The Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals of Massachusetts

The New Solar System What We Know So Far

Remember back in grade school when you learned the planets of our solar system? The hint many people used was My Very Excellent Mom Just Served us Nine Pizzas, for Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Today, we say My Very Excellent Mom Just Served Us Nachos because some astronomers argue that Pluto isnt a planet. (Thats an ongoing debate, even though the exploration of Pluto shows us that its really a fascinating world!) Finding New Worlds to Explore The scramble to find a new planet mnemonic is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning and understanding what makes up our solar system. In the old days, prior to spacecraft exploration and high-resolution cameras on both space-based observatories  (such as Hubble Space Telescope)  and  ground-based telescopes, the solar system was considered to be the Sun, planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and a set of rings around Saturn.   Today, we live in a new solar system we can explore through gorgeous images.  New refers to the new types of objects we know about after more than half a century of exploration, as well as to new ways of thinking about existing objects. Take Pluto. In 2006, it was ruled a dwarf planet because it didnt fit the definition of a plane: a world that  orbits the Sun, is rounded by self-gravity, and has swept its orbit free of major debris. Pluto has not done that final thing, although it does have its own orbit around the Sun and it is rounded by self-gravity. It is now called a dwarf planet, a special category of planet and was the first such world to be visited by the New Horizons mission in 2015. So, in a sense, it IS a planet.   Exploration Continues The solar system today has other surprises for us, on worlds we thought we already knew pretty well.  Take Mercury, for example. It is the smallest planet, orbits close to the Sun, and has very little in the way of atmosphere. The MESSENGER spacecraft sent back amazing images of the planets surface, showing evidence of extensive volcanic activity, and possibly the existence of ice in the shaded polar regions, where sunlight doesnt ever reach this planets very dark surface. Venus has always been known as a hellish place because of its heavy carbon dioxide atmosphere, extreme pressures, and high temperatures. The Magellan mission was the first to show us the extensive volcanic activity that still goes on there today, spewing lava across the surface and charging the atmosphere with sulfuric gas that rains back down on the surface as acid rain.   Earth is a place youd think we know pretty well, since we live on it. However, continual spacecraft studies of our planet reveals constant changes in our atmosphere, climate, seas, landforms, and vegetation. Without these space-based eyes in the sky, our knowledge of our home would be as limited as it was prior to the beginning of the Space Age.   We have explored Mars nearly continually with spacecraft since the 1960s. Today, there are working rovers on its surface and orbiters circling the planet, with more on the way. The study of Mars is a search for the existence of water, past and present. Today we know that Mars has water, and it had it in the past. How much water there is, and where it is, remain as puzzles to be solved by our spacecraft and upcoming generations of human explorers who will first set foot on the planet sometime in the next decade.The biggest question of all is: Did or does Mars have life? That, too, will be answered in the coming decades. The Outer Solar System Continues to Fascinate Asteroids are becoming more and more important in our understanding of how the solar system formed. This is because the rocky planets (at least) formed in collisions of planetesimals back in the early solar system. Asteroids are the remnants of that time. The study of their chemical compositions and orbits (among other things) tell planetary scientists a great deal about conditions during those long-ago periods of solar system history.   Today, we know of many different families of asteroids. They orbit the Sun at many different distances. Specific groups of them orbit so close to Earth that they pose a threat to our planet. These are potentially hazardous asteroids, and are the focus of intense observation campaigns to give us early warning of any that come too close. The asteroids surprise us in other ways: some have moons of their own, and at least one asteroid, named Chariklo, has rings. The outer solar system planets are worlds of gas and ices, and they have been a continual source of news since the Pioneer 10 and 11 and Voyager 1 and 2  missions flew past them in the 1970s and 1980s. Jupiter was discovered to have a ring, its largest moons each have different personalities, with volcanism, subsurface oceans, and the possibility of life-friendly environments on at least two of them. Jupiter is currently being explored by the Juno spacecraft, which will give a long-term look at this gas giant. Saturn has always been known for its rings, which puts it at the top of any sky gazing list. Now, we know of special features in its atmosphere, subsurface oceans on some of its moons, and a fascinating moon called Titan with a mix of carbon-based compounds on its surface. ; Uranus and Neptune are the so-called ice giant worlds because of the ice particles made of water and other compounds in their upper atmospheres. These worlds each have rings, as well as unusual moons.   