in hypocritical behaviors that are detrimental to the emotional or physical health of others. Reason is necessary for making ethical decisions as it is founded on logic and allows the individual considering how to behave in a situation requiring ethics to be aware of the damage that non-moral behaviors can cause. Intuition involves an inherent self-awareness and instinct that alters one’s perceptions, a sort of sixth sense, that is proactive in guiding one’s ethical or non-ethical behaviors. As it has already been established that emotional intelligence is paramount to ensure ethical behavior, emotion such as sentiment and passion is important in guiding ethical conduct and attitude. It allows an individual to have genuine feeling for others to ensure that psychological harm is not caused against others. A

Explain how human resource management techniques can be a major Essay

Explain how human resource management techniques can be a major resource in the management of organisational culture - Essay Example A culture of power and an aura of personal authority extend from the CEO of the company and as the CEO often behaves in a radical, unconventional and anti-organisational way, so does the company follow in his mighty footsteps. At the same time, the traditional levels of secrecy and company loyalty at Apple means that the company manages to hold back the negative implications of having an anti-organisational culture at bay while making the positive implications into an advantage for itself. This peculiar ability of Apple to gain the benefits out of a group of reckless employees while avoiding the disadvantages can be observed with detailed information from examples of various everyday incidents at the company which are provided by those who worked for the company. There is no lack of information about Apple or the one person on which Apple banks for leading the company forward, i.e. Steve Jobs. Perhaps the best resource for the management of the company as well as the personality of Steve Jobs is the website folklore.org that gives details of hundreds of incidents that show how applicable human resources policies are used to define the culture of the company and for the people working for Apple Computers. The subjective analysis given by the writers and analysts working with Apple comes as first hand accounts of the organisation’s behaviour. This objective analysis is also presented in terms of how successful Apple’s products have been in the past and present. However, there is a limitation of how much inside information about the inner workings of the organisation can be obtained while remaining outside the company. Apple Computers is generally taken to be an American company that prides itself on creating innovative products for the consumer electronics and technology sectors (PC Magazine, 2006). In 2005, it

Employment interviews as a selction tool Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Employment interviews as a selction tool - Essay Example There are various types of interviews. Some interviews are conducted face to face between the employer and candidate while others may be conducted electronically or on phone. In terms of forms, interviews can be classified into three types, namely structured interviews, semi-structured interviews and unstructured interviews. In the structured interviews, interviewer analyzes the skills of interview through a preformed set of questions. In the semi-structured interview, the interviewer may make the conversation apart from the questions as well. In fact, some questions are developed on the spot from the discussion. In unstructured interviews, there are no preformed questions. Quite often, very simple questions are used to assess the interest and enthusiasm of a candidate for work. For example, one of the interview questions an Assistant Engineer was asked for his assessment by Chunghwa Telecom was, â€Å"Why do you want to join our company?† (â€Å"Engineering Interview Questions†). Interview is one of the best selection tools because it promotes public relations in addition to regular assessment of

Hatian Revolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hatian Revolution - Essay Example The army had fought great wars against the armies of Britain, Spain and France, defeating them all in a span of thirteen years. Like the American independence war and the French revolution several decades earlier, Haiti revolution had its basis on the principal of self-rule and termination of cruelty from white masters. The American war of independence was against subjugation by colonialists, with proponents claiming that no country was superior to the other. The principal concern was lack of representation in governments while the Americans were paying taxes to their German and Britain colonists, a practice that amounted to subjugation of their rights. The French revolution on the other hand was an extension of the self-rule principle from nation state relations to the domestic spheres. Their basic tenet was that all citizens in a state were superior to the state itself and that no man was superior to the other. Whereas these two revolutions form the basis for freedom fights, they b oth centred on rights and freedoms of white men only and did not extent to non-whites or to women. Ironically, the Haiti revolution was against slavery and misrule by French and American among other white countries including Spain and Britain. With large farmlands and other economic activities in their colonies, white rulers mistreated local residents and black slaves whom they forced to work under very demeaning conditions (Sara 45). Once a free independent nation, the urge to avenge against the French colonialists drove the new government under the rule of Dessalines to order a total elimination of all white French settlers on the island under the pretext that they posed security risk to the young nation. This venture spared Americans and other foreigners, but led to extermination of thousands of white Frenchmen, women and children. The extend of Dessalines’s ire towards former French settlers surfaced in his â€Å"liberty or death† proclamation where he described wh ite Frenchmen as insatiate blood suckers who had fattened themselves with the hard toils of Haitians. Dessalines destroyed a considerable size of the island’s population in unleashing revenge on the remaining white French settlers. Population