Does God Exist?

 

Introduction

The question of God’s existence has been asked since time immemorial. Does God really exist? At first, there wasn’t much objection. After all, how could man explain a world full of mysteries as well as his own existence? It is not until philosophers came along led by Thales of Miletus, that reason and critical thinking were applied to answer this question. Later on, science came along providing solid evidence and sound explanations of various phenomena further shaking the faith of the believers. The controversy was so much in the 17th century that it culminated in the infamous Galileo affair involving Galileo and the Roman Catholic Church. Despite the scientific and philosophical advancements, the answer of God’s existence has never been made absolutely clear. Philosophy on one side provides conflicting views while science fails to answer some crucial questions. I intend to present the arguments that I find most persuasive in proving that indeed God Exists.

The first argument I would like to present is based on teleology and is known as the watchmaker argument. Teleology seeks to explain phenomena based on its purpose rather than their cause, and was greatly developed by the accomplished philosophers Plato and Aristotle (Long 3). The watchmaker argument supports God’s existence through the analogy that a design must have a designer. The origin of this argument is traced to the scientific revolution whereby Isaac Newton, among other scientists, realized that the universe worked in a mechanical perfection that resembled the working of a watch. Look at how the watch movements are well coordinated with the seconds, minutes, and hour-hand. It is so much like the rotations, revolutions, and many other aspects of own universe. We can observe how our sun rises and sets, the process that brings about rainfall and the food chains. These are some of those design aspects that warrant this argument. Given that the watch has a watchmaker, similarly, our universe must have a designer. Such a being would possess great intelligence to achieve such a feat. Thus, this is proof that there is God. One of the reasons I find this argument very persuasive is because it involves things that we can observe. I can observe how the water evaporates from the ocean, rising to the atmosphere and proceeds to rain in the highlands. The same water is returned back to the oceans through the river in a forever continuing cycle. One cannot deny such a perfect design. I also can’t dismiss it as a coincidence. Thus this is one of the arguments I find most convincing.

Another quite persuasive argument is the cosmological argument which argues that all things have a cause. These causes can be traced back in time to the first cause. Similarly, our universe, including all that is in it has its first cause which is the creator. In addition, such a first cause who is also the creator would have to be a very powerful being hence God (Erasmus and Verhoef 412). I think this argument is quite strong and even fills certain gaps that are left by scientific theories such as the big bang theory. This theory, in particular, refutes God’s existence by claiming that the universe started with an explosion (big bang) that scattered matter far and wide to form the universe as it expanded. However, it fails to explain what caused this initial explosion. This is the point where the cosmological argument comes in and offers an explanation that there must have been the first cause. Many theists, such as St Thomas Aquinas, have embraced this thought hence greatly meriting it. Despite the wide acceptance, several others have objected as to why the first cause does not have a cause itself. Also, why does the first cause have to be very powerful? Although these objections have not been fully addressed, the cosmological argument still maintains a strong point that cannot be simply ignored.

Descartes’ ontological argument is yet another persuasive premise that supports God’s existence, and is credited to the 17th French philosopher and scientist, Rene Descartes’. It is an ontological argument, meaning that it is based on the study of being and existence. Descartes’ simply argued that given that we have that idea of a supernatural being who is all powerful, then such a being must exist (Usó-Doménech, Nescolarde-Selva, and Gash 5). The fact that we as people possess the description of God must mean that he exists since it is hard to describe the qualities that are non-existence. I find Descartes’ argument quite simple, perhaps very oversimplified, yet possessing a very strong point. However, the argument fails to acknowledge the strong divide between thoughts and reality. Despite that, I must acknowledge that it is not a coincidence that even the most uncivilized societies possess the idea of a supernatural being that is all-powerful and all-knowing and to add to that, the description of such a being is quite similar around the world. Take a look at all parts of this world. Everywhere you go; there is an idea of a powerful being, more powerful than anyone. Given this point, then I believe that Descartes’ argument is quite solid and such a being must exist.

Prior to Descartes’, St Anselm had presented his own ontological argument. According to Anselm, we possess an idea of a God who we describe as the greatest thing. Now, given that the ideas of things that exist in the real world are better than ideas that are imaginative only, then we can deduce that if the idea of a God is only in our minds, then there exists a being who is even greater than our imagination, and that there is nothing greater than that God (Usó-Doménech et al. 3). St Anselm’s argument is also convincing. For instance, take the example of something that exists such as a car. I am able to imagine a futuristic car with great properties since I have something to build my thoughts upon. If we assume that cars did not exist, then the probability of coming up with an idea of a great car would be near impossible. The same case with St Anselm’s argument, if I am able to imagine a God who is the greatest, then a great God, greater than anything we have seen, indeed exists.