The Kuiper Belt The outer solar system, where Pluto resides, is the new frontier for exploration. Astronomers have been finding other worlds out there, in regions such as the  Kuiper Belt  and the Inner  Oort Cloud. Many of those worlds, such as Eris, Haumea, Makemake, and Sedna, have been deemed dwarf planets as well. In 2014, a tiny planetesimal called 2014 MU69 and nicknamed Ultima Thule was discovered. The New Horizons spacecraft explored it on January 1, 2019, in a quick flyby. In 2016, another possible new world was found out there  beyond  the orbit of Neptune, and there could be  many  more waiting to be discovered. Their existence will tell planetary scientists a lot about conditions in that part of the solar system and give clues to how they formed some 4.5 billion years ago when the solar system was very young. The Last Unexplored Outpost The most distant region of the solar system is home to swarms of comets that orbit in icy darkness. They all come from the Oort Cloud, which is a shell of frozen comet nuclei that extends out about 25% of the way to the nearest star. Nearly all the comets which ultimately visit the inner solar system come from this region. As they sweep close to Earth, astronomers eagerly study their tail structures, and dust and ice particles for clues to how these objects formed in the early solar system. As an added bonus, comets AND asteroids, leave behind trails of dust (called meteoroid streams) rich in primordial material that we can study. Earth regularly travels through these streams, and when it does, we are often rewarded with glittery  meteor showers.   The information here just scratches the surface of what weve learned about our place in space over the past few decades. There remains much to be discovered, and even though our solar system itself is more than 4.5 billion years old, it continues to evolve. So, in a very real sense, we really do live in a new solar system. Each time we explore and discover another unusual object, our place in space gets even more interesting than it is now. Stay tuned!

The Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini - 1831 Words

Prejudice Ruins Lives In Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, discrimination and prejudice is everywhere and nowhere. The Talibans do not seem to care who they are beating, torturing, or even executing. The novel The Kite Runner written by Khaled Hosseini tackles the issue of ethnic discrimination in Afghanistan with an example of the relationship between Pashtuns and Hazaras. For several centuries, the Pashtun majority is treating the Hazara population as second class citizens, who are unworthy of education or decent employment because Hazaras are a minority ethnic group; this leads to many Hazaras suffering. The social and economic conditions in Afghanistan demonstrate the imbalance between the superior Sunni Muslims and the inferior Shi a Muslims and how people discriminate against each other because of their physical features and religious beliefs. The estrangement between the two causes many deaths. Furthermore the significant distinction between Hazaras and Pashtuns in Afghanistan is the major factor bec ause it determines not only Amir and Hassan’s role in Afghan society but also determines how Hassan himself suffers and dies because of his religion. The physical and emotional division of prejudice between the Pashtuns and the Harzaras in the novel The Kite Runner is destructive and results in death because of the suffering the people endure. Pashtuns treat the Hazaras with the utmost disrespect and isolate them. When the Hazaras had tried to revolt against Pashtun rule aShow MoreRelatedThe Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini883 Words   |  4 Pagesregret from past encounters and usually feel guilty and bitter about the situation. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, revolves around the theme of redemption. Redemption can be used as a cure for guilt. Throughout the novel, the author shows that redemption requires some sort of sacrifice and the only way that is possible is if you can forgive yourself from the mistakes you have made in the past. Khaled Hosseini effectively portrays redemption through motifs such as rape, irony and flashbacks, symbolismRead MoreThe Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini1651 Words   |  7 Pages  Ã‚  Ã‚   The novel â€Å"The Kite Runner† by Khaled Hosseini describes the life of a boy, Amir. Amir’s best friend and brother (although that part isn’t known until towards the end), Hassan, plays a major role in Amir’s life and how he grows up. Hosseini portrays many sacrifices that are made by Hassan and Amir. Additionally, Amir seeks redemption throughout much of the novel. By using first person point of view, readers are able to connect with Amir and understand his pain and yearning for a way to be redeemedRead MoreThe Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini1655 Words   |  7 PagesSarah Singer Major Works Data Form Title: The Kite Runner Author: Khaled Hosseini Date of Publication: 2003 Genre: Historical Fiction Historical information about the period of publication: Since the September 11th attacks in 2001, the United States has been at war with Afghanistan. Their goals were to remove the Taliban, track down those in charge of the attacks, and destroy Al-Qaeda. Biographical information about the author: Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1965. HIs motherRead MoreThe Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini1098 Words   |  5 PagesIn The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, we learn a lot about Amir the main character, and Hassan his servant/brother. In the beginning Hassan and Amir’s relationship was one of brotherly love despite the fact that Hassan was a Hazara and Amir a Pashtun. Back in the 1970’s race and religion played a big part in Kabul and