estimates indicate that a third to half of the population had died or fled the island over the thirteen years of war while over a hundred thousand were permanently disabled (Sara 33). The revolution period also saw sugarcane plantations, mills, and irrigation works destroyed, burned out or abandoned. The large standing army also kept productive men out of the fields. Dessalines declaration that no Haitian soldier could work on the fields left the fields short of close to forty thousand productive workers. Further, after thirteen years of fighting, the habit of hard work had diminished among the Haitian population. Women who had previously worked as slaves on the field continued to fill that role after independence, contributing essential ly the bulk of Haiti’s productivity, since they constituted over two thirds of the population (Leyburn 77). They however too abandoned this form of manual labour, taking up small scale trading instead. Without devoted and willing labourers on the fields, Haiti’s productivity took a serious dip down the drain. It is estimated that between 1789 and 1801 sugarcane production declined by 80%, while coffee production declined to 30% compared to production before the revolution begun. With this kind of decline in major economic production sectors, the viability of the nation and its economic future were in great peril. Realising the need to improve the island’

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Haagen-Dazs - Essay Example In effect, this expose elucidates on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that the brand can focus on to ensure growth and success in the market. First, the philosophy of Haagen-Dazs is to ensure that it used the purest and finest recipes the world had to offer and created super premium ice cream, frozen yoghurt, and sorbet (Haagen-Dazs, â€Å"The Philosophy†). In effect, the company’s brand has come to be associated with upscale products. Therefore, the company has been able to create a brand that was strongly popular, innovative, and excellent image, which are strengths associated with Haagen-Dazs. Hence, the brand is internationally recognized, and a focus on this  strength  will ensure success and growth in the market. One weakness that the brand should address is the association of its products with luxury. In this case, the brand’s â€Å"way of doing business that is as demanding as it is uncommon† in creating products that were fine results to super-pricing of the products (Haagen-Dazs, â€Å"The Philosophy†). In effect, the products produced target a small population that was narrow due to the exclusive pricing. Therefore, the brand should reposition itself and acquire a marketing strategy that aimed at making the products accessible to people in the middle and lower classes of society. In effect, the brand will increase its market base, which effectively means that there will be growth in revenues and profits. When improving its marketing strategy, Haagen-Dazs should focus on the opportunity offered by the increase of demand in healthy products. Luckily, the company prides itself for creating products that did not have additives since they were in their natural form. In effect, the brand can reposition its marketing strategy to utilize its ability to create products that did not have additives, which made the products healthy since they were in their

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Human growth and develpement module 2 - Essay Example Berger (2010) claims that an infant’s or a child’s temperament also depends upon his/her inborn predispositions which might not only become the reason of his/her anxiety problems but also invoke anxiety in the parents also. When I applied these same categories to my nursing experience, I felt a significant improvement in the way I became able to assess the rate by which any child improved or recessed in terms of emotional growth and development. It is a fact that infants are very vulnerable to the toxic effects of malnutrition. Malnutrition, if not handled appropriately and on time, can lead to weight loss, height loss, and intellectual problems as poor nutrition can lead to lower IQ levels. Cognitive impairments also affect a young child if there is malnutrition and iron-deficiency anemia can also develop which leads a child to behave sluggishly and learn slowly. Children exposed to malnutrition also have a poor defense mechanism due to which they are more often targeted by various infections and diseases. In order to address this concern, I would suggest drinking lots of water per day as plenty of water can help an infant or a child much against malnutrition. A body loses much water per day through sweat, breathing, and urine so it becomes compulsory to drink many glasses of water a day. Also, vegetables should be made an essential element of daily diet as they help in strengthening the immune

Research on the company artmagazine.cc Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

On the company artmagazine.cc - Research Paper Example In addition, the website does provide access to shopping where the buyer can browse through different art-related novelty merchandise. This merchandise includes T-shirts with different artists’ slogans or artistic work, as well as modern art sculpture and tables at fairly reasonable prices. However, this aspect of the site’s sales services are more for niche market buyers looking for interesting goods related to their art needs and values. Besides this small shopping angle, artmagazine.cc is about knowledge transfer to the reader. Artmagazine.cc is about connecting with different artists and the trends associated with their particular field of art and artistry. For example, it takes advertising from different art exhibitions or specific artists who want to use this online forum to spotlight their works or opinions. If the Viennese Museum wishes to have a certain expo advertised, artmagazine.cc takes this information and creates a link where customers or art fans can learn about attendance, times and prices for being a part of this marketing event. Largely, though, artmagazine.cc makes it main purpose the exchange of knowledge about current events and current artists. It keeps people informed of what is going on in the art world, including death notifications for well-known artists and different social aspects of art across the globe and locally. The website spotlighted the death and experiences of once popular artists, along with in-depth commentaries about their works. The goal is to keep readers informed of what is going on in today’s art world and also to give specific artists, museums or exhibitions more exposure both for profit-gaining through consumer advertising or to help people in the art world gain fame. It serves as a starting point for people interested in buying their favourite artworks by highlighting where they can be found and some background information about the artists

