Article: http://www.physorg.com/news107446364.html
Summary:
Engineers Perfecting Hydrogen-Generating Technology
The engineers are researching on the production of hydrogen by adding water to an alloy. The Purdue researchers are thinking of ways to create particles of the alloy that could be positioned in a tank such that they react with water to produce hydrogen on demand. This technology makes use of water which is added to the alloy of aluminium and gallium; thus, producing hydrogen gas. Professor Jerry Woodall, the brain behind the whole process stated that gallium is used because it prevents oxidation from occurring. The storage and transport of hydrogen is not necessary in this case due to the generation of hydrogen on demand. Acquisition of raw materials, aluminium and gallium, is not of an issue as both can be easily and cheaply obtained. This is useful for large scale production of this technology. Continuation of this research has produced an alloy that gives a more efficient reaction, liberating hydrogen at a faster rate. This technology has the potential to apply in various aspects of our life, such as in vehicles or for commercial use. Hydrogen can be used to run internal combustion engines or even submarines as soon as the technology has been fully developed. The emission of water from the usage of hydrogen is a plus factor for the technology to be fully internalized into our daily life. The Purdue researchers discovered that making the process competitive with conventional energy sources, would require alumina to be recycled back into aluminum using a dedicated infrastructure. However, the recycling of the alumina using the current technology would cost less. The researchers mentioned that further research has to be done to improve the alloy. Furthermore, develop systems for the controlled delivery of hydrogen needs perfecting.
Reference
Purdue University (2007,August 27). Engineers perfecting hydrogen-generating technology. Retrieved November 1,2008, from http://www.physorg.com/news107446364.html
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
W11T1: Brain Mapping
Two articles (given week 8), “A computer that can ‘read’ your mind” and “Ethics and mapping the brain”, describe the positive and negative effects brain mapping could have on society. Imagine you are a researcher (of any topic, brain mapping or otherwise). How would you predict and minimize potential unethical abuses of your work? Use approximately 300 words.
Every emerging technology certainly brings about positive and negative effects on the society. Brain mapping is one of such technologies; used to predict and control people’s thoughts as well as determining mental diseases. This technology can be very helpful in mental illnesses’ treatment, psychological therapy and criminal investigation which are beneficial to hospitals, clinics, as well as to the police. On the other hand, the act of abusing it such as, using it to reveal people’s privacy, making money by giving false fortune telling, can brings about negative impact to human beings. However, I find that brain mapping technology is still considered useful if we are able to use it wisely. Therefore, there must be certain measures to be done in order to carry out this technology safely and effectively.
First of all, there must have a restriction to prevent misusing of brain mapping technology. It will be best if the accessibility of this technology is only given to certain areas such as hospitals, polyclinics, courts and police stations. Also, the operating of this technology can only be given rights to highly trained and educated people such as doctors, polices and law officers. This restriction can limit the number of people who have access to use of this technology and the others will not have the chance to abuse it.
Secondly, we have to make sure that this technology gives accurate prediction so that they will not bring negative impacts to the users even when it is used ethically. Taking the case of the air stewardess, Nancy; she was predicted to develop schizophrenia, a mental disorder which will likely to create a threat to the airline industry. Her license was revoked and was fired. (Marano, 2003) What will happen if the prediction given was not accurate? Nancy will lose her job innocently. Thus, there is a need to make sure that brain mapping technology gives accurate readings in order to help the society.
Thirdly, this technology must be tested and ensured that it is safe to use to prevent any harmful effect to the user. This is very important as we cannot treat human lives as guinea pigs. Thus, numerous testing needs to be done to make sure that the devices used for this technology are reliable.
In conclusion, the above factors need to be considered in order to maximize the results of brain mapping. This will naturally contribute positive results to the society.
References
National Science Foundation. (2008, May 30). A Computer that can ‘read ‘ your mind. Retrieved August 6, 2008, from http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jspcntn_id=111641&org=olpa&from=news
Marano, L. (2003, June 3). Ethics and Mapping the Brain. Washington Times.
Every emerging technology certainly brings about positive and negative effects on the society. Brain mapping is one of such technologies; used to predict and control people’s thoughts as well as determining mental diseases. This technology can be very helpful in mental illnesses’ treatment, psychological therapy and criminal investigation which are beneficial to hospitals, clinics, as well as to the police. On the other hand, the act of abusing it such as, using it to reveal people’s privacy, making money by giving false fortune telling, can brings about negative impact to human beings. However, I find that brain mapping technology is still considered useful if we are able to use it wisely. Therefore, there must be certain measures to be done in order to carry out this technology safely and effectively.
First of all, there must have a restriction to prevent misusing of brain mapping technology. It will be best if the accessibility of this technology is only given to certain areas such as hospitals, polyclinics, courts and police stations. Also, the operating of this technology can only be given rights to highly trained and educated people such as doctors, polices and law officers. This restriction can limit the number of people who have access to use of this technology and the others will not have the chance to abuse it.
Secondly, we have to make sure that this technology gives accurate prediction so that they will not bring negative impacts to the users even when it is used ethically. Taking the case of the air stewardess, Nancy; she was predicted to develop schizophrenia, a mental disorder which will likely to create a threat to the airline industry. Her license was revoked and was fired. (Marano, 2003) What will happen if the prediction given was not accurate? Nancy will lose her job innocently. Thus, there is a need to make sure that brain mapping technology gives accurate readings in order to help the society.
Thirdly, this technology must be tested and ensured that it is safe to use to prevent any harmful effect to the user. This is very important as we cannot treat human lives as guinea pigs. Thus, numerous testing needs to be done to make sure that the devices used for this technology are reliable.
In conclusion, the above factors need to be considered in order to maximize the results of brain mapping. This will naturally contribute positive results to the society.
References
National Science Foundation. (2008, May 30). A Computer that can ‘read ‘ your mind. Retrieved August 6, 2008, from http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jspcntn_id=111641&org=olpa&from=news
Marano, L. (2003, June 3). Ethics and Mapping the Brain. Washington Times.
Writing Assignment 2
(3) Stephens adopt a system framework for solving environmental problems. Is it appropriate for developing countries or countries with limited financial resources to adopt a “system framework” in solving large-scale problems such as environmental problems?
Large-scale problems such as environmental issues pose a serious threat faced by the world today. Deforestation, excessive usage of natural resources such as fuel-based products, air pollution which results from the harmful gases produced by factories and vehicles, as well as the imbalances in the ecosystem, are the major causes of environmental pollution. If these problems persist, the world will be faced with grave concerns of global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, rising sea levels and drastic changes in the global weather. Adopting a system framework is imperative and crucial in solving such problems. A system framework refers to a framework where the people involved view technology as an interdependent component of an organization (eg. society) that impacts on other technologies, activities, organizations, users, decision-makers, and other people. Thus, adopting a system framework for solving large-scale problems, such as environmental-related issues, is beneficial to both developing and developed countries. However, developing countries with limited financial resources might not be the most suitable candidates to adopt this system.