these two races were not suppose to have relationships unless it was owner (Pashtun) and servant (Hazara). Baba Amir’s father had an affair with Hassan’s mother, but it was kept aRead MoreThe Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini1313 Words   |  5 Pagesis not unique to just J.K. Rowling. Khaled Hosseini also incorporates life experiences into some of his novels. A prime example of this is The Kite Runner. The storyline of this novel reflects his past to create a journey of a young Afghanistan boy, whose name is Amir. This boy changes drastically throughout his lifetime from a close minded, considerably arrogant boy to an open hearted and minded man. This emotional and mental trip is partially based on Khaled Hosseini’s own life. Throughout Hosseini’sRead MoreThe Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini1908 Words   |  8 Pages​In the novel, â€Å"The Kite Runner†, written by Khaled Hosseini, was taken place in Afghanistan during the 1970’s to the year of 2002. Many historical events happened during this time period and Hosseini portrayed it into his novel. Kabul, the capitol of Afghanistan, was a free, living area for many Afghanistan families to enjoy the life they were given. Until one day, Afghanistan was then taken over and attacked. In the novel, Amir, the protagonist, must redeem himself and the history behind his actionsRead MoreThe Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini1050 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"There is a way to be good again.† (Hosseini 334). This quote given by Rahim Khan to Amir holds a great amount of force and symbolism. In theory, this quote symbolizes the beginning of Amir’s path to redemption. The eye-opening Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini tells about the struggles of Afghanistan before and during the Taliban, and one’s struggle for redemption and acceptance. With regards to the opening quote, some see Amir’s actions as selfish. However, others may believe that Amir truly changedRead MoreThe Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini1583 Words   |  7 Pagesnovel the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Amir, the main character, shares his thoughts and actions due to his poor decisions. The problems he encountered were all because of the sin committed in his youth. His sins taunted the beginning of his life and gave him a troublesome memory full of guilt. As the novel continued, Amir attempted to disengage the memory of his sin and forget about it. Amir then faced the long bumpy road to redemption. Khaled Hosseini’s novel the Kite Runner is about sinRead MoreThe Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini871 Words   |  4 Pagesthat person is trying to fix that mistake. This also applies to the novel The Kite Runner. The story revolves around the main character Amir, and his childhood friend, Hassan. After Amir came to America with Baba, his father, he still regrets the things he had done to his childhood friend. He left Hassan getting raped by Assef in a small alley in 1975. Thereafter, Amir always feel regret and seeks for redemption. Hosseini -the author, argues that redemption can be achieved by helping others, teachRead MoreThe Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini3402 Words   |  14 Pagestitle â€Å"The Kite Runner† is symbolic as fighting kites and the kite runnings are impacting moments in the novel. Hassan was the best kite runner in Kabul, if not the whole country, after Amir won the kite fighting the running of that last blue kite triggered the monumental changes for Amir. For the beginning of the story the kite running was associated with Hassan’s rape and Amir’s grief. As kites appear throughout the story, they begin Amir’s story and also end it. Amir flying the kite with Sohrab

Customer satisfaction Samples for Students †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Quality and Customer satisfaction. Answer: Brief Summary of Theory and Progression The selected theoretical concept from this report is based on the real world implication - Customer satisfaction, which depends upon quality over quantity. Based on the report by Sivakumar et al. (2014), it can be described that performance (quality) often meets the customers expectation, which is further referred to as gain of market competitiveness. The theory based on the customer satisfaction concept is the Assimilation theory, which describes that customers tends to make cognitive comparison between the expectation from the product and the supposed product performance. This theory was developed by Festinger during 1957. In order to minimise the tension of customer resulting from inconsistency between the expectation and perceived performance, they either need to raise their level of satisfaction or adjust the expectation accordingly. Notably, according to the failure and delight concept in the paper customer expectations are presumed belief for the product which act as reference level for judging the performance of the product. The first scholar has conceptualised the expectation to be a point estimate and suggested that service quality as a gap between the point estimate of expectation and service perception (1 ref). The second scholar has conceptualised the reference level as a distributed group of reference point and the expected reference level is determined by taking the mean of the distribution points. The third scholar takes the reference level as the zone of tolerance, which is recognised and accepted by the customers. Overall, it is also realised that irrespective of the concerned commercial industry, the customer satisfaction is of high importance to maintain the brand recognition and market position. Common