Through Another Pair of Eyes Essay Example for Free

Through Another Pair of Eyes Essay The perception of life through someone else’s eyes can alter one’s appreciation toward that particular lifestyle. Culture is perceived differently depending on the type of environment in which we grow accustomed to. It can also range from the type of location in which we live in. For instance, someone living in a different state would have a different perception of the way we do things compared to their ways. In the essay â€Å"Bumping into Mr. Ravioli,† by Adam Gopnik, the view on life is seen differently when viewed in Gopnik’s perception. However, this perception of life changes when viewed in a different point of view. Gopnik’s perception of life through the eyes of his daughter leads him to understanding and experience an unfamiliar type of lifestyle in which he is not accustomed to. As he begins to recognize and experience this new type of atmosphere, Gopnik starts to appreciate the New York experience and understands the type of lifestyle that he must adapt to in order to live in New York. Viewing life through someone else’s eyes can ultimately change the perception of someone to appreciate and accept the type of lifestyle that must be accustomed to living in that particular environment. To begin with, Gopnik’s perception of life through his daughter’s eyes leads him to acknowledge the lifestyle of a person living in New York and learn to appreciate it. Gopnik begins to realize how busy the city of New York really is and how no one ever has time to play or hangout. He notices this through his daughter’s perspective of her imaginary friend, Charlie Ravioli. Charlie Ravioli is always busy and never has time to play with Olivia. Gopnik soon realizes how vigorous the lifestyle of someone living in New York involves. In addition, Gopnik contacts his sister to resolve the issue of how Olivia’s imaginary friend never has time to play with her. She replies, â€Å"I’m sure that doesn’t occur anywhere in the research literature. That sounds completely New York.† (Gopnik 155). This quote implies that people in New York are usually busy and never has time to do anything. Gopnik learns about the busy lifestyle of Charlie Ravioli and begins to understand more of how a New Yorker lives. Gopnik also realizes that the environment contributes to the personality of Olivia’s imaginary friend. Gopnik states â€Å"Why is busyness the stuff our children make their invisible friends from, as country children make theirs from light and sand?† (Gopnik 156). According to Gopnik, children base their imaginary friends from the type of environment they live in. For example, since Olivia lives in New York, Her imaginary friend, Charlie Ravioli, has the personality of a busy person living in New York. However, a child living on the countryside would create an imaginary that has a personality based off that environment. These two quotes exhibit the idea of different lifestyles based off different environments. Gopnik beings to understand the busy lifestyle of people in New York and understands why Charlie Ravioli never has time to play with Olivia. He learns to appreciate this type of lifestyle and will eventually grow accustomed to it especially living in such a busy city. Gopnik also learns to understand more about his lifestyle and that in order to adjust to the busy lifestyle, he has to get involved with the routine. Furthermore, Gopnik perception of life allowed him to learn about the advances of technology and communications that has evolved overtime. Gopnik never experienced these types of technology when he was younger. Nevertheless, Looking at life in his own perspective, he distinguishes the different types of technological developments such as the train and communication devices. Gopnik asserts, â€Å"If the train crowded our streets, the telegram crowded our minds. It introduced something into the world, which remains with us today: a whole new class of communications that are defined as incomplete in advance of their delivery.† (Gopnik 157). This quote implies that the creation of trains and communication devices has lead to the foundation of the busy lives of many people. For instance, people crowded the streets in order to get from one place to another using the train. This made the streets of New York even more crowded. Likewise, the communication devices influenced people to c ontact by phone, which then frequently leads to requesting for email, and ultimately requesting for fax. Although the trains and communication devices created more hassle for many people, it also made it more convenient for some New York people, allowing them to conserve more time by contacting by phone and using the train to get from one destination to another much quicker. Gopnik’s perception of these technologies allows him to realize how busy some people are in New York and do not have time to consume these technologies. In addition, the busy streets of New York limits the amount of technology inhabited in New York. Gopnik claims, â€Å"New York, though, almost uniquely, got hit by a double dose of the first two technologies, and a very limited dose of the second two. Car life-car obsessions, car-defined habits-is more absent here than almost anywhere else in the country, while television, though obviously present, is less fatally prevalent here.† (Gopnik 158). Technology is widespread in many parts of New York, however, is very limited due to the busy lifestyles of many New York people. Cars, in particular, are rarely drove around in New York because of the busy streets and heavy traffic caused by many taxis and buses. Gopnik’s experience of New York allows him to witness the advances in technology and observe the busy streets of New York. This type of life requires more walking, which creates a populated street, in order to deal with the intense traffic.