First of all, one important and common factor that influences a society significantly is the use of technology. Developing countries are small and have limited resources available for their use; thus, certain technology requiring large amount of resources will not work in their countries. In Stephen’s article (2006), the carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies used to capture, transport and store carbon dioxide yield great potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Unfortunately, the technology costs are high and require high operating energy, thus a developing country adopting this technology will be likely to fail (Stephen, 2006). A good example is the Ketzin, which is a “dozy village” of 4000 people nestled in the Havel countyside. Ketzin was chosen as “the site of mainland Europe’s first large-scale adopting CCS demonstration project”. However, there is “no news at the moment” that it has made a difference in climate change. This is being predicted to remain the same for the next few years (Putting Carbon, 2006). Consequently, developing countries will benefit more in the long run by using a technology which costs less albeit with less effective results. According to Cathy Majtenyi (2008), nationals in Cambodia use ceramic water purifiers and peat stoves for safe drinking water. Users are satisfied with the “low-tech innovations which require fewer resources, are less expensive and easier to maintain than conventional technologies” (Maiteny, 2008). They have less of an impact on the environment and improve the lives of people in poor countries by saving them time, money, and other resources.
In addition, the financial factor is also an important factor influencing people and their education and employment. Developing countries are financially limited as compared to developed countries, thus developing countries, more often than not, have difficulty in hiring skilled laborers to operate machineries such as in coal-fired power plants, controlled by technology. In order for most technology to attain positive results in contributing to environmental preservation, highly educated technicians and operators are essential to maintain the equipment and to operate it efficiently. Other than that, the education system needs strengthening to educate more skilled laborers. Jacek Podkanski, a senior energy technology specialist says “First comes efficiency, then CCS,” which implies that in order for a country to adopt an advanced technology, there must be a basic supporting skills present and constant maintenance work in order to yield positive contribution to the society (Putting Carbon, 2006). However, hiring skilful laborers from developed countries or training laborers require time and cost. Furthermore, in Lisa’s article (2008), it is stated that there will be job losses in certain sectors when developing countries adjust to the shift from low technology to high technology (Schlein, 2008). Hence, it will be better if developing countries maintain their level of technology used to improve their employment rate and financial state.
Moreover, the economy of developing countries is weaker in contrast with the economies of developed countries. Weaker countries such as China, Brazil, Russia and India do not have the means to solve large-scales problems without aid from richer countries such as the US, Japan and Canada that are in the first place, have been said to be mainly responsible for such issues. Furthermore, to impose such an unnecessary burden on them would cripple their economy when they can focus on trade in order to boost their economy. Mr. Bush, the president of United State, once mentions, "We are in this together. We will come through it together. (We are) confident that the world's major economies can overcome the challenges we face." He was emphasizing that there should be a collective effort between developing and non-developing countries, with richer countries providing more monetary assistance and technology (Wood, 2008).
Even though developing countries are financially limited, a system framework is still important to solve large-scale problems because it is imperative for efforts to bear results. Large-scale problems are often too tedious and unsolvable purely by other means. "Technological progress is ultimately probably the most important driver of incomes, of growth in developing countries," said Andrew Burns, the lead economist at the World Bank, and main author of a recent report on technology in developing nations (Rodgers, 2008). The spread of technology in the developing world will not necessarily bring western-style progress or prosperity. According to Molella of the Lemelson Center (2008), "they're changing these cultures the way they are changing the West” and they don't always have to “serve the purposes of progress”. Therefore, it is “clear that fewer lives are mired in poverty”, and “more are benefiting from the opportunities made possible by the spread of technology” which is needed for “efficiency and effectiveness”, as it is “an integral part of every organization”.(Rodgers,2008)
In conclusion, we are aware that adopting a system framework is a solution to many large-scale problems. However, the reasons mentioned above are limitations as to why it is better for developing countries not to adopt a system framework. Although it might pose a threat to large-scale problems to the world, forcing a system framework on these countries might further aggravate their problems. Therefore, sticking to the same technology works best for developing countries.
References
Majtenyi, Cathy (2008, May 19). Low Technology Solutions Find Favor in Developing World. Voice of America. Retrieved October 19, 2008, from
http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2008-05/2008-05-19-voa25.cfm
Putting the Carbon Back. (2006). pp.620-623
Rodgers, Bill (2008, May 17). Technology Boosts Income, Reduces Poverty In Developing Countries. Voice of America. Retrieved October 19, 2008, from http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2008-05/2008-05-17- voa25.cfm?CFID=54440909&CFTOKEN=15840507
Schlein, Lisa (2008, Sep 24). New Report Finds Green Economy Could Create Millions of Jobs. Voice of America. Retrieved October 19, 2008, from http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-09-24-voa47.cfm
Stephens, J.C (2006). CCS: Research is not enough. In The world energy book. (pp.15-18). London: World Energy Council.
Wood, Barry (2008, Oct 12). Developing and Industrial Countries Endorse Plan to Stabilize Financial Markets. Voice of America. Retrieved October 19, 2008, from http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-10-12-voa6.cfm
Large-scale problems such as environmental issues pose a serious threat faced by the world today. Deforestation, excessive usage of natural resources such as fuel-based products, air pollution which results from the harmful gases produced by factories and vehicles, as well as the imbalances in the ecosystem, are the major causes of environmental pollution. If these problems persist, the world will be faced with grave concerns of global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, rising sea levels and drastic changes in the global weather. Adopting a system framework is imperative and crucial in solving such problems. A system framework refers to a framework where the people involved view technology as an interdependent component of an organization (eg. society) that impacts on other technologies, activities, organizations, users, decision-makers, and other people. Thus, adopting a system framework for solving large-scale problems, such as environmental-related issues, is beneficial to both developing and developed countries. However, developing countries with limited financial resources might not be the most suitable candidates to adopt this system.
First of all, one important and common factor that influences a society significantly is the use of technology. Developing countries are small and have limited resources available for their use; thus, certain technology requiring large amount of resources will not work in their countries. In Stephen’s article (2006), the carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies used to capture, transport and store carbon dioxide yield great potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Unfortunately, the technology costs are high and require high operating energy, thus a developing country adopting this technology will be likely to fail (Stephen, 2006). A good example is the Ketzin, which is a “dozy village” of 4000 people nestled in the Havel countyside. Ketzin was chosen as “the site of mainland Europe’s first large-scale adopting CCS demonstration project”. However, there is “no news at the moment” that it has made a difference in climate change. This is being predicted to remain the same for the next few years (Putting Carbon, 2006). Consequently, developing countries will benefit more in the long run by using a technology which costs less albeit with less effective results. According to Cathy Majtenyi (2008), nationals in Cambodia use ceramic water purifiers and peat stoves for safe drinking water. Users are satisfied with the “low-tech innovations which require fewer resources, are less expensive and easier to maintain than conventional technologies” (Maiteny, 2008). They have less of an impact on the environment and improve the lives of people in poor countries by saving them time, money, and other resources.
In addition, the financial factor is also an important factor influencing people and their education and employment. Developing countries are financially limited as compared to developed countries, thus developing countries, more often than not, have difficulty in hiring skilled laborers to operate machineries such as in coal-fired power plants, controlled by technology. In order for most technology to attain positive results in contributing to environmental preservation, highly educated technicians and operators are essential to maintain the equipment and to operate it efficiently. Other than that, the education system needs strengthening to educate more skilled laborers. Jacek Podkanski, a senior energy technology specialist says “First comes efficiency, then CCS,” which implies that in order for a country to adopt an advanced technology, there must be a basic supporting skills present and constant maintenance work in order to yield positive contribution to the society (Putting Carbon, 2006). However, hiring skilful laborers from developed countries or training laborers require time and cost. Furthermore, in Lisa’s article (2008), it is stated that there will be job losses in certain sectors when developing countries adjust to the shift from low technology to high technology (Schlein, 2008). Hence, it will be better if developing countries maintain their level of technology used to improve their employment rate and financial state.
