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
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