Causes Of Computer Vision Syndrome Health And Social Care Essay

Causes Of Computer Vision Syndrome Health And Social Care Essay The computer has become backbone of todays occupational settings. They are the heartbeats of the modern world. Computers are everywhere from kitchen to concrete mixers, from planes to pockets. Without computer, world has no global awareness. It has created a brand new environment. A new culture has been born- free, rapid and universal, where people share their knowledge and expertise. Computer has spread its wings within the nursing profession also and nurses are no longer passive users of computer technology, but are now becoming the innovators, developers and implementers of computer systems. (Suparna.K,et.al., (2005). Vision is our most precious sense. Our eyes are in constant use every waking minute of every day. Over 80% of our learning is mediated through our eyes, indicating the important role our vision plays in our daily activities. Vision disturbance is a silent enemy that only appears after along period of continued stress. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reported that computer operators, who view their Video Display Terminals, report more eye-related problems than non- Video Display Terminals office workers and also indicated that visual symptoms occur in 75-90% of Video Display Terminals workers with 22% of Video Display Terminals workers have musculoskeletal disorders. A survey of optometrists indicated that 10 million eye examinations are annually given in American country because of visual problems at Video Display Terminals. This study delineated the series of symptoms which eventually known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). This condition most often occurs when the viewing demand of the task exceeds the visual abilities of the Video Display Terminals user. The American Optometric Association defines computer vision syndrome as that complex of eye and vision problems related to near work which are experience during or related to computer use. The symptoms can vary but mostly include eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision (distance or near), dry and irritated eyes, slow refocusing, neck and or backache, light sensitivity and double vision. Using computers for long hours put repetitive stress on body, muscles and joints especially to eyes. Problems related to eyes affect all those who spend a significant time working with computers. There are many IT professionals who spend most of their time in front of computer screen are at risk of computer vision syndrome. The computer technology has its own pros and cons, the majority of these issues are related to health. The increased use of computers in the workplace has brought about the development of a number of health concerns. Many individuals who work at a computer Video Display Terminal reports a high level of job related complaints and symptoms including ocular discomfort, muscular strain and stress. The level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of video display terminal use. Visual discomfort and related symptoms occurring in Video Display Terminal workers must be recognized as a growing health problem. Lutron, (1998). NEED FOR STUDY: Computer Vision Syndrome holds the distinction of being called the number one occupational hazard of the 21st century. Prevention of injury and illness is obviously, the best approach, but comprehensive health care and safety programs can help to reduce corporate sectors workplace injuries, absenteeism or presenteeism and related expenses. A fitness program was designed to reduce the symptoms of computer vision syndrome in software professionals. A pre and post-test study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the fitness program. The study revealed that the fitness program helped to reduce the symptoms of computer vision syndrome in software professionals. Namrata Arora Charpe and Vandana Kaushik, (2009) According to National Association of Software Companies, (2006) reported that number of workers is rapidly growing in information technology (IT) sector. Around one million computer professionals are graduating from various courses every year. While 10% of the work force was using computer for their occupational activities in 1980s, the percentage of users is expected to reach 100 million by the end of the 21st century. A National Survey of Doctors of Optometry (NSDO), (1997) reported that more than 14% of the patients present with eye or vision related symptoms resulting from Video Display Terminals work. The most common symptoms are eyestrain, headache, blurred vision, and light sensitivity, double vision, and color distortion. High visual demands of Video Display Terminals work make many individuals susceptible to the development of eye and vision related symptoms. American Optometric Association (2001) has reported that 90% of computer users had visual problems and 10% had musculoskeletal fatigue and also stated that there is an increase in employee complaints about computer vision syndrome. Despite the fact that 99.99% of the risk factors are 100% preventable, no concrete efforts are taken to ensure computer workers health. Majority of population involved in computer related jobs, no significant research in computer related health problems has been carried out in India as compared to Western countries. The computer vision syndromes remain under estimated and poorly understood issue at the work place. The general public, health professionals, the government and private industries need to be educated about this computer vision syndrome. Therefore there is a need to have a comprehensive study on the subject in order to create awareness and diminish the risk factors in the industry. Modern nursing focuses on holistic approach. It involves teaching in all aspects of health. Nurses have the responsibility in this advanced world of technology to identify the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome and to create awareness regarding the management of such problems among computer professionals. So, the researcher felt that it is one of the responsibilities of the community health nurses as a health care professional to start creating awareness among people who are at risk for developing Computer vision syndrome and also believes that the present study will be a stepping stone in this direction. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: A study to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on prevention of computer vision syndrome in terms of knowledge and practice among the computer professionals in selected a area at Salem. OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate the structured teaching programme on prevention of computer vision syndrome among the computer professional. To assess and compare the pre-test and the post-test knowledge score on prevention of computer vision syndrome among samples. To assess and compare the pre-test and the post-test practice score on prevention of computer vision syndrome among samples. To find the association between the level of pre-test practice score on prevention of computer vision syndrome among the samples and their selected demographic variables (Age, years of working on computer, hours of daily working on computer.) HYPOTHESES 🙠 Level of significance at P H1: The mean post-test knowledge score is higher than the mean pre-test knowledge scores on prevention of Computer Vision Syndrome among computer professionals. H2: The mean post-test practice score is higher than the mean pre-test practice scores on prevention of Computer Vision Syndrome among computer professionals. H3: There is a significant association between level of the pre-test practice score on prevention of the Computer Vision Syndrome and their selected demographic variables. H3(a):There is a significant association between level of the pre-test practice score on prevention of the Computer Vision Syndrome among computer professionals and their age. H3(b):There is a significant association between level of the pre-test practice score on prevention of Computer Vision Syndrome among computer professionals and their years of working on computer. H3(c):There is a significant association between level of the pre-test practice score on prevention of Computer Vision Syndrome among computer professionals and their hours of daily working on computer . OPERATIONAL DEFINITION: 1. Assess the effectiveness: It refers to the difference between the mean pre-test knowledge and practice score and mean post-test knowledge and practice score of computer professionals regarding prevention of computer vision syndrome. Knowledge: In this study knowledge refers to known information on prevention of computer vision syndrome which is assessed by using a structured knowledge questionnaire. The total scores was converted into percentage and interpreted as follows, above 75% adequate knowledge, 51-74% moderate knowledge, below 50% inadequate knowledge. Practice: In this study the practice refers to the adopted practice on prevention of computer vision syndrome which is observed by researcher by using a observational check list on 15th day. The total scores was converted into percentage and interpreted as follows, above 75% adequate practice, 51-74% moderate practice, below 50% inadequate practice. 2. Structured Teaching Programme: It refers to systematically well planned and prepared by the investigator, on prevention of computer vision syndrome for computer professionals in terms of meaning, definition, causes, signs and symptoms, prevention and management of computer vision syndrome. 3. Prevention: It refers to the protective measures that need to be followed by the computer professionals to minimize the occurrence of computer visual problems. 4. Computer Vision Syndrome: It refers the vision problems which occur for computer professionals those who spend more time in computer work. Computer Vision Syndrome refers to the complex of eye and vision problems which include headache, blurred vision, neck pain, fatigue, eyestrain, dry eye, irritated eye and difficulty in refocusing the eyes related to near work during computer use experienced by the computer professionals working in a selected BPO(Business Process Outsourcing) centre. Computer Professionals: Those who are working data entry operators on computer for more than 6 hours per day belong to age group of 21-40 years. ASSUMPTIONS: Computer professionals may have some knowledge and practice regarding prevention of computer vision syndrome. Structured teaching programme will promote specific preventive measures in the management of computer vision syndrome. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION: Formal permission was to be obtained from the settings before the conduction of the study. Written consent was to be obtained from the subjects prior to the data collection. All the information was kept confidential. DELIMITATION: The study is delimited to computer professionals working in BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) centre in at Salem. The study is delimited to a period of 6 weeks. The study is delimited to 30 samples. SUMMMARY: This chapter dealt with the introduction, need for the study, statement of the problem, objectives, hypotheses, operational definition, assumption, ethical consideration and delimitation. CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE Review of literature is a systematic identification, selection, critical analysis and written description of related materials pertaining to the area of study or topic of interest to expand existing knowledge or to develop new knowledge Polit and Hungler,(2006). The related literature of the present study is organized and presented as follows: Section-I: Studies related to incidence and prevalence of Computer vision syndrome. Section-II: Studies related to risk factors and causes of Computer vision syndrome. Section-III: Studies related to signs and symptoms of the computer vision syndrome. Section-IV: Studies related to Preventive aspects of Computer vision syndrome. SECTION-I: STUDIES RELATED TO INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE OF COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME. Mohamed Mabrouk Abdelaziz, et.al., (2009) conducted a study on the incidence and degree of visual defects among computer users. In this study, 100 subjects (50 computer users and 50 non computer users) were taken. Using standard Snellens chart and Ishihara chart, visual acuity and colour vision tests were conducted. When compared to non computer users, the visual acuity of computer users showed a significant decrease (P Banibrata Das and Tirthankar Ghosh, (2010) conducted a s study to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal and visual disorders among the visual display terminal. The study was conducted in the different office premises in Kolkata. After selections of the locations, 100 visual display terminal (VDT) workers are selected randomly comprising 50 male and 50 female. A detailed study based on a modified Nordic questionnaire was performed among these visual display terminal workers for study period to measure the outcome of epidemiological studies on musculoskeletal disorders. The result of the study was that the Lower back problem is the main problem among visual display terminal workers. The both male and female visual display terminal workers also suffered pain in neck, shoulder, fore arm, wrist, elbow and the different parts of the upper extremities. This study revealed that the female visual display terminal workers suffer more discomfort feeling than male visual display terminal work ers. In this study, it was clearly mentioned that the discomfort feeling was relatively high among the aged visual display terminal workers. The prolonged period of work in an uncomfortable posture mainly lead to discomfort feeling among the visual display terminal workers. Another finding of this study was that both male and female visual display terminal workers suffered from visual stress due to prolonged period of work and without using of antiglare screen in a monitor. The conclusion of this study was the visual display terminal workers suffered pain mainly in the upper extremities and lower back of the body. They also suffered from visual stress. Females have a higher discomfort feeling than male visual display terminal workers. Mohamed Ali .K and Sathiyasekaran B.W.C, (2006) conducted a study on the prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among computer professionals and risk factors. There were 648 subjects were selected from 4,276 computer professionals from 21 companies with a simple random sampling method. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was diagnosed based on clinical features. The prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was found to be 13.1% (95% CI 10.5-15.7%). Subjects with over 8 years of computer work, over 12 hrs of work per day and system administrators were at a higher risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (OR 3.3, 4.9 and 2.5 respectively). Flexed or extended hand position had higher risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Higher risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was found with higher exposure to computer work. Ergonomic considerations are important in facilitating proper positioning of hand while working with a computer. Richa Talwar, et.al., (2009) conducted a study to assess the prevalence of health disorders among computer professionals and its association with working environment conditions. The study design was cross sectional. There were 200 computer professionals taken as sample size from Delhi which included software developers, call centre workers, and data entry workers. The prevalence of visual problems in the study group was 76% (152/200), and musculoskeletal problems were reported by 76.5% (153/200). The result of the study exposed that there was a gradual increase in visual complaints as the number of hours spent for working on computers daily increased and the same relation was found to be true for musculoskeletal problems as well. Visual problems were less in persons using antiglare screen and those with adequate lighting in the room. Musculoskeletal problems were found to be significantly lesser among those using cushioned chairs and soft keypad. A significant proportion of the compu ter professionals were found to be having health problems and this denotes that the occupational health of the people working in the computer field needs to be emphasized as a field of concern in occupational health. SECTION II: STUDIES RELATED TO RISK FACTORS AND CAUSES OF COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME Izquierdo JC,et.al., (2007) conducted an observational study to identify the risk factors leading to the computer vision syndrome . Twenty-eight participants answered a validated questionnaire and had their workstations observed. The questionnaire evaluated the personal, environmental, ergonomic factors and physiologic response of computer users. The distance from the eye to the computers monitor (A), the computers monitor height (B), and visual axis height (C) were measured. The difference between monitor height and visual axis height was calculated and labeled as D. Angles of look to the computer monitor were calculated using the formula [angle=tan-1(D/A)]. Angles were divided into two groups participants with angles of gaze ranging from 0 degree to 13.9 degrees were included in Group 1; and participants gazing at angles larger than 14 degrees were included in Group 2. Statistical analysis of the evaluated variables was done. The findings of this study revealed that computer users in both groups used more tear supplements (as part of the syndrome) than expected. This association was statistically significant (p Zairina A. Rahman and Suhaila Sanip, (2011) conducted a study to identify sociodemographic and computer related predictors for computer vision syndrome .Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is an eyes and vision problems related to the activities that experienced in relation to the use of computer. Cross-sectional study and face-to-face interviews and workstation assessment was done. The finding of this study revealed that 68.1% reported computer vision syndrome symptoms. Among the samples, only 19.3% of the respondents put their computer on computer table and 61.9% took at least 10 minutes rest while on continuous one hour computer work. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the predictors for computer vision syndrome were female (OR=2.3), age 7 hours per day (OR=2.01). and also the study concluded that the use of correction lenses and long duration on continuous computer work predispose a person to get computer vision syndrome . Resting their eyes in between continuous computer work will be helpful to reduce possibility to get computer vision syndrome. Rosenfield M, et.al., (2012) conducted a study on effects of induced oblique astigmatism on symptoms and reading performance on viewing a computer screen. The researcher recorded the symptoms of the computer user after a 10 minutes period of reading from a computer monitor either through the habitual distance refractive correction or with a supplementary of -1.00 or -2.00D oblique cylinder added over these lenses among 12 samples. The distance correction condition was repeated to assess the repeatability of the symptom and monitored the samples reading speed accuracy for the period of 10 min trial. The findings of the study revealed that there was no significant difference in reading rate or the number of errors between the three astigmatic conditions, but there was a significant change in the median total symptom scores for the 0, 1 and 2D astigmatic conditions being 2.0, 6.5 and 40.0 respectively (p Chu C, et.al., (2011) conducted a study to identify computer vision syndrome signs are particular to computer function, or merely a symptom of executing a continued near-vision job. There are thirty young samples those who are visually normal were requested to read text audibly either from a standalone computer or on a paper at a screening distance of fifty centimeter for a constant twenty minutes time. For the two sessions the text were used and then the size and contrast were matched. For the two situations, the target angle and luminance were alike. After the reading sessions were over, the samples were requested to finish the written questionnaire based on their level of visual discomfort in the work time. The result of this study disclosed by discriminating the computer and hardcopy situations and confirmed that there was a noteworthy dissimilarity in median symptom scores with consider to blurred vision in the work time. (time=147.0; period =0.03) and average symptom score (tim e = 102.5; period = 0.04). In the two cases, symptoms were elevated when the use of computer. Symptoms when the prolonged computer use was considerably poorer than those reported after hard copy fascination under identical examining situations. The result of this study helps the practitioners to optimize visual comfort and efficiency during computer operation. SECTION III: STUDIES RELATED TO SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME. Ranit Kishore and Ashish Arya (2011) conducted a review on studies related to signs and symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Millions of people around the world are using the computers not only as a business tool but as a recreational product as well. Predictions indicate that fully more than 70% of the working population will be using computers by the year 2011. There are also approximately 820 million internet users, with an expected explosion of users to over one billon in the next few years. This heavy computer use leads to various problems related to eyes. According to the report over 100 million people in the United States today use computers. More than 50 percent experience eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision and other visual symptoms related to sustained use of the computer the result might be quite similar for India. This type of stress on the visual system can also cause body fatigue and reduced efficiency at work. The authors have tied to conclude some of the major illne sses which may come during normal working hours on a computer with some of the possible solutions of those problems. Loh K.Y and Reddy S.C, (2008) conducted a review on the various signs and symptoms related to the computer vision syndrome. The invention of computer and advancement in information technology has revolutionized and benefited the society but at the same time has caused symptoms related to its usage such as ocular sprain, irritation, redness, dryness, blurred vision and double vision. This cluster of symptoms is known as computer vision syndrome which is characterized by the visual symptoms which result from interaction with computer display or its environment. Three major mechanisms that lead to computer vision syndrome are extraocular mechanism, accommodative mechanism and ocular surface mechanism. The visual effects of the computer such as brightness, resolution, glare and quality all are known factors that contribute to computer vision syndrome. Prevention is the most important strategy in managing computer vision syndrome. Modification in the ergonomics of the working environment, patient education and proper eye care are crucial in managing computer vision syndrome. MiljanoviĆ¡ B, et.al., (2007) conducted a cross sectional study on the visual related dry eye syndrome. Four hundred and fifty samples in Womens Health Study and two hundred and forty samples were taken for this study. The supplementary questionnaire consists of symptoms of dry eye in daily activities and their problems while reading, working with computer, watching television etc.The result of this study exposed that 1/3rd of study samples had clinically diagnosed dry eye syndrome or rigorous symptoms and 2/3rd did not. Logistic regression was employed to observe associations of dry eye syndrome with reported dilemmas with daily actions in every group and grouped guesses using meta-analysis methods. Out of the samples, eighty five percent completed the additional questionnaire, comprising one hundred and thirty five Womens Health Study and 55 Physicians Health Study participants