Moreover, the economy of developing countries is weaker in contrast with the economies of developed countries. Weaker countries such as China, Brazil, Russia and India do not have the means to solve large-scales problems without aid from richer countries such as the US, Japan and Canada that are in the first place, have been said to be mainly responsible for such issues. Furthermore, to impose such an unnecessary burden on them would cripple their economy when they can focus on trade in order to boost their economy. Mr. Bush, the president of United State, once mentions, "We are in this together. We will come through it together. (We are) confident that the world's major economies can overcome the challenges we face." He was emphasizing that there should be a collective effort between developing and non-developing countries, with richer countries providing more monetary assistance and technology (Wood, 2008).
Even though developing countries are financially limited, a system framework is still important to solve large-scale problems because it is imperative for efforts to bear results. Large-scale problems are often too tedious and unsolvable purely by other means. "Technological progress is ultimately probably the most important driver of incomes, of growth in developing countries," said Andrew Burns, the lead economist at the World Bank, and main author of a recent report on technology in developing nations (Rodgers, 2008). The spread of technology in the developing world will not necessarily bring western-style progress or prosperity. According to Molella of the Lemelson Center (2008), "they're changing these cultures the way they are changing the West” and they don't always have to “serve the purposes of progress”. Therefore, it is “clear that fewer lives are mired in poverty”, and “more are benefiting from the opportunities made possible by the spread of technology” which is needed for “efficiency and effectiveness”, as it is “an integral part of every organization”.(Rodgers,2008)
In conclusion, we are aware that adopting a system framework is a solution to many large-scale problems. However, the reasons mentioned above are limitations as to why it is better for developing countries not to adopt a system framework. Although it might pose a threat to large-scale problems to the world, forcing a system framework on these countries might further aggravate their problems. Therefore, sticking to the same technology works best for developing countries.
References
Majtenyi, Cathy (2008, May 19). Low Technology Solutions Find Favor in Developing World. Voice of America. Retrieved October 19, 2008, from
http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2008-05/2008-05-19-voa25.cfm
Putting the Carbon Back. (2006). pp.620-623
Rodgers, Bill (2008, May 17). Technology Boosts Income, Reduces Poverty In Developing Countries. Voice of America. Retrieved October 19, 2008, from http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2008-05/2008-05-17- voa25.cfm?CFID=54440909&CFTOKEN=15840507
Schlein, Lisa (2008, Sep 24). New Report Finds Green Economy Could Create Millions of Jobs. Voice of America. Retrieved October 19, 2008, from http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-09-24-voa47.cfm
Stephens, J.C (2006). CCS: Research is not enough. In The world energy book. (pp.15-18). London: World Energy Council.
Wood, Barry (2008, Oct 12). Developing and Industrial Countries Endorse Plan to Stabilize Financial Markets. Voice of America. Retrieved October 19, 2008, from http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-10-12-voa6.cfm
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Ethics of Climate Change: Pay Now or Pay More later? - By John Broome
(1) Broome maintains that how we deal with climate change in our generation is an ethical issue. Do you agree that our decisions and actions relating to climate change are ethical issues? Give your reasons and support them with clear evidence.
The nation’s discussions of climate change and its impacts have evolved significantly over the past several years. The rising of sea-levels, global warming, deforestation, the imbalanced of eco-system and pollutions are some major examples of environmental problems that the Earth is prone to face if measures to protect the environment are not done. This may in turn, results in massive lost of human’s and animal’s lives. Statistics have shown that “The European heat wave of 2003 is estimated to have killed 35,000 people” and “In 1998 floods in China adversely affected 240 million.” (Broome,2008). Such unbelievable figures are indeed shocking and contributed to a large percentage of the annual death toll. There is now a clearer image that climate change is occurring and that human activities are primarily responsible for such impacts. However, there are other reasons contributing to climate change are ethical issues.
Personal transportation has become a common trend in the world. Nowadays, many people chose to drive to work or school when their destination is just within walking distance. Public transports such as MRT and LRT are considered ‘troublesome’ to many even though they are cheap and less polluting compared to cars. It is undeniable that having a personal transport is much more accessible compared to public transport and the time taken to reach their destination is faster. However, driving cars produce harmful gases that results in air pollution and this thus contribute to the climate change in long term. This is considered an ethical issue as one’s benefits resulting in the harm of another. Therefore, one should try to compensate by helping the other, which is in this case the ‘environment’, by walking on certain days if distance is assessable. One can also compensate in another way by doing voluntary work to compensate others that are affected by the pollution.
National day is a yearly event held in every country. During this day, the people in the country will celebrate the country’s birthday with fireworks, performances, helicopters, airplanes and parachutes. Fireworks cause great amount of pollution to the air; performances which requires many materials to enhance the event, contributes to land pollution when disposed of waste is at a faster rate than it can be cleared. In addition to air pollution, airplanes and helicopters produced large amount of smoke into the air. This brings about drastic change in climate as it is observed that the following day would normally be a rainy day. This ethical issue of sacrificing the damages to the Earth in exchange of a memorable day requires compensation and sustaining of individual’s effort in saving the Earth. The government should build more power plants in the country to improve the clarity of air. More landfill areas can also be built to mitigate land pollution. Individual can help to play apart by not littering and picking up litters found on land.
In office, papers are usually thrown away when printed incorrectly or when reports are of no use. This results in wastage of papers thus killing many trees. One can play a part by promoting the recycling, reducing and reusing campaign, as well as proposing to the government to plant more trees. The ethics in this case is to contribute but not accepting anything in return.
Global warming undeniably is an ethical issue that we must face no matter in the present situation or in the future. Greenhouse gases have already been admitted into continues to warm the climate system. We can only reduce the cause affecting global warming but we cannot totally remove it permanently by any means. Therefore, future climate change is inevitable.
In conclusion, I agree that our decisions and actions relating to climate change are ethical issues through there are undeniable issues as well. I believed that decisions and actions over the next decade will have a significant influence on the magnitude of future climate change and our ability to adapt to its impacts.
The nation’s discussions of climate change and its impacts have evolved significantly over the past several years. The rising of sea-levels, global warming, deforestation, the imbalanced of eco-system and pollutions are some major examples of environmental problems that the Earth is prone to face if measures to protect the environment are not done. This may in turn, results in massive lost of human’s and animal’s lives. Statistics have shown that “The European heat wave of 2003 is estimated to have killed 35,000 people” and “In 1998 floods in China adversely affected 240 million.” (Broome,2008). Such unbelievable figures are indeed shocking and contributed to a large percentage of the annual death toll. There is now a clearer image that climate change is occurring and that human activities are primarily responsible for such impacts. However, there are other reasons contributing to climate change are ethical issues.
Personal transportation has become a common trend in the world. Nowadays, many people chose to drive to work or school when their destination is just within walking distance. Public transports such as MRT and LRT are considered ‘troublesome’ to many even though they are cheap and less polluting compared to cars. It is undeniable that having a personal transport is much more accessible compared to public transport and the time taken to reach their destination is faster. However, driving cars produce harmful gases that results in air pollution and this thus contribute to the climate change in long term. This is considered an ethical issue as one’s benefits resulting in the harm of another. Therefore, one should try to compensate by helping the other, which is in this case the ‘environment’, by walking on certain days if distance is assessable. One can also compensate in another way by doing voluntary work to compensate others that are affected by the pollution.