Conclusion

God exists and these are the arguments that I find most persuasive in proving this fact.  The watchmaker’s argument is especially convincing given that it involves aspects of the world that we can see and experience. The cosmological argument also tops the list as it closely relates to issues that have been proved by scientists such as the expanding universe and the ‘big bang’. Finally, ontological arguments including Anselm and Descartes’ offer a persuasive argument based on the existence and employs ideas which we can all relate to.

References

Erasmus, Jacobus, and Anné Hendrik Verhoef. “The kalām cosmological argument and the infinite God objection.” Sophia54.4 (2015): 411-427.

Long, Steven A. “God, Teleology, and the Natural Law.” Natural Law Today: The Present State of the Perennial Philosophy (2018): 3.

Usó-Doménech, J. L., J. A. Nescolarde-Selva, and H. Gash. “Argumentum Ontologicum and Argumentum Ornithologicum: Anselm of Canterbury and Jorge Luis Borges.” Foundations of Science (2019): 1-23.

 

 

TSA Multi-Layered Approach to Airport Security

 

Introduction

Airport security is crucial, not only for the safety of the airport and the passengers but also for the protection of the entire country. Without the necessary precautions, an airport has the potential to become a crime hotspot as it serves as a gateway into and out of the country. This fact has been well confirmed by past events such as the infamous September 11th attack involving the hijacking of four planes which culminated in the killing of thousands. Following this unfortunate incident, the US government formed the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This agency of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ensures that any threats to the traveling public are thwarted. To accomplish this task effectively, the TSA has adopted a multi-layered approach that is multidisciplinary as well.

Science and Technology

One of the disciplines that the TSA has applied is Science and Technology. Current technological advancements provide high efficiency in the security of an airport. It is not only a matter of keeping up with the times but rather a necessary application. Traditional and time-consuming methods such as pat-downs are now only used when required. The technology incorporated includes metal detectors, Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), X-ray Scanners, and Video Surveillance.

Metal Detectors

The TSA prohibits certain metallic objects that may be used to bring harm to other passengers on the plane. To assist in the detection of such objects, the agency has deployed metal detectors at the airports. As their name suggests, their function is to simply detect metal. To understand the working of a metal detector, one must grasp the principle of electromagnetism. According to this principle, electricity and magnetism are closely related (Nayfeh & Brussel, 2015). When an electric current flows through a conductor, it generates a magnetic field around the wire. The reverse is also true, whereby if a conductor is moved through a magnetic field, then a current is induced in it as established by James Clerk Maxwell. A metal detector consists of two coils. An alternating current is applied to the first coil generating a magnetic field. If this magnetic field comes across a metal object, it induces a current in the metal. As per electromagnetism, the current, in turn, generates its own magnetic field in the metal which is picked up by the second coil of the metal detector. It induces a current in this second coil leading to the beeping of the microphone attached which is heard (Yamazaki, Nakane, & Tanaka, 2002). This is the technical aspect of the device. It, therefore, makes it difficult for a person with metal objects to pass through the check hence ensuring safety.

 

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Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)

While metal detectors are effective in detecting metallic objects, they fail to detect prohibited non-metallic objects. It is this shortcoming that warranted the introduction of full body scanners by the TSA. They, therefore, introduced AIT scanners. These devices utilize millimeter waves which range from 30GHz to 300GHz in the spectrum (Laviada, Arboleya-Arboleya, Álvarez, González-Valdés, & Las-Heras, 2017). The waves are bounced on the person being scanned and the reflected waves detected. These reflections are then used to create a 3-D image of the person. Through this image, the security can have a view of any objects hidden beneath the clothes. AIT is more efficient than a pat-down as the hands might miss detecting some objects (Laviada et al., 2017). This technology has, however, come under criticism as a violation of privacy and the perceived health risks. After much inquiry into the issue, it was found that Millimeter waves are actually not harmful to a human being and besides, one is only exposed for a very short time enough to take a photo. Regarding the privacy and the view of the naked body, the operator is not allowed to see the faces of the person being scanned and besides the image only gives an outline of the person. Additionally, such a concern is outweighed by the benefits of ensuring security.

