The Lowell Observatory

Introduction The space contains various wonders objects with significant effects on the study of astronomy. A wide range of research is commonly conducted in space to establish and prove various theories that are aimed at explaining the origin and significance of these heavenly bodies. The space was largely unknown to many in the ancient times.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Lowell Observatory specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In fact, people thought that the sun goes around the earth, which they believed was stationary. These facts were trashed as more researchers made progress in observing space with the aid of a telescope, among others. The solar system has increasingly received much attention as to its origin and significance to a community that is continuously exploiting the airspace. These researches cannot be achieved without the aid of advanced astronomical facilities. Among these is the Lowe ll Observatory, located in Arizona, in the United States. This facility has enabled astronomers to conduct major research on a wide range of astrophysical systems and the solar system. It has also been utilized to observe the space through its high resolution telescopes. Other services that people enjoy in Lowell include widescreen multimedia shows, tour in the universe through space theatres, and beautiful sceneries, among others. This paper will explore the Lowell observatory, its establishment, functions, and significance to research in astronomy and the society at large (Ribokas 1). The Lowell Observatory The Lowell Observatory was founded in 1894 as an institution that serves researchers and also for public outreach. It is usually known as the people’s observatory, given its significance in the development of astrophysics and research. The Observatory is also credited with telescope viewing, tours of the universe as well as widescreen multimedia shows, among other servic es to the public. The institution is a non-profit making organization and was founded by Percival Lowell. In addition, the institution is committed to providing excellence in research as well as outreach to the public. This is of great significance to the community and the development of astrophysical research (Ribokas 1). History The Lowell Observatory was instituted in 1894, in flagstaff, Arizona. The institution, which is based in United States, has enabled astronomers to conduct major research on a wide range of astrophysical systems and the solar system. It has also been utilized to observe the space through its high resolution telescopes. The space was largely unknown to many in the ancient times.Advertising Looking for research paper on astronomy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In fact, people thought that the sun goes around the earth, which they believed was stationary. These facts were trashed as more researchers ma de progress in observing space with the aid of telescopes, among other devices (Lowell 34). Fig. 1: shows Percival Lowell’s mausoleum Source: Lowell Observatory Lowell Observatory was founded in 1894 as an institution that serves researchers and for public outreach. This was done by Percival Lowell, who founded the institution. The institution has a rich account of observations that have been conducted. For instance, it contributed to discovery of many heavenly bodies, such as the planet, Pluto. It also predicted the discovery of the same planet. The observatory has undergone several improvements and technological developments to advance its functions. Its initial function was to aid in measuring solar irradiance variability. However, this changed when Harold Johnson assumed the Observatory in 1952. Instead it focused on studying light reflecting off Neptune and Uranus, from the sun. This led to the installation of its present 21-inch telescope. Furthermore, it was this peri od that led to more research on Neptune and Uranus.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Lowell Observatory specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Functions of the Lowell Observatory Lowell Observatory has been influential in providing a renewing experience to the society. These include telescope viewing, tours of the universe as well as widescreen multimedia shows, among other services to the public, among others. The institution is therefore very instrumental in the society and works to provide resourceful services to the neighborhood as well as national and international researchers. Moreover the center acts as a good facility for astronomical research and other relevant space research. In addition, it has been utilized to promote human understanding of the solar system. This is important as ancient understanding of solar system has changed over the years. Myths that arose in the ancient times have been dif fused to pave way for a better understanding based on provable and observable ideas and objects respectively in research and experiments. This has been achieved by the introduction of telescopes, and other devices such as the astrograph, LONEOS Schmidt and Clark telescopes, among others. The following figures illustrate the Lowell Observatory and some