findings All the four articles describes about the common topic that is customer satisfaction is dependent on service quality, while the inference was observed from diverse background. According to the underlined research, service quality is the key aspect for determining the level of customer satisfaction. In addition to the price concept, service quality is a major criteria which customers of both gender prefer before purchasing any product or service (Buell, Campbell and Frei, 2016). Another common finding among the four articles is that they prefer quality product or services, irrespective of price and it may be purchasing online or offline, and the important fact is that the long-run customer loyalty is only reflective in the product line which satisfies customer expectation (Bressolles, Durrieu and Senecal, 2014). In almost varieties of market quality is given the prior importance than the quantity and the market segmentation is also taken into account, which suggests that the price ran ge from comparable (to other available products) to high is acceptable, if they are of superior quality (Terpstra, Kuijlen and Sijtsma, 2014). Different findings According to the authors, Sivakumar et al. (2014), the customer satisfaction is discussed in context to the service delivery, and delight creation, which is not available in the rest of the articles. Customers perception of service quality is examined on the basis of service failure frequency, and the timing, proximity and sequence of failures as well as delights. In contrary, the authors Buell et al. (2016), exceptionally discusses about the competition of service quality in a variety of market which ranges from retail industry to traditional stores. This is further linked to the concern of market competitiveness, positioning, and dominance in comparison to rivalry companies. However, in order to measure the response of customers towards the increased competition, the relationship between the (i) increased service quality; (ii) market competition and (iii) the obligatory customer detection rates for the firm, is critical; which in turn is responsible for offering the service quality at different level and ultimately leading to success of the firm. Likewise, in another report, Bressolles et al. (2014), the authors mainly discuss about the customers satisfaction on the e-service quality, in which retail scenario does not exists but the customer satisfaction is of high importance. Based on the study, the authors concluded that the e-service quality is directly proportional to the e-satisfaction, which is responsible for retaining loyal customers. According to their survey, the factors like (i) ease-of-use, (ii) geniuses of information; and (iii) security as the key factors for satisfaction of customers within scope of online shopping. In the article Terpstra et al. (2014), the authors discusses about constructing a customer satisfaction scale which optimally measures the construct of interest. The study concludes that deductive design is a correct method for measuring and construct validation in customer satisfaction related research. Limitations There are certain limitation encountered during the study of article 3 (qualitative). The service quality application for customer satisfaction includes ease-of-use, aesthetics, information, and security/privacy. The methods and models needed to find the customer satisfaction is provide in the article, while the negative service quality involved online shopping is not defined, which is critical to identify, in order to measure its impact on customer satisfaction. On the other hand, the article 2 (quantitative) also have certain limitations, which include the lack of human information needed to process in the complex environment. Moreover, there is also limitation in the service quality metric, and that is the data used for constructing the metric does not temporarily align with the customer defection data in 2004. The major difference between the two study designs (article 1 and 2) is that in one article the customer satisfaction is analysed quantitatively on the basis of service qua lity competition, whereas on the other article customer satisfaction is determined qualitatively using the e-service quality. Future research However, further research should be carried to find some service qualities involved in the e-shopping. The reason being that retail business include face-to-face communication, whereas online ventures are only dependent on information available. Thus additional measures like offers, promotion, tracking the customer, and attracting them are of high importance, to estimate their effect on customers satisfaction level. Likewise, the article, Terpstra et al. (2014), also dictate that the measurement scale must be precisely framed such that it will also take into account of available resources and frequency of market changing pattern. This must be undertaken in future research, which in turn will explore the subject area to a better level. References: Bressolles, G., Durrieu, F. and Senecal, S., 2014. A consumer typology based on e-service quality and e-satisfaction. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 21(6), pp.889-896. Buell, R.W., Campbell, D. and Frei, F.X., 2016. How Do Customers Respond to Increased Service Quality Competition?. Manufacturing Service Operations Management, 18(4), pp.585-607. Sivakumar, K., Li, M. and Dong, B., 2014. Service quality: The impact of frequency, timing, proximity, and sequence of failures and delights. Journal of Marketing, 78(1), pp.41-58. Terpstra, M., Kuijlen, T. and Sijtsma, K., 2014. How to develop a customer satisfaction scale with optimal construct validity. Quality Quantity, 48(5), pp.2719-2737.