X-ray Scanner

The TSA does not only search the person but also their luggage, since there is a possibility of contraband being hidden in the bags. This is where X-ray plays a big role. The radiation associated with X-rays is harmful to people at high doses but fine for inspecting luggage. The working of this technology is as follows: the X-rays are directed through the luggage towards a photographic plate. The very dense objects do not allow the rays to pass through while the less-dense ones allow the rays to pass through to the plate, appearing as a dark image. The patches where the x-ray does not hit appear white (Uroukov & Speller, 2015). This forms an image that shows the respective items in the luggage without necessarily opening it. This makes it hard for criminals to get weapons and other harmful contraband through airports to the planes.

Video Surveillance

A person’s eyes can only see so much. Due to this limitation, the TSA has video surveillance on all airports which not only permits viewing of the airports from all points but also storage of the feed for future reference. Closed-Circuit television (CCTV), allows for a real-time video of the airport to be broadcasted on a screen, which a security officer can then monitor closely from a control room. Security can identify and thwart potential security threats before they occur. Furthermore, the presence of the cameras also discourages criminals once they realize that they are under surveillance. Another advantage offered by this technology is that past video feed can be revisited to identify past security breaches and amend the weak-points.

A Hardened Cockpit Door

One of the worst things that could possibly occur is a terrorist taking control of a plane. This is actually what happened during the September 11 attacks, whereby the terrorists hijacked the planes and ended up crashing one into the World Trade Center, and yet another into the Pentagon. Following these grave attacks, the TSA realized that there was yet another layer of security that was necessary to thwart any attack. It would serve as a last resort to protect the passengers and US citizens at large. This layer of security is a hardened cockpit door that makes it difficult for terrorists to gain entry to the cockpit. The design of this door is in such a way that it is hardened to make intrusion very difficult by being reinforced (Stewart & Mueller, 2017). In addition, the door is automated to lock itself once an individual attempts a forceful entry. Despite this step appearing effective, it has come under heavy criticism as being a security threat as itself. Suppose a polarized pilot decides to crash a plane, then in such a case, it might be impossible to stop such a threat. In spite of such a possibility, a hardened cockpit door provides a security layer for airports and passengers as well.

Sociological and psychology

The Behavior detection officer (BDO)

In addition to technological equipment, the TSA also applies other disciplines in its effort to improve security. One of such methods is behavioral observation which falls under sociology and psychology. The role is assigned to the behavioral detection officers (BDO). This screening process is informed by the fact that people tend to behave in a certain manner when under stress or while in deception. After all, we are able to observe when one is happy or even when another is stressed. The same case applies to other behaviors. BDOs closely interact with passengers to identify suspicious behavior. The TSA has highlighted these suspicious behaviors such as trembling, which is obvious, and gazing down. Others include clearing the throat excessively, an excessive airing of complaints about the screening process, whistling while approaching the screening, Rubbing of hands, looking pale, wearing improper attire, too much yawning, excessive clearing the throat, and widely open staring eyes. These are all behaviors that indicate malicious intent (Denault & Jupe, 2018).  Although the observation is effective, it has been found to be stereotyping at times with some going as far as labeling it racist. Additionally, some behaviors such as arriving late for a flight and grooming may not necessarily have anything to do with terrorism. Despite this criticism, behavioral detection is an effective practice in ensuring security at the airports.

Political Science

The success of the TSA heavily relies on close collaboration with the government and other security agencies. This teamwork allows the sharing of intelligence between the TSA and other bodies such as the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In many cases, intelligence allows early detection and frustration of any threats.

The Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF)

JTTF is a partnership between many federal, state, and local agencies. Its objective is to counter terrorism activities. Given that it consists of reputable agencies such as the FBI and the DEA among many others, it is a great source of intelligence for the TSA. The task force originally consisted of FBI agents and New York City Police Department (NYPD) detectives, before it was expanded to include multi-agencies and other local authorities. JTTF is now spread all over the US, leaving no room for any terrorist activity.

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Another layer of airport security is CBP. TSA realizes very well the importance of this agency. The reason for this is that CBP functions are closely related to those of the TSA. It is the largest agency of the DHS charged with the protection of the border, enforcement of customs, and immigration issues. CBP agents, therefore, closely monitor who and what gets in or out of the country. Hence, the agency may possess crucial information on possible threats at the airport. The formation of the CBP occurred in 2003 following increased external threats to the US (Longo, 2016). Such threats include terrorist attacks from extremist groups and the increased smuggling of drugs across the Mexican border by drug cartels. Since its creation, the CBP has continued to protect the US making it a very valuable asset for the TSA.