of its telescopes. Fig. 1 LONEOS Schmidt telescope Source: Lowell Observatory Advertising Looking for research paper on astronomy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Fig. 2 Pluto Telescope Source: Lowell Observatory Fig. 3 Observatory Dome of Clark telescope Source: Lowell Observatory The facility currently posses over 11 telescopes, five of which are used Mars Hill. In addition, two of the five are available for use by the public. Six telescopes are also used mainly for scientific observation in the institution’s dark-sky site, which is located in the southeast. The major functions of this institution may be categorized as stated below (Ribokas 1). Research center Lowell observatory offers a wide range of astronomical research facilities to the astronomers. Through its vast and advanced facilities, which include telescopes (that are space based), among others, astronomers are able to conduct their research on various astrophysical subjects as well as the solar system. Other areas of concern to astronomers are studies on the planets, formation of planets, forming of planets around stars and young stars. Still others include studies on as teroids, which include surveys on those that exist near the earth’s surface (Ribokas 1). In addition, the studies Lowell institution supports include those centered on investigating Kuiper Belt which lies beyond the Neptune. The facility also aids studies on variability of the sun, which are essential to meteorology and space technology. Lowell observatory is very important in facilitation investigations on formation of stars, building and customizing Instrumentations, which are utilized in telescopes. This sets the institution aside as a research center. Educational center The institution acts as an educational center as it brings knowledge through research and observation of some of the mysteries in space. In addition, it has been utilized to promote human understanding of the solar system. This is important as the ancient understanding of the solar system has changed over the years. yths that arose in the ancient times have been dismissed through better research to provide for a better understanding based on observable research and experiments. This has been achieved by the introduction of telescopes, and other devices that have been instrumental in promoting knowledge on space and astronomy (Lowell Observatory 1). These researches cannot be achieved without the aid advanced astronomical facilities, such as those in Lowell Observatory. These facilities have enabled astronomers to conduct major research on a wide range of astrophysical systems and the solar system. It as also been utilized to observe space through its high resolution telescope. This has also aided astronomers to conduct their research on various astrophysical subjects as well as the solar system and thus promote it as an educational center. These have included studies on planets, their formation, forming of planets around stars and young stars, asteroids, among others (Ribokas 1). In addition, the studies that Lowell institution supports include those focused on investigating Kuiper B elt, which lies beyond the Neptune. The facility also aids studies on variability of the sun, which are essential to meteorology and space technology. Lowell observatory is therefore very important in facilitating investigations on formation of stars, building and customizing Instrumentations, which are utilized in the telescopes. Tourist site The institution also acts as a tourist attraction center, given the services it offers and its unique location in the country. The dark skies provide good sceneries for tourist and this helps them to discover wonders of the solar system. Furthermore, some of the tourists who visit Lowell center usually come to learn about skies and its inclusions. The location of this institution also makes it unique as it lies on the high mountains that provide fresh air, which is renewing to observers. Objects usually viewed near-earth asteroids, meteorites and other heavenly bodies that make up the solar system (Strauss 23). Recreational center Over 700000 people visit the center yearly, some of which come for recreation purposes. This is because, as much as space is a mystery, it is also exiting to watch. Other recreational activities include tours of the space through 3D theatres and views of multimedia shows that are broadcasted in widescreen high definition devices. All these provide exciting site for both children and adults in their quest to understand their world (Ribokas 1). In essence, the facility provides an exclusive site for recreational activities and explorers who are increasingly visiting the institution. Significance of the Lowell Observatory The Lowell Observatory has been important since it aids scientific discoveries and research in the United States and other parts of the world, with regards to astronomy and space. Through its vast and advanced facilities, which include telescopes (that are space based), among others. Astronomers are able to conduct their research on various astrophysical subjects as well as the s olar system. Other areas of concern to astronomers are studies on the