National day is a yearly event held in every country. During this day, the people in the country will celebrate the country’s birthday with fireworks, performances, helicopters, airplanes and parachutes. Fireworks cause great amount of pollution to the air; performances which requires many materials to enhance the event, contributes to land pollution when disposed of waste is at a faster rate than it can be cleared. In addition to air pollution, airplanes and helicopters produced large amount of smoke into the air. This brings about drastic change in climate as it is observed that the following day would normally be a rainy day. This ethical issue of sacrificing the damages to the Earth in exchange of a memorable day requires compensation and sustaining of individual’s effort in saving the Earth. The government should build more power plants in the country to improve the clarity of air. More landfill areas can also be built to mitigate land pollution. Individual can help to play apart by not littering and picking up litters found on land.
In office, papers are usually thrown away when printed incorrectly or when reports are of no use. This results in wastage of papers thus killing many trees. One can play a part by promoting the recycling, reducing and reusing campaign, as well as proposing to the government to plant more trees. The ethics in this case is to contribute but not accepting anything in return.
Global warming undeniably is an ethical issue that we must face no matter in the present situation or in the future. Greenhouse gases have already been admitted into continues to warm the climate system. We can only reduce the cause affecting global warming but we cannot totally remove it permanently by any means. Therefore, future climate change is inevitable.
In conclusion, I agree that our decisions and actions relating to climate change are ethical issues through there are undeniable issues as well. I believed that decisions and actions over the next decade will have a significant influence on the magnitude of future climate change and our ability to adapt to its impacts.
Reference
Broome,J.(2008,May 19). The Ethics of Climate Change. Scientific American Magazine.
Retrieved August 5,2008, from http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=the-ethics-of-climate-change&ec=b_at11
Broome,J.(2008,May 19). The Ethics of Climate Change. Scientific American Magazine.
Retrieved August 5,2008, from http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=the-ethics-of-climate-change&ec=b_at11
Friday, October 31, 2008
Radical Plans for Waste Could Herald a Big Clean-up -By Joanna Collins
1. Briefly compare and contrast any two waste disposal schemes (eg. zero waste and landfilling, landfilling and using incinerators or any other methods you know) and decide which one might be more suitable for your country.
As the state of technology advances, standards of living have improved, along with the larger increases in production and consumption of goods and materials. This results in the great generation of waste, which in turn causes soil contamination, the depletion of natural resources, air and water pollution, global warming and a generation of stench. Domestic, commercial and industrial waste, along with littering and illegal dumping, places enormous pressure on the natural environment. It has been predicted that the amount of rubbish contributed from households will be doubled by the year 2020 to approximately 40 million tones per year (Collins, 2002). Such an enormous figure would definitely shock many who are still unaware of the amount of waste that they are producing. Thus, there is certainly a need to adopt a disposal scheme to reduce waste dramatically, in order to save the world from adverse impacts.
There are two waste disposal schemes – zero waste and landfilling. Each may be suitable for a country to solve their waste disposal problems. Zero waste is a waste disposal scheme that aims to guide people in recycling materials, such that waste is reused to reach the aim of reducing waste to zero. Another method of waste disposal is landfilling. A landfill is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial and it is the oldest form of waste treatment. Landfills are often constructed in low lying areas and built in cells that may encompass from 50 to 150 acres, thus, creating a landfill is generally unsuitable in Singapore due to the limited area of land. Moreover, building a landfill in Singapore is typically unattractive as the waste generates odor that can often be detected outside the boundaries. This leads to the unwanted attraction of birds, insects and other wildlife to the site and creates a negative tourist image. On the other hand, the recycling of materials does not require large amount of land and does not create pollution to the environment. Dry recyclables such as bottles, cans and plastics are much easier to carry out and provides a clean and green image. Thus, with regards to the limited land of Singapore and to reduce pollutions for better tourist attraction, the zero waste disposal scheme would be more appropriate.
Besides recycling materials, creating public awareness by reducing waste is necessary by encouraging the participation of Singaporeans in the zero waste scheme. For example, getting customers to engage in a shopping centre’s recycling program could mean that they are encouraged to avoid getting multiple plastic bags or paper bags. This can help to reduce the use of non-biodegradable plastics which is harmful to the Earth’s ozone layer. Moreover, such programs are cost effective and yet there are funds to be made too. According to Robin Murray, a leading zero-waste economist in Britain, “resource recovery facilities and exchange networks were found to be turning waste into an asset, creating small business opportunities and employment in struggling communities.” (Collins, 2002) It would means that a zero waste scheme is able to create more employments in the country. Alternatively, the development of landfill infrastructure and maintenance of the land is cost effective. Furthermore, there is a need to train landfill staff to operate such a system. Therefore, in terms of financial and employment side, zero waste disposal scheme proves to be a better option to a country.
Most of the new landfills are designed and built to store waste, which is thought to be a safe containment of garbage. The landfill can accommodate large amount of waste which can be cleared in a short period of time. However, zero waste disposals take a longer time to recycle the waste. The landfills that are closed have certain beneficial such as sites for golf-courses and ski-mountains. Therefore, in order to clear a large amount of waste in a short time, adopting a landfilling scheme is more appropriate.
In conclusion, there are pros and cons of developing a zero waste scheme or landfilling scheme. The zero waste disposals scheme is inexpensive, clean and environmental friendly but slow and provides lesser output as compared to the use of landfilling or incineration. On the other hand, the landfilling scheme is fast and efficient but cost effective, land consuming and creates pollution. However, to adopt a waste disposal scheme in Singapore, the best option is still the zero waste disposals scheme. Singapore is a small country with limited land and does not produce large amount of waste as compared to other bigger countries like Britain, New Zealand and Canada. In addition, it can reduce pollution, making Singapore a better tourist attraction site.
As the state of technology advances, standards of living have improved, along with the larger increases in production and consumption of goods and materials. This results in the great generation of waste, which in turn causes soil contamination, the depletion of natural resources, air and water pollution, global warming and a generation of stench. Domestic, commercial and industrial waste, along with littering and illegal dumping, places enormous pressure on the natural environment. It has been predicted that the amount of rubbish contributed from households will be doubled by the year 2020 to approximately 40 million tones per year (Collins, 2002). Such an enormous figure would definitely shock many who are still unaware of the amount of waste that they are producing. Thus, there is certainly a need to adopt a disposal scheme to reduce waste dramatically, in order to save the world from adverse impacts.
There are two waste disposal schemes – zero waste and landfilling. Each may be suitable for a country to solve their waste disposal problems. Zero waste is a waste disposal scheme that aims to guide people in recycling materials, such that waste is reused to reach the aim of reducing waste to zero. Another method of waste disposal is landfilling. A landfill is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial and it is the oldest form of waste treatment. Landfills are often constructed in low lying areas and built in cells that may encompass from 50 to 150 acres, thus, creating a landfill is generally unsuitable in Singapore due to the limited area of land. Moreover, building a landfill in Singapore is typically unattractive as the waste generates odor that can often be detected outside the boundaries. This leads to the unwanted attraction of birds, insects and other wildlife to the site and creates a negative tourist image. On the other hand, the recycling of materials does not require large amount of land and does not create pollution to the environment. Dry recyclables such as bottles, cans and plastics are much easier to carry out and provides a clean and green image. Thus, with regards to the limited land of Singapore and to reduce pollutions for better tourist attraction, the zero waste disposal scheme would be more appropriate.