The Federal air marshal Service

The TSA has yet another layer of airport security. Although highly unlikely, suppose that an individual who poses a security threat is able to enter into the plane in one way or the other. It can present a very dangerous situation. It is for this reason that the TSA introduced yet another layer, which is the Federal Air Marshal Service. It is a law enforcement agency under the TSA. Air marshals are specially trained to work on a plane (Szyliowicz, 2018). They carry a weapon onboard the plane and in addition work undercover to ensure the security of all the passengers.

Law Enforcement Officers

Back at the airport, police officers are also deployed to ensure that hostile individuals are apprehended. These officers offer an extra layer of security to the airport. It is significant to note that the airport constitutes not only the plane boarding area but also a large compound that requires traffic flow management, patrol, and attendance to other emergencies. The enforcement officers are therefore very important to airport security.

Bomb Appraisal Officers

There are many weapons that can bring about the devastation in an airport. However, most people can agree that some of the most catastrophic weapons are explosives. A single detonation has the potential of bringing down the whole plane or cause terror within the airport grounds. It is for this reason that the TSA found it appropriate to introduce yet another layer of security in the airport consisting of bomb appraisal officers. These are professionals merited in bomb disposal. Given that these officers have had a lot of field-experience under the military, they are in a position to share their vast knowledge with the workforce (Szyliowicz, 2018). The workforce is then in a position to understand how explosives work and how to handle situations involving explosives. Such skills further strengthen airport security.

Federal Flight Deck officers

As earlier mentioned, most of the security changes within the TSA were informed or rather triggered by the attacks in 2001. One of these included the training of pilots and other crew such as the plane engineer to be able to handle a terrorist attack. This would ensure that the plane and especially the cockpit is well-protected from any attacks. The air marshals are charged with the responsibility of training the crew on such security issues (Winter, Rice, Friedenreich, Mehta, & Kaiser, 2017). This training also includes the use of firearms as such a pilot is expected to carry a gun while in flight. These trained crew members are the federal flight deck officers and are authorized by the TSA to handle weapons to ensure that no criminal takes control of the plane.

International Relations

No Fly list and Passenger Pre Screening

There are certain people who are already known to be security threats, whereby their information is in the possession of intelligence bodies such as the FBI and the CIA. Following the terrorist attacks in 2001, the Bush administration found it good to create a list of such people, who would not be allowed to board any plane (Rudner, 2015). This list came to be known as the no-fly-list. If during the pre-screening process, one is found to be in this list, then the system immediately notifies the airport officials who can then act accordingly. This ensures known potential threats are not allowed onboard any plane. This extra layer of security, therefore, comes in very handy for the TSA. It is perhaps important to mention that similar to several other security layers, the no-fly-list has also come under criticism. Critics are concerned that a false-positive might get one on this list. In addition, an alarm has been raised over possible discrimination and racial profiling (Robertson & Manta, 2015). For instance, recently President Trump had announced a travel ban over seven nations. The most striking thing about this ban is that it involved Muslim or Muslim-majority countries. The move was, therefore, as being a Muslim-bias. The caution has to be taken to ensure that the no-fly list does not become an avenue for discrimination. Regardless, it provides an effective layer of protection for the airport.

Cynology

Canines

A different layer of security deployed by the TSA neither consists of technology nor humans but instead, an animal. Highly trained Sniffer dogs can easily sniff out explosives. In case an individual manages to pass explosives through the scanners, they still have to deal with the canines which are very hard to get by given their highly sensitive noses. The canines are deployed around the airport to check even the vehicles entering the airport to ensure that they carry no explosives.

 

 

Security

Travel Document Checker

In order to depart from an airport, the TSA requires that one presents their boarding pass as well as their ID. Furthermore, these respective documents must be valid or else one is not allowed to go through. This is yet another layer of security at the airport. Although it might not appear to do much in comparison to other layers, it plays its own unique role in security improvement at the airport.

Random Employee Screening

There is a sector that is so easy to ignore yet poses a security threat although minimal. Airport employees enforce the regulations and secure the airport. But what if one goes rogue? Imagine that a security officer who is mandated with inspecting luggage allows a weapon through the scanner perhaps after being bribed or even polarized. The consequences could be deadly. To avoid such unfortunate incidences, TSA deployed yet another layer of security. In this case, the security would check itself internally in what is referred to as random employee screening (Greco, 2017).  Upon request, an employee is expected to submit to a screening which might perhaps include a pat-down. This ensures that the airport employees are not used to smuggle in goods that might place passengers in danger. Such incidences have been recorded in the past. This layer of security was not warmly received by most of the airport employees as they feel unfairly treated as suspects and some have even gone ahead to report complaints. Despite such criticism, random employee screening further tightens the security at the airports.