planets, formation of planets, forming of planets around stars and young stars. In addition, it has been utilized to promote the human understanding of the solar system. This is important as the ancient understanding of the solar system has changed over the years (Bowell 1). Astronomers are able to conduct their research on various astrophysical subjects as well as the solar system. Other areas of concern to astronomers are studies on the planets, formation of planets, forming of planets around stars and young stars. Still others include studies on asteroids, which include surveys on those that exist near the earth’s surface (Ribokas 1). In addition, the studies the Lowell institution supports include those centered on investigating Kuiper Belt which lies beyond the Neptune. The facility also aids studies on variability of the sun, which are essential to meteorology and space technology. Lowell observatory is very important in facilitation investigations on formation of stars, building and customizing Instrumentations, which are utilized in the telescopes. The institution acts as a tourist site as has been mentioned above. Several people visit the center for recreation purposes over the years. This is because, as much as space is a mystery, it is very exiting to watch. Other recreational activities include tours of the space through 3D theatres and views of multimedia shows that are broadcasted in widescreen high definition devices. All these inclusions are important in establishing the institution as a center for excellence in research and outreach to the public. It is also important to note that the institution acts as a tourist attraction center, since it offers great sceneries and observations through the telescope. In addition, its unique location serves it best in attracting more visitors. For instance, the dark skies provide good sceneries for tourist and this helps them to dis cover the mysteries of the solar system. Conclusion The Lowell Observatory has been influential in aiding scientific discoveries and research in the United States and other parts of the world, with regards to astronomy and space. In addition, it has been utilized to promote the human understanding of the solar system. This is important as the ancient understanding of the solar system has changed over the years. Myths that arose in the ancient times have been diffused to pave way for a better understanding based on observable research and experiments. This has been achieved by the introduction of telescopes, and other devices that have been instrumental in promoting knowledge on space and astronomy (Lowell Observatory 1). These researches cannot be achieved without the aid advanced astronomical facilities. Among these is the Lowell Observatory, located in Arizona, in the United States. This facility has enabled astronomers to conduct major research on a wide range of astrophysical sy stems and the solar system. It as also been utilized to observe the space through its high resolution telescope. Astronomers are able to conduct their research on various astrophysical subjects as well as the solar system. Other areas of concern to astronomers are studies on the planets, formation of planets, forming of planets around stars and young stars. Still others include studies on asteroids, which include surveys on those that exist near the earth’s surface (Ribokas 1). In addition, the studies the Lowell institution supports include those centered on investigating Kuiper Belt which lies beyond the Neptune. The facility also aids studies on variability of the sun, which are essential to meteorology and space technology. Lowell observatory is therefore very essential in facilitating investigations on formation of stars, building and customizing Instrumentations, which are used for telescopes. Works Cited Bowell, Edward. â€Å"The Lowell Observatory Near-Earth-Object S earch (LONEOS): Ten years of asteroid and comet discovery†. What’s Happening Magazine, Space. Web. Lowell Observatory. â€Å"Lowell Observatory: Daily events†. Lowell.edu. Web. Lowell Observatory. â€Å"Lowell Observatory: The Discovery Channel telescope†. Lowell.edu. Web. Lowell Observatory. â€Å"Lowell Observatory: The people’s Observatory†. Lowell.edu. Web. Lowell, William. â€Å"The Explorers of Mars Hill: A Centennial History of Lowell Observatory, 1894-1994†. New Hampshire: Phoenix Publishing, 1994. Ribokas, Bob. â€Å"Lowell Observatory – Flagstaff, Arizona†. Grand Canyon Explorer. Web. Strauss, David. â€Å"Percival Lowell: The Culture and Science of a Boston Brahmin†. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2001. 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buy custom Quality Healthcare essay