Besides recycling materials, creating public awareness by reducing waste is necessary by encouraging the participation of Singaporeans in the zero waste scheme. For example, getting customers to engage in a shopping centre’s recycling program could mean that they are encouraged to avoid getting multiple plastic bags or paper bags. This can help to reduce the use of non-biodegradable plastics which is harmful to the Earth’s ozone layer. Moreover, such programs are cost effective and yet there are funds to be made too. According to Robin Murray, a leading zero-waste economist in Britain, “resource recovery facilities and exchange networks were found to be turning waste into an asset, creating small business opportunities and employment in struggling communities.” (Collins, 2002) It would means that a zero waste scheme is able to create more employments in the country. Alternatively, the development of landfill infrastructure and maintenance of the land is cost effective. Furthermore, there is a need to train landfill staff to operate such a system. Therefore, in terms of financial and employment side, zero waste disposal scheme proves to be a better option to a country.
Most of the new landfills are designed and built to store waste, which is thought to be a safe containment of garbage. The landfill can accommodate large amount of waste which can be cleared in a short period of time. However, zero waste disposals take a longer time to recycle the waste. The landfills that are closed have certain beneficial such as sites for golf-courses and ski-mountains. Therefore, in order to clear a large amount of waste in a short time, adopting a landfilling scheme is more appropriate.
In conclusion, there are pros and cons of developing a zero waste scheme or landfilling scheme. The zero waste disposals scheme is inexpensive, clean and environmental friendly but slow and provides lesser output as compared to the use of landfilling or incineration. On the other hand, the landfilling scheme is fast and efficient but cost effective, land consuming and creates pollution. However, to adopt a waste disposal scheme in Singapore, the best option is still the zero waste disposals scheme. Singapore is a small country with limited land and does not produce large amount of waste as compared to other bigger countries like Britain, New Zealand and Canada. In addition, it can reduce pollution, making Singapore a better tourist attraction site.
Reference
Collins, J. (2002, Oct 3rd). Radical plans for waste could herald a big clean-up. TheGuardian Weekly. P25.
Collins, J. (2002, Oct 3rd). Radical plans for waste could herald a big clean-up. TheGuardian Weekly. P25.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
W9T2: Difficulties Faced in Engineering Classes
What difficulties do you have writing in your engineering classes? How will you continue to improve? Use approximately 300 words.
I have difficulty in writing my lab report for one of my module, Introduction to Biotransport. Most of the time, I could think of the answers to a question but I could not express myself well enough to write out a flowing paragraph. For example, “What is the limitation to this viscosity experiment?” In my mind, I could think of the necessary answers such as the equipment provided is not high-tech enough, parallax error, human recording errors etc. I could list out the points contributing to this limitation but to explain it in a reporting style, I always have a hard time figuring out what to write and elaborate on and most of the time, my sentences for report writing are very choppy.
To resolve this difficulty, I will normally list out my answers in point form and then, I will try to link one or two points together and form it into a sentence. After that, I will try to think of the possible consequences to the points mention in the sentences. Next, I will reconstruct the sentences formed previously such that the consequences are linked with the main reason. To link most of the points together smoothly, I will have to use a few transition signals to make the sentences less choppy and more flowing.
An example of an answer to the above question showing the reason, cause and consequence, ‘due to the weak attachment of the stopcock to the bottle cap, there might be possible water leakage from the point of attachment and thus the flow rate Q calculated will be lower than the actual value. Hence, the calculated value of the viscosity will be higher than the accurate value.’
To improve my writing further, I will read up reports online and try to learn the technique and tone of writing a good report. I will improve my writing by going through the report a few times. As the lab report for the module is done in a group of four, I will then send to everyone and ask for their comment before doing a final edit. Some times, they will help me to correct some of my commonly made grammatical mistakes.
I have difficulty in writing my lab report for one of my module, Introduction to Biotransport. Most of the time, I could think of the answers to a question but I could not express myself well enough to write out a flowing paragraph. For example, “What is the limitation to this viscosity experiment?” In my mind, I could think of the necessary answers such as the equipment provided is not high-tech enough, parallax error, human recording errors etc. I could list out the points contributing to this limitation but to explain it in a reporting style, I always have a hard time figuring out what to write and elaborate on and most of the time, my sentences for report writing are very choppy.
To resolve this difficulty, I will normally list out my answers in point form and then, I will try to link one or two points together and form it into a sentence. After that, I will try to think of the possible consequences to the points mention in the sentences. Next, I will reconstruct the sentences formed previously such that the consequences are linked with the main reason. To link most of the points together smoothly, I will have to use a few transition signals to make the sentences less choppy and more flowing.
An example of an answer to the above question showing the reason, cause and consequence, ‘due to the weak attachment of the stopcock to the bottle cap, there might be possible water leakage from the point of attachment and thus the flow rate Q calculated will be lower than the actual value. Hence, the calculated value of the viscosity will be higher than the accurate value.’
To improve my writing further, I will read up reports online and try to learn the technique and tone of writing a good report. I will improve my writing by going through the report a few times. As the lab report for the module is done in a group of four, I will then send to everyone and ask for their comment before doing a final edit. Some times, they will help me to correct some of my commonly made grammatical mistakes.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
W7T1: Summarising a Word Article
Read and summarise a 500-1000 word article related to the 14 grand challenges for engineering.
Article :
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/feb/15/technological.challenges
Summary
The human race will be facing some of its biggest challenges in the predicted next 50 years. The prediction by futurologists on the rapid rate of progress which will increase by 30 fold in the next 50 years will be the catalyst for challenges such as reversing the effects of ageing, reprogramming genes to prevent diseases and producing clean energy. Also, such rapid rate of progress will have much impact on the condition of living of us humans. To name a few, better understanding of our genes leading to personalization of medicines and thus longer, healthier lives and more environmentally sustainable ways of living. A group of scientists, entrepreneurs and thinkers convened by the US National Academy of Engineering (NAE) to identify future life changing problems believes that the growing and expending population is causing an immediate problem in sustaining life in the continuing advancement while taking into consideration the improvement of the quality of life. The topic of the usage of clean energy was a priority. The group has identified as sunshine being the most feasible energy for us to tap and they believe that it is possible for us to meet 100% of our energy needs by only capturing one part in 10,000 of the sunlight that falls on Earth. Besides clean energy, clean water and personalization of medicine is a top issue. The insufficient supply of water in many regions of the world is still a problem. And the discussion of how we should use the recent success in sequencing of the human genome to develop methods such as enabling doctors to forecast the benefits and side effects of potential treatments or cures of individuals. As said by Ray Kurzweil, the technique of modifying behavior of genes will enable us to control progression of disease and ageing. Lastly, the advancement of computer intelligence would enable automated diagnosis and prescriptions for treatment as they predict that non-biological intelligence will surpass that of human intelligence. However, experts said that economic and political will, will be the main drive in meeting the challenges.