with dry eye syndrome, and 250 Womens Health Study and 149 Physicians Health Study participants without dry eye syndrome. Controlling for age, diabetes, hypertension and other factors, those with dry eye syndrome were more likely to report problems with reading ([odds ratio] OR = 3.64, 95% [confidence interval] CI 2.45 to 5.40, P Barar A, et.al., (2007) gathered the data in the ophthalmologic literature from the Internet.. It was noted that the complex of eye and vision symptoms occurred due to prolonged use of computer and stress. The following are the recurrent complaints from the computer users i.e., blurred distance or near vision, neck and backache, dry and irritated eyes, eye-strain asthenopia, headaches, slow refocusing. In most of the developed countries, there are recommendations issued by renowned medical associations with regard to the definition, the diagnosis, and the methods for the prevention, treatment and periodical control of the symptoms found in computer users, in conjunction with an extremely detailed ergonomic legislation whereas in developing countries like India, it is necessary to rouse the interest of ophthalmologist colleagues in understanding and recognition of these symptoms and in their treatment, or at least their improvement, through specialized measures or through the coopera tion with specialist occupational medicine colleagues. SECTION IV: STUDIES RELATED TO PREVENTIVE ASPECTS OF COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME Ostrovsky A, et.al., (2012) conducted a study on effects of job related stress and burnout on computer vision syndrome among high tech workers. 106 samples were included in this study. All participants completed self-report questionnaires including demographics, computer vision syndrome, and satisfaction with work environmental conditions, job-related stress and burnout. The finding of this study revealed that there was a significant between-group difference in the intensity of computer vision syndrome, but not in its frequency. Burnout appeared to be a significant contributing factor to the intensity and frequency of computer vision syndrome and also the study showed that burnout is a significant factor in computer vision syndrome complaints among high-tech workers. The study concluded the ergonomic impact to improve health, safety and comfort of the working environment among computer users, for better perception of the job environment. Gangamma.M.P, et.al., (2010) conducted a experimental study on computer vision syndrome and its management with triphala eye drops and SaptamritaLauha tablets. There were one hundred and fifty one patients were taken for this study. From this, one hundred and forty one finished the treatment. Forty five patients had been advised to take Triphala eye drops in Group A; Fifty three patients had been advised to take the Triphala eye drops and also prescribed them to take internally SaptamritaLauha tablets. Forty three patients had been suggested to take the placebo eye drops in Group 3. The result of the study exposed that there was a significant progress with triphala eye drops in the computer vision syndrome management and also improvement in 48.89, 54.71 and 06.98% patients in groups A, B and C with triphala eye drops and saptamritaLauha tablets. Richardson.S, (2007) conducted a cross sectional study on computer related upper limp pain and computer vision syndrome in Malaysia. In this study, there were one hundred and thirty six computer users were taken as samples who were the University students and office staff. A rapid upper limp evaluation for the office method was employed for assessment of work-related overuse syndrome. The frequency of computer vision syndrome was reviewed by including a 10-point scoring system for every of its different symptoms. The result of this study disclosed that many were using typical keyboard and mouse without a few ergonomic changes. About 50% of them had a little low back pain as of not having an modifiable backrest. Numerous users had higher scores of the wrist and neck recommending raised hazard of increasing occupational overuse syndrome, which required additional interference. Several (64%) were utilizing refractive corrections and still had high scores of computer vision syndrome comm only including eye fatigue, headache and burning sensation. The increase of computer vision syndrome scores (suggesting more subjective symptoms) correlated with increase in computer usage spells. The study concluded that further onsite studies are needed, to follow up this survey to decrease the risks of developing computer vision syndrome amongst young computer users. Yee.R.W, et.al., (2007) conducted a research in signs and symptoms of computer users and preventive measures. The researcher also assessed the eye related problems through the clinical tests for prolonged computer users. There were 40 samples taken for this study for three hours in a day. The scores had been computed based on Ocular Surface Disease Index. The assessment had been done based on the scores. The samples were requested to play the computer games for half an hour and the 4 treatment had been applied in the random order i.e artificial tears, MEGS, no treatment, artificial tears with MEGS(microenvironment glasses). Once the sessions were over, the samples were requested to answer the questionnaire. The result of the study exposed that there was a noteworthy association found in the in the index value. The p values were calculated. They were constantly dissimilar in fluorescein and lissamine green discoloration with P>0.05. There was a noteworthy improvements in the scores an d TBUT(Tear breakup time) and also there was a steady development of progress in lissamine green staining and in fluorescein staining. The computer users those who have ocular complaints should went for ocular surface examination and they were treated with separation of environmental manipulations, ocular surface and artificial tears. Shirley Telles, et.al., (2006) suggested that the yoga practice appeared to diminish visual anxiety. Dry eye occurs due to computer vi