buy custom Quality Healthcare essay One of the many barriers that disabled people face is getting quality healthcare. Sure, the government provides healthcare for the disabled, but the quality of healthcare they receive is another issue all together. Many people who are disabled receive inadequate healthcare. They do not receive healthcare that is based on whatever ailment or disability they have. Each individual is unique and should receive healthcare that is geared towards his specific needs. They should not be lumped in a class together. The program that I design will implement healthcare based on the specific needs of the individuals. I would accomplish this goal through education and by forming a partnership between the disabled and healthcare providers that would provide the best quality of life possible. According to an article published in Medical Humanities journal (Dec. 2010), titled Disabled people experience troubling differences and even disparities in healthcare, people with disabilities are often discrim inated against because of their disabilities. Healthcare providers need to be educated through varies resources, so that they can provide better healthcare to the disabled. Through disability studies, healthcare providers will get an idea of what exactly is needed to care for a person with a particular disability. Another article published by Medscape General Medicine journal dabbed: Perceptions of Primary Healthcare Services among People with Physical Disabilities, the authors explored accessibility of quality healthcare in Canada. The sample for the survey was 201 disabled individuals, who were asked to give their opinions about the healthcare they received. In the survey, it was revealed that, disabled women were able to access important screening test, but health promotion services were not offered (Branigan, Stewart, Tardif, Veltman, 2001, p. 19). As we all know, healthcare is a nationwide issue and quality healthcare is needed by all. Healthcare providers need to collaborate with the government to implement laws and obtain funding for programs that will ensure the health needs of disabled individuals are met. Approximately 10% of the global populations are people with disabilities, yet they are amongst the most underserved groups in terms of provision of quality healthcare. For disabled people, the issue of quality of and access to healthcare go hand in hand. Research shows that this population most of the time not only lack the opportunities to involve themselves in healthcare activities, but they do not also have sufficient access to healthcare (National Organization on Disability, 2000). Disabled people spend substantial efforts on educating their physicians regarding their disabilities, at times they feel that the doctors capitalize on their disabilities rather than the health problems they present. Studies carried out in the United States to examine how disabled people perceive access to and quality of medical care, showed that a significant number of respondents perceived numerous challenges with regard to access to the healthcare as compared to the quality. Access barriers for people with disabilities include lack of knowledge with regard to disabilities by healthcare providers, unmet transport needs, being denied health care by doctors because of their disabilities, negative attitudes of physicians towards disabled people, as well as architectural barriers like unreachable examination tables, lack of sufficient ramps in hospitals etc (National Organization on Disability, 2000). The numerous challenges being faced by people with disabilities have been attributed to their extensive healthcare needs, dependence on a wide range of supports and services, as well as their low or fixed incomes. Even with these challenges, little is known about supports and services needed by people with disabilities to enable them to live independently in the society, and the degree at which their needs are met by healthcare providers. This paper explores the challenges facing people with disabilities with regard to healthcare provision and provides solutions to address these challenges in order to facilitate greater participation for persons with disabilities in the society. The Problem Obtaining quality healthcare for people with disabilities has been a critical challenge in the whole world. They face numerous challenges which range from physically inaccessible locations of healthcare providers, unsuitable diagnostic and exam equipments, to failure to amend hospital policies to accommodate the accommodation and communication needs of patients with different disabilities. While a number of federal laws that have been enacted to forbid discrimination against disabled individuals for instance, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which apply even to healthcare institutions, the lack of full enforcement of such laws to date have led to disabled people continually being discriminated against in nearly all aspects of life (National Organization on Disability, 2000). The poor responses received by disabled people when seeking healthcare like the absolute denial of healthcare. Insufficient treatment is attributed to stereotypes and physicians ignorance about people with disabilities, physical/ procedural barriers, and hostility and prejudice. For instance, a deaf patient seeking for healthcare to a particular health issue might be turned away at a hospital door or given a hasty physical exam that fails to detect his or her problem, or even shouted at by healthcare providers for not bringing his own interpreters. Also the false assumption that disabled people live and get their healthcare in nursing homes has led to hospitals