Article :
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/feb/15/technological.challenges
Summary
The human race will be facing some of its biggest challenges in the predicted next 50 years. The prediction by futurologists on the rapid rate of progress which will increase by 30 fold in the next 50 years will be the catalyst for challenges such as reversing the effects of ageing, reprogramming genes to prevent diseases and producing clean energy. Also, such rapid rate of progress will have much impact on the condition of living of us humans. To name a few, better understanding of our genes leading to personalization of medicines and thus longer, healthier lives and more environmentally sustainable ways of living. A group of scientists, entrepreneurs and thinkers convened by the US National Academy of Engineering (NAE) to identify future life changing problems believes that the growing and expending population is causing an immediate problem in sustaining life in the continuing advancement while taking into consideration the improvement of the quality of life. The topic of the usage of clean energy was a priority. The group has identified as sunshine being the most feasible energy for us to tap and they believe that it is possible for us to meet 100% of our energy needs by only capturing one part in 10,000 of the sunlight that falls on Earth. Besides clean energy, clean water and personalization of medicine is a top issue. The insufficient supply of water in many regions of the world is still a problem. And the discussion of how we should use the recent success in sequencing of the human genome to develop methods such as enabling doctors to forecast the benefits and side effects of potential treatments or cures of individuals. As said by Ray Kurzweil, the technique of modifying behavior of genes will enable us to control progression of disease and ageing. Lastly, the advancement of computer intelligence would enable automated diagnosis and prescriptions for treatment as they predict that non-biological intelligence will surpass that of human intelligence. However, experts said that economic and political will, will be the main drive in meeting the challenges.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Reflection
Time flies, in a split second it is now the recess week which actually means that we are half way through the semester! This past six weeks in EG1471 has been very meaningful to me. I have learnt a lot from writing to speaking. When writing, I have learnt the techniques and ways to make your essay looks eye-catchy. The ways of using tenses, verb, vocabulary, pronouns, prepositions and article when writing and also the using of different types of sentence structure in an essays. For speaking, I have learnt the correct pronunciations of words which did not came to my mind that I have been mispronouncing it in the past. For example, the word ‘sword’ is pronounce as ‘sort’, ‘salmon’ is pronounce as ‘saymon’ etc.
For the next half of the semester, I will like to improve my writing further. I want to reduce the grammatical mistake I am always making when writing, Other than that, I will want to improve my speaking skills and talk in a more confident tone. Last but not least, I hope to score well for my final English paper to make up for the recent text editing test which I have done badly.
For the next half of the semester, I will like to improve my writing further. I want to reduce the grammatical mistake I am always making when writing, Other than that, I will want to improve my speaking skills and talk in a more confident tone. Last but not least, I hope to score well for my final English paper to make up for the recent text editing test which I have done badly.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Writting Assignment 1
One of the sub-challenges listed in [1] was overcoming people’s “resistance to new ways of doing things.” Understanding the reasons for resistance will very likely help engineers overcome it. Briefly explain why you think people resist new technology.
According to the article by the National Academy of Engineering (2008), engineering has been a great propelling force of civilization. As the world’s human population grows and the standard of living improves exponentially, technology is progressing towards a more advanced state in order to cater to the ever increasing human needs. Therefore, the human race has been in tandem with learning and upgrading of skills to match the rapid technological advancements. However, most people are not motivated to learn new things or skills. The first reason is their sluggishness. They seem to have this mentality that the technology that they are familiar with will satisfy their current state of work, thus finding it unnecessary to upgrade themselves. Others would feel that learning new technology is a waste of time as they believe that it might not perform better as compared to the old technology that they are currently using. Others would find it embarrassing, being asked to start over again and learn new things at such an old age as compared to young teenagers who are technologically savvy. Peer pressure from bad company would also influence their mindset which leads them to give up on their opportunity to learn and upgrade themselves. Other than anthropogenic factors, environmental and political factors also play a part in discouraging people from upgrading themselves to better meet the demands in their working counter. Certain countries do not have the luxury of having a high standard of living and thus it restricts them from implementing new technology. Even if they choose to invest in better technologies, the cost of sustaining such investments could pose another problem. In addition, these countries might not have the funds to hire skilled technicians to train and educated their citizens. In conclusion, these factors mentioned above contribute largely to the reason why people and countries remain adamant against new technologies. Therefore, engineers should get to the root of the problems mentioned above before attempting to implement new technology for the world.
References
[Online document] Feb 2008. Introduction to the grand challenges of engineering. National Academy of Engineering Retrieved June 3, 2008, from http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9221.aspx
According to the article by the National Academy of Engineering (2008), engineering has been a great propelling force of civilization. As the world’s human population grows and the standard of living improves exponentially, technology is progressing towards a more advanced state in order to cater to the ever increasing human needs. Therefore, the human race has been in tandem with learning and upgrading of skills to match the rapid technological advancements. However, most people are not motivated to learn new things or skills. The first reason is their sluggishness. They seem to have this mentality that the technology that they are familiar with will satisfy their current state of work, thus finding it unnecessary to upgrade themselves. Others would feel that learning new technology is a waste of time as they believe that it might not perform better as compared to the old technology that they are currently using. Others would find it embarrassing, being asked to start over again and learn new things at such an old age as compared to young teenagers who are technologically savvy. Peer pressure from bad company would also influence their mindset which leads them to give up on their opportunity to learn and upgrade themselves. Other than anthropogenic factors, environmental and political factors also play a part in discouraging people from upgrading themselves to better meet the demands in their working counter. Certain countries do not have the luxury of having a high standard of living and thus it restricts them from implementing new technology. Even if they choose to invest in better technologies, the cost of sustaining such investments could pose another problem. In addition, these countries might not have the funds to hire skilled technicians to train and educated their citizens. In conclusion, these factors mentioned above contribute largely to the reason why people and countries remain adamant against new technologies. Therefore, engineers should get to the root of the problems mentioned above before attempting to implement new technology for the world.
References
[Online document] Feb 2008. Introduction to the grand challenges of engineering. National Academy of Engineering Retrieved June 3, 2008, from http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9221.aspx
W5T2: Common Grammatical Mistakes Made
Identify 1 of your common grammar mistakes and explain how the grammatical structure should be used correctly in 200-300 words. In addition, include a practice exercise or activity related to the grammatical structure.
The most common grammatical mistake I made when writing, is the using of tenses. I always have difficulties differentiating whether the sentence is in the present simple, present perfect, past simple or past perfect. Also, I will tend to make small mistakes in singular and pural form.
For example, “He treat his employees like slave” and “He treats his employees like slaves”. Which sentence do you think is the correct one? The second sentence is correct as the “He” is singular and “employees” is plural hence there should be a “s” behind the “treat” and a “s” behind the “slaves” respectively.
I find that the perfect tense is the hardest to learn as it is rarely used when speaking English. In the past, I do not know the difference between “I have eaten my breakfast” and “I ate my breakfast” as both are referring to the past. So how do you differentiate the different types of tenses to be use when writing?
For example, the sentence: “I have done something wrong". It is using a present perfect tense which means that you just discovered you have done something wrong. As for this sentence: "I did something wrong". It is using a past tense which means u did something wrong in the past. The other perfect aspects such as past perfect, for instances "I had done something wrong" means that you had already did something wrong in the past. Lastly, for future perfect, for example "I will have done something wrong" means that you have not done anything wrong but you are about to do something wrong.
Learning the use of tenses and applying it when writing is different. I find that constant reading and writing is required in order to master the skills of making less error in tenses.
Below is the practice I have taken from ITSELF. Maybe you can have a look and try it out too. Enjoy =)
Practice(ITSELF/Tenses/SELF Worksheets for Verb Tenses
Advanced Level
Rats!
Of all man’s natural enemies, the one which has caused him more trouble than any other must be the common rat. For centuries, man (1) _has been trying_ (try), in vain, to solve the problem of rats. The ancient Egyptians (2) _were_ (be) probably the first people to try to get rid of them with poison, and this method (3) __will still be used__ (still be used) today. This says a great deal about how effective this method (4) __was__ (be). We have set innumerable and ingenious traps, from simple wires to complicated machines which drowned the rats in beer! We (5) ___have used___ (use) gas, water and fire. We have tried to electrocute them and to infect them with specially developed germs. We've even tried to breed super‑cats to kill them. However, we are still losing the battle.