Trained Flight Crew

The TSA extends security training beyond the Federal Flight Deck Officers to other flight crew such as the flight attendants who work in close relations with the passengers. The TSA offers a self-defense course whereby the flight crew can obtain valuable skills which they can apply in protecting themselves as well as thwarting any potential attacks. A trained flight crew offers an extra layer of security.

Conclusion

Security within airports is crucial. The TSA, which is the agency charged with this important role, applies a multi-layered approach to ensure all loop-holes are covered. The different layers of security are drawn from multiple disciplines such as science and technology, sociology and psychology, and even political science. All these work together to ensure that all airports are heavily secured.

References

Denault, V., & Jupe, L. M. (2018). Aviation security and the TSA’s behavior detection: why effective academic and practitioner dialogue is vital. Frontiers in psychology9, 240.

Greco, J. P. (2017). Insider Threat: The Unseen Dangers Posed by Badged Airport Employees and How to Mitigate Them. J. Air L. & Com.82, 717.

Laviada, J., Arboleya-Arboleya, A., Álvarez, Y., González-Valdés, B., & Las-Heras, F. (2017). Multiview three-dimensional reconstruction by millimetre-wave portable camera. Scientific reports7(1), 6479.

Longo, M. (2016). A “21st century border”? Cooperative border controls in the US and EU after 9/11. Journal of borderlands studies31(2), 187-202.

Nayfeh, M. H., & Brussel, M. K. (2015). Electricity and magnetism. Courier Dover Publications.

Robertson, C. B., & Manta, I. D. (2015). Challenging the No-Fly List: The Status of the Litigation after Five Years. American Bar Association Section of Litigation: Civil Rights.

Rudner, M. (2015). Intelligence-Led Air Transport Security: Pre-Screening for Watch-Lists, No-Fly Lists to Forestall Terrorist Threats. International Journal of Intelligence and Counterintelligence28(1), 38-63.

Stewart, M. G., & Mueller, J. (2017). Risk and economic assessment of expedited passenger screening and TSA PreCheck. Journal of transportation security10(1-2), 1-22.

Szyliowicz, J. S. (2018). 7. Aviation security in the USA. Air Transport Security, 105.

Uroukov, I., & Speller, R. (2015). A preliminary approach to intelligent x-ray imaging for baggage inspection at airports. Signal Processing Research4, 1-11.

Winter, S. R., Rice, S., Friedenreich, K., Mehta, R., & Kaiser, B. (2017). Perceptions Toward the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program and Willingness to Fly. Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors.

Yamazaki, S., Nakane, H., & Tanaka, A. (2002). Basic analysis of a metal detector. IEEE Transactions on instrumentation and measurement51(4), 810-814.

 

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The Importance of Infrastructure in A Nation’s Development

 

 

Introduction

Infrastructure is the pillar of every strong economy. A closer look at all the developed nations is a clear indication of this fact. The growth in infrastructure was ushered in by the end of the World War II in a period popularly known as the postwar economic boom. Although this mostly occurred in western countries, several eastern nations such as South Korea and Japan also undertook these developments. This move enabled them to achieve accelerated economic growth despite the destruction they suffered during the world war. Recently, the People’s Republic of China has made heavy investments in the infrastructure of both Asia and Africa in the realization of the value it brings, setting in motion a faster economic development for the developing nations. This shows that no nation can experience great economic development without investing in its infrastructure.

 