having diagnostic and examination equipments that are only suitable for patients who can stand or transfer themselves to tables and chairs. A study carried out in Canada to assess healthcare quality and access to people with disabilities revealed that a considerably large number of people with physical disabilities are having difficulties accessing quality, adequate and proper healthcare services. One third of the 201 respondents interviewed reported having difficulties in accessing the offices, washrooms, and equipments of their family doctors; about one fifth of them felt that their family doctors were either oversensitive or insensitive about their disabilities, and another one fifth felt that the primary healthcare they were receiving was inadequate (Branigan, Stewart, Tardif, Veltman, 2001). The findings for this study with regard to access difficulties are similar to those reported in the U.S., i.e. 38.8% and 34.8% of respondents in Canada and U.S. respectively, reported that they had difficulties in keeping medical appointments because of transportation problems. 26.9% of those interviewed said that doctors were allocating insufficient time for their medical appointments. These results are comparable to one third of American citizens with disabilities who have reported that physicians treat them hastily (Branigan, Stewart, Tardif, Veltman, 2001). The issues of health promotion and maintenance, as well as, sexual and reproductive health are also among the key problems numerous people with physical disabilities face. The survey revealed that only 54.5% of female respondents had received Pap smear tests every 2-3 years or less. Low discussion rates were also reported in the survey with only 28.4% of respondents willing to talk about sexuality, contraception, 17.9%, STDs, 14.4%, and reproductive options only 9.5% (Branigan, Stewart, Tardif, Veltman, 2001). The above low rates reflect the lack of confidence that people with disabilities have in themselves and their doctors abilities to advise them appropriately regarding the various issues affecting them. It is, however, important to note that despite the significant number of disabled patients experiencing numerous challenges in accessing health care, 82.1% of those interviewed said that they were satisfied with the healthcare services provided to them by their family doctors. 1 9.4% however, felt that the services they received were inadequate while another 21.9% though that their disabilities prevented them from receiving proper healthcare (Branigan, Stewart, Tardif, Veltman, 2001). Numerous participants in the survey attributed their unmet healthcare needs to the lack of education and knowledge in relation to disabilities and the services that should be provided for people with dissabilities. In a medical school curriculum for example, very little is taught to medical students about disabilities or how they are treated. The respondents in this study advocated for an inclusion of special education within the curriculum of medical schools so that future doctors will be aware of how to handle patients with disabilities. The implications of these studies are very clear that people with disabilities are facing a lot of challenges in accessing quality healthcare that is appropriate to their diverse needs, and something needs to be done to avert the situation. Addressing the Challenges Facing Disabled People with Regard to Accessing Quality Healthcare It is a fact that people with disabilities around the world are being underserved with regard to healthcare delivery and sweeping changes in the healthcare system are required to address the issue effectively (Drainoni, Lee-Hood, Tobias, Bachman, 2006). Meeting the medical needs of disabled people is the provision of basic healthcare, or the specified clinical needs for those with chronic conditions, and multiple disabilities are a matter of quality and equality. Just as people who are poor, old, young or those coming from a minority ethnic group face numerous challenges in receiving quality health care, people with disabilities experience the same problems, plus additional barriers. According to Garden (2010), the inclusion of special education in the curriculum of medicine schools will enable medical students to learn early enough about disabilities, and how persons with disabilities can be handled medically. This is very important because, it will help future doctors to treat disabled people equally, just like any other patient. Governments should also work closely with healthcare providers to come up with programs that integrate special education in hospitals, i.e. governments should sponsor professional development programs for healthcare providers to train them on disabilities and the medical requirements of people with disabilities. In addition, fully enforcing the anti-discrimination laws by governments will go a long way in reducing if not stopping the prejudice that disabled people face. The government should also fund public hospitals to enable them to fit out themselves with medical equipments that cater for the needs of both able and disable patients . Assuming that the funds are available, the willingness of doctors