One of the first records we have of the problem of rats was in 1347 when some Italian ships (6) ___has carried___ (carry) rats from the Black Sea back to Italy. Soon, the citizens (7) __were complaining__ (complain) of painful dark marks on their skin. Soon after that, they were dead. This was the beginning of the 'Black Death' which killed 25 million people in only three years. For centuries, the same disease, also called the plague, would wipe out thousands of people from time to time and in different places. Thankfully, this is a problem that man (8) __has to overcome__ (almost overcome). Plague today (9) __is___ (be) not the threat it used to be. Only a few countries in the world (10) _are still having__ (still have) an occasional death caused by the plague. However, the rat is still alive and healthy.
Although the problem of plague has been contained, the rat is still man’s number one enemy. This year, in the United States alone, rats will bite thousands of humans, causing disease, despair and terror. They (11) __will destroyed__ (destroy) well over a billion dollars worth of property. In a world constantly suffering from famine, rats will destroy approximately a fifth of all food crops planted. In India alone, they (12) _will deprive_ (deprive) hungry people of enough grain to fill a train more than 2,000 kilometres long. In all of Asia, rats (13) __ate__ (eat) 48 million tons of rice a year, enough food to feed a quarter of a billion people. Around the world, rats will spread at least 20 kinds of disease, and in several tropical countries their population will suddenly explode and completely destroy the land.
'When we speak of rats,' (14) __explained__ (explain) one leading scientist, 'we are speaking of the most numerous and successful mammal on earth, perhaps including man! When we talk about rat control, we're talking about human survival.'
So why can't man, with all his scientific knowledge, manage to overcome a mere animal like the rat? The answer is simply that the rat isn't a 'mere' animal ‑ it (15) __is__ (be) a very special kind of animal. An average rat can: wriggle through a hole no larger than a S$1 coin; climb a brick wall as if it (16) __is climbing__ (climb) steps; swim for one kilometre and then tread water for three days; chew through lead pipes and metal bars with teeth that can exert an unbelievable 1,691 kilograms per square centimetre; happily leave a building by being flushed down the toilet, and then return the same way; jump from a fifth storey window and run away unharmed; and last but certainly not least, multiply so rapidly that a single pair could have 15,000 babies in one year!!
Perhaps the best example of how 'special' these creatures (17) __are_ (be) is found on the island of Engebi, in the Western Pacific. For many years, the United States tested its nuclear weapons on this island. The rat was “completely” destroyed by repeated nuclear explosions. A few years after the explosions (18) _stopped__ (stop), scientists visited the island and found it was alive with rats. The rats were not injured or weakened in any way. On the contrary, their life spans were longer and, if anything, they were larger and stronger than other rats. It (19) _seems_ (seem) that the most deadly weapon that people can create actually (20) __improves__ (improve) the health of our oldest enemy!
In addition to all these physical qualities, we also have the problem that rats are rather good at (21) _not getting caught_ (not get caught). They seem to have an almost supernatural ability to sense when food (22) __is poisoned_ (be poisoned) (even as little as one part in a million) and a suspicious rat will starve before it (23) _eats__ (eat) poisoned food. They also seem to be able to recognize a trap with no real difficulty.
To overcome these abilities of the rat, we now use a huge variety of weapons, both sophisticated and simple. We (24) _are experimenting_ (experiment) with chemicals, radiation, high‑frequency sound, and even super‑glue! There is now a machine on the market which (25) __claimed__ (claim) to grab the rat, electrocute it and neatly seal it in a plastic bag. However, the simplest method (26) __is__ (be) probably also the oldest, a strong wooden club. It (27) __proves_ (prove) very effective in Bombay, India. Every night, the rat‑catchers take to the streets armed with such a club. They find a rat with the beam of their torch, crack it over the head, pick it up with their toes and drop it into a sack. In total, they (28) __kill__ (kill) 4,000 a night, which (29) __is__(be) a mere drop in the ocean. One thing (30) __looks__ (look) certain, we had better find a way to defeat these small brown creatures soon, or it may be too late. In the age‑old battle between rats and people, the rats are perhaps beginning to win!
Reference
[Online document] SELF Worksheets for Verb Tenses. Retrieved September 10, 2008, from http://courses.nus.edu.sg/courseware/ITSELF
The most common grammatical mistake I made when writing, is the using of tenses. I always have difficulties differentiating whether the sentence is in the present simple, present perfect, past simple or past perfect. Also, I will tend to make small mistakes in singular and pural form.
For example, “He treat his employees like slave” and “He treats his employees like slaves”. Which sentence do you think is the correct one? The second sentence is correct as the “He” is singular and “employees” is plural hence there should be a “s” behind the “treat” and a “s” behind the “slaves” respectively.
I find that the perfect tense is the hardest to learn as it is rarely used when speaking English. In the past, I do not know the difference between “I have eaten my breakfast” and “I ate my breakfast” as both are referring to the past. So how do you differentiate the different types of tenses to be use when writing?
For example, the sentence: “I have done something wrong". It is using a present perfect tense which means that you just discovered you have done something wrong. As for this sentence: "I did something wrong". It is using a past tense which means u did something wrong in the past. The other perfect aspects such as past perfect, for instances "I had done something wrong" means that you had already did something wrong in the past. Lastly, for future perfect, for example "I will have done something wrong" means that you have not done anything wrong but you are about to do something wrong.
Learning the use of tenses and applying it when writing is different. I find that constant reading and writing is required in order to master the skills of making less error in tenses.
Below is the practice I have taken from ITSELF. Maybe you can have a look and try it out too. Enjoy =)
Practice(ITSELF/Tenses/SELF Worksheets for Verb Tenses
Advanced Level
Rats!
Of all man’s natural enemies, the one which has caused him more trouble than any other must be the common rat. For centuries, man (1) _has been trying_ (try), in vain, to solve the problem of rats. The ancient Egyptians (2) _were_ (be) probably the first people to try to get rid of them with poison, and this method (3) __will still be used__ (still be used) today. This says a great deal about how effective this method (4) __was__ (be). We have set innumerable and ingenious traps, from simple wires to complicated machines which drowned the rats in beer! We (5) ___have used___ (use) gas, water and fire. We have tried to electrocute them and to infect them with specially developed germs. We've even tried to breed super‑cats to kill them. However, we are still losing the battle.
One of the first records we have of the problem of rats was in 1347 when some Italian ships (6) ___has carried___ (carry) rats from the Black Sea back to Italy. Soon, the citizens (7) __were complaining__ (complain) of painful dark marks on their skin. Soon after that, they were dead. This was the beginning of the 'Black Death' which killed 25 million people in only three years. For centuries, the same disease, also called the plague, would wipe out thousands of people from time to time and in different places. Thankfully, this is a problem that man (8) __has to overcome__ (almost overcome). Plague today (9) __is___ (be) not the threat it used to be. Only a few countries in the world (10) _are still having__ (still have) an occasional death caused by the plague. However, the rat is still alive and healthy.