to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate the disabled is also very important. Physicians should ensure that their offices are accessible to disabled people, i.e. they should purchase examination tables that are adjustable in height and placed properly in examination rooms that accommodate diverse abilities of patients. Doctors should also learn to instill confidence in disabled patients so that they agree to be given certain tests (such as Pap smear) in alternative positions, i.e. in a wheelchair or on the side (Garden, 2010). Physicians should also be more lenient with disabled patients when it comes to keeping appointment time, taking into consideration the difficulty in finding proper transportation services facing disabled people. Though this may not auger well with consultants or doctors in private clinics, who value every minute of their time, they should, however, learn to exercise a little patience for the sake of people with disabilities. In conclusion, doctors should realize that disabled people with disabilities are equally important like any one of us, and they have the right to quality healthcare just like all of us. A change of attitude towards people with disabilities is very important. Once doctors change their attitude, it will be easier to make the above suggested necessary adjustments in order to make their clinics and hospitals more accessible to disabled patients. In addition, the government should be fully committed to providing quality healthcare to all its citizens as well as protec ting the rights of its citizens, including disabled people. They should make sure they enforce anti-discrimination laws, as well as to financially support hospitals and doctors who are willing to make adjustments to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. Buy custom Quality Healthcare essay

Market rate of return Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Market rate of return - Assignment Example If it is observed that the returns are consistently below the SML line, it will mean that the stock is expected to rise, while if the returns are seen to be consistently above the line, then it will mean that the stock is due for a drop. Graphing the SML for a particular stock requires a stock with a beta that is higher than 1 and this usually outperforms the market, while a beta that is less than 1 implies that it underperforms the market (Shanken, 56). The y-intercept of the SML is equal to risk-free rate. The SML slope is equal to market risk premium and it usually reflects the return trade of a given time. Beta is termed as non-diversifiable or systematic risk. Basing on the generated regression line the equation created is=8.375x-0.166 Going by beta values, the security market line indicates that the relationship between return and risk is linear for the individual securities. For instance, increased return= increased risk. Essentially it indicates what return someone needs to e arn on an investment for it to be worth taking, and this is seen to increase with the investment riskiness. The Security Market Line formula is as below: Required Return = Risk Free Rate + (Beta x [Market Return - Risk Free Rate]) Calculate 95% confidence intervals for the slope and y-intercept. SUMMARY OUTPUT Regression Statistics Multiple R 0.997314 R Square 0.994636 Adjusted R Square 0.992848 Standard Error 0.005276 Observations 5 ANOVA Â   df SS MS F Significance F Regression 1 0.015486 0.015486 556.2975 0.000167 Residual 3 8.35E-05 2.78E-05 Total 4 0.01557 Â   Â   Â   Â   Coefficients Standard Error t Stat P-value Lower 95% Upper 95% Lower 95.0% Upper 95.0% Intercept 0.020428 0.004799 4.256403 0.023776 0.005154 0.035702 0.005154 0.035702 X Variable 1 0.118761 0.005035 23.58596 0.000167 0.102737 0.134786 0.102737 0.134786 RESIDUAL OUTPUT Observation Predicted Y Residuals 1 0.04418 0.00582 2 0.079809 -0.00481 3 0.109499 -0.0045 4 0.162942 0.002058 5 0.19857 0.00143 Look up t he current return on one-year Treasury bills/notes as your risk-free rate. Two good sources. In your report, please state your source and the date used. http://fxtrade.oanda.com/analysis/economic-indicators/united-states/rates/yield-curve Date used; November 29, 2013 My risk free rate is 0.05 Given the current risk-free rate, is the regression estimate of your risk-free rate match the actual current risk-free rate? Use confidence intervals to help answer this question. Basing on the confidence interval calculation above, the regression estimate of my risk free rate does not match the actual current risk-free rate because it falls outside the interval or range of 0.10273 and 0.13478 What is the current expected market rate of return (based on your regression)? Basing on my regression, the current expected market rate of return is as below; Using the equation generated from the regression; Y=8.375x-0.166 The current expected market rate of return is equal to X Therefore X=(y+0.166)/8. 375 But we are given Y which is 0.05. The X will now be (0.05+0.166)/8.375=0.02579 Therefore, the current expected market rate of return is 0.02579 Works Cited Shanken, J.On the Estimation of Beta-Pricing Models,"Review of Financial Studies, 5(1), 1{33,1992. Print Shanken, J.,and G.