Although the problem of plague has been contained, the rat is still man’s number one enemy. This year, in the United States alone, rats will bite thousands of humans, causing disease, despair and terror. They (11) __will destroyed__ (destroy) well over a billion dollars worth of property. In a world constantly suffering from famine, rats will destroy approximately a fifth of all food crops planted. In India alone, they (12) _will deprive_ (deprive) hungry people of enough grain to fill a train more than 2,000 kilometres long. In all of Asia, rats (13) __ate__ (eat) 48 million tons of rice a year, enough food to feed a quarter of a billion people. Around the world, rats will spread at least 20 kinds of disease, and in several tropical countries their population will suddenly explode and completely destroy the land.
'When we speak of rats,' (14) __explained__ (explain) one leading scientist, 'we are speaking of the most numerous and successful mammal on earth, perhaps including man! When we talk about rat control, we're talking about human survival.'
So why can't man, with all his scientific knowledge, manage to overcome a mere animal like the rat? The answer is simply that the rat isn't a 'mere' animal ‑ it (15) __is__ (be) a very special kind of animal. An average rat can: wriggle through a hole no larger than a S$1 coin; climb a brick wall as if it (16) __is climbing__ (climb) steps; swim for one kilometre and then tread water for three days; chew through lead pipes and metal bars with teeth that can exert an unbelievable 1,691 kilograms per square centimetre; happily leave a building by being flushed down the toilet, and then return the same way; jump from a fifth storey window and run away unharmed; and last but certainly not least, multiply so rapidly that a single pair could have 15,000 babies in one year!!
Perhaps the best example of how 'special' these creatures (17) __are_ (be) is found on the island of Engebi, in the Western Pacific. For many years, the United States tested its nuclear weapons on this island. The rat was “completely” destroyed by repeated nuclear explosions. A few years after the explosions (18) _stopped__ (stop), scientists visited the island and found it was alive with rats. The rats were not injured or weakened in any way. On the contrary, their life spans were longer and, if anything, they were larger and stronger than other rats. It (19) _seems_ (seem) that the most deadly weapon that people can create actually (20) __improves__ (improve) the health of our oldest enemy!
In addition to all these physical qualities, we also have the problem that rats are rather good at (21) _not getting caught_ (not get caught). They seem to have an almost supernatural ability to sense when food (22) __is poisoned_ (be poisoned) (even as little as one part in a million) and a suspicious rat will starve before it (23) _eats__ (eat) poisoned food. They also seem to be able to recognize a trap with no real difficulty.
To overcome these abilities of the rat, we now use a huge variety of weapons, both sophisticated and simple. We (24) _are experimenting_ (experiment) with chemicals, radiation, high‑frequency sound, and even super‑glue! There is now a machine on the market which (25) __claimed__ (claim) to grab the rat, electrocute it and neatly seal it in a plastic bag. However, the simplest method (26) __is__ (be) probably also the oldest, a strong wooden club. It (27) __proves_ (prove) very effective in Bombay, India. Every night, the rat‑catchers take to the streets armed with such a club. They find a rat with the beam of their torch, crack it over the head, pick it up with their toes and drop it into a sack. In total, they (28) __kill__ (kill) 4,000 a night, which (29) __is__(be) a mere drop in the ocean. One thing (30) __looks__ (look) certain, we had better find a way to defeat these small brown creatures soon, or it may be too late. In the age‑old battle between rats and people, the rats are perhaps beginning to win!
Reference
[Online document] SELF Worksheets for Verb Tenses. Retrieved September 10, 2008, from http://courses.nus.edu.sg/courseware/ITSELF
Thursday, August 21, 2008
W2T1: Health
Article 1: Introduction to the Grand Challenges for Engineering
Article 2: The Expanding World of Engineers
Which idea in those two articles do you think is the most important to the profession? Briefly explain your choice in about 300 words.
Sustainability, health, vulnerability, and joy of living. Those are the four broad realms that are essential to an engineer. After reading the two given articles, I believe the most important idea to such a profession is health. Imagine a world where mankind faces a catastrophic disaster and humans gets susceptible to illnesses and diseases coupled with low standard of living? How about hospitals not being well equipped to handle emergency situations resulting in massive lost of lives? If such a condition persists, won’t it be a tell tale sign of the world coming to an end?
In my opinion, the word ‘health’ highlights an important component of human life. An increasing population would no doubt prosper when it is met with better health and better living conditions. In addition, it would enhance the joy of living of the whole population. With the ever increasing population growth, an advanced technological state is essential in order to sustain and improve the efficiency of medical equipments used in hospitals and clinics. Other than that, devices used to detect and cure diseases are required in large amount to cater to the rising population.
The environmental issues are correlated to human’s health condition too. With the increasing usage of fossil fuels, there comes a price. The amount of carbon dioxide gases that is being pumped out by factories and cars that burns fuels increases. This may ultimately lead to a global warming scenario where the increase in temperature of the Earth may cause the death of mankind. So as to avoid such a scenario from ever happening, there is a need for engineers to develop devices to burn fossil fuels without causing damage to the Earth or perhaps find a less environmentally damaging way of obtaining energy.
Quality of water plays an important role in human’s health too. The human body is made up anywhere from 55% to 78% of water. To function properly, the body requires between one and seven liters of water per day. This shows that water is essential. Consumption of unclean water can harm a person’s health in many ways than one. Engineers are thus required to develop more devices to increase not only the quantity but also the quality of water so as to maintain human’s quality of life and health.
In conclusion, there are many factors that can affect the health of the world’s population. Therefore, health should be considered as the most important idea for engineers to take note of. Engineers of today have a difficult task ahead of them. They have to face a tough challenge of maintaining good health conditions and at the same time improving the standard of living.
Article 2: The Expanding World of Engineers
Which idea in those two articles do you think is the most important to the profession? Briefly explain your choice in about 300 words.
Sustainability, health, vulnerability, and joy of living. Those are the four broad realms that are essential to an engineer. After reading the two given articles, I believe the most important idea to such a profession is health. Imagine a world where mankind faces a catastrophic disaster and humans gets susceptible to illnesses and diseases coupled with low standard of living? How about hospitals not being well equipped to handle emergency situations resulting in massive lost of lives? If such a condition persists, won’t it be a tell tale sign of the world coming to an end?
In my opinion, the word ‘health’ highlights an important component of human life. An increasing population would no doubt prosper when it is met with better health and better living conditions. In addition, it would enhance the joy of living of the whole population. With the ever increasing population growth, an advanced technological state is essential in order to sustain and improve the efficiency of medical equipments used in hospitals and clinics. Other than that, devices used to detect and cure diseases are required in large amount to cater to the rising population.
The environmental issues are correlated to human’s health condition too. With the increasing usage of fossil fuels, there comes a price. The amount of carbon dioxide gases that is being pumped out by factories and cars that burns fuels increases. This may ultimately lead to a global warming scenario where the increase in temperature of the Earth may cause the death of mankind. So as to avoid such a scenario from ever happening, there is a need for engineers to develop devices to burn fossil fuels without causing damage to the Earth or perhaps find a less environmentally damaging way of obtaining energy.
Quality of water plays an important role in human’s health too. The human body is made up anywhere from 55% to 78% of water. To function properly, the body requires between one and seven liters of water per day. This shows that water is essential. Consumption of unclean water can harm a person’s health in many ways than one. Engineers are thus required to develop more devices to increase not only the quantity but also the quality of water so as to maintain human’s quality of life and health.
In conclusion, there are many factors that can affect the health of the world’s population. Therefore, health should be considered as the most important idea for engineers to take note of. Engineers of today have a difficult task ahead of them. They have to face a tough challenge of maintaining good health conditions and at the same time improving the standard of living.
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