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Without adequate energy infrastructure such as electricity, industrialization cannot thrive. Industries are essential to any economy (Mountjoy, 2017). Without it, a country is burdened with the importation of goods which only depresses its economy. On the other hand, if a country is capable of producing its own goods for consumption and extra for exportation, then this earns it foreign exchange. A closer look at China can confirm this. China’s heavy industrialization enables the country to export goods which is one of the factors that has contributed to it becoming a rising superpower (Brandt, Ma,& Rawski, 2016). All the developed nations have invested heavily in the production of power. Industries consume this electricity at a cheaper cost enabling them to produce goods at lower cost hence better prices for their consumers both locally and internationally. Exportation of these goods leads to the growth of the country’s economy. Furthermore, electricity does not only benefit large industries but also Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Energy infrastructure contributes to a 24-hour economy which is very good for SME growth. Without sufficient lighting at night, businesses cannot run efficiently (Brands, Schwanen, & Van Aalst, 2015). Businesses have to close once darkness enters. This is a factor that has weakened the economic growth of many developing countries. Once nightfall comes in, citizens of these countries have to close their businesses and retire to their homes. Meanwhile developed countries continue in their businesses. This contributes to the economic disparities between the countries. Satellite images confirm that at night, the continent of Africa is largely dark while others such as Europe and North America are heavily lit. A 24-hr economy facilitated by adequate lighting at night enables the growth of SMEs which leads to the growth of the economy. Besides energy, road infrastructure is crucial for any economy.

All sectors of the economy require a road infrastructure, be it the industries, agriculture, white-collar or blue-collar. How else will the agriculture produce be transported to the markets or to the airports for exportation before it goes bad, especially in the case of perishable goods? Raw materials for the various goods also need convenient access to roads for transportation to industries. Finished goods require to be delivered to retailers for consumption (Coşar & Demir, 2016). Additionally, roads open up remote areas making them more accessible. Besides being beneficial to the businesses, the general public also greatly benefits from roads. It makes getting from the suburbs to the offices more convenient. The manual laborers can also move around much easier. Thus roads improve all the sectors of the economy. Closely related to the roads is the railway.

The ability of trains to carry more quantity of goods and people as well as their higher speeds makes them essential to any economy. All the developed nations have an elaborate railway network. Railways overcome some of the limitations associated with road transport such as traffic jams which lead to slowing down of the economy. Modern trains such as bullet trains allow for quicker movements of goods to consumers and workers to their offices (Wang & Wu, 2015). However, it is not only inland infrastructure that is necessary but also the sea.

Ships are essential for importation as well as exportation. For instance, countries import raw materials such as crude oil and other raw materials through seaports and export finished goods through the same means (Park & Seo, 2016). This earns the country the much needed foreign exchange for economic growth. The alternative means for this work would be the airplanes. However, they are more expensive and much limited in the capacity they can carry. Thus ships are preferred for their larger capacity and ability to carry heavier goods such as crude oil and heavy

One might argue that good governance is more important for the growth of the economy than infrastructure. After all, the majority of the countries experiencing political instability have a poor economy while developed countries have political stability (Tabassam, Hashmi, & Rehman, 2016). Take a country like Syria; the political turmoil has set them backward with many of the citizens fleeing to become refugees in other nations. The economic crisis in Venezuela is also evidence of how governance can affect the economy. While this might appear convincing, it is not the case. Indeed it is true that good governance is important to the economy but only to the point of creating a suitable environment for trade activities. Infrastructure plays a much bigger role in economic development. This is the reason why developing countries such as those in Africa are continually investing heavily in infrastructure despite experiencing political stability.

Another argument is that Education is more significant than infrastructure in the growth of the economy. This point can arise from the fact that an uneducated nation cannot provide the required professional capacity to operate businesses across different sectors (Carnoy, 2017). Such nations end up importing labor whereby the laborers send their incomes back home. Education definitely contributes to the success of any nation. However, it should be noted that without proper infrastructure, education cannot do much to grow an economy. Take a case scenario of a student who studies well and graduates with a great GPA. Such a person can either seek employment or become self-employed. But suppose there is no infrastructure to facilitate businesses, then this fresh graduate will be jobless. Self-employment will not be possible since there is no proper infrastructure to support a starting business. Hence, infrastructure is of great importance to every economy.

Conclusion

There is no nation can experience great economic development without investing in its infrastructure. Heavy investments must be directed towards the energy sector, roads, railways, seaports, and airports for a country to achieve economic growth. Industrialization, SMEs, white-collar, and blue-collar sectors all rely on adequate infrastructure to thrive. Without this, even factors such as good governance and education cannot grow an economy. Where would we be without roads, railways, airports, seaports, and power? Simply we would be in the dark and confined with no way to move to different points. Sounds exactly like the life of the ancient man.

 

References

Brands, J., Schwanen, T., & Van Aalst, I. (2015). Fear of crime and affective ambiguities in the night-time economy. Urban Studies52(3), 439-455.

Brandt, L., Ma, D., & Rawski, T. G. (2016). Industrialization in China.

Carnoy, M. (2017). Education, economy and the state. In Cultural and economic reproduction in education (pp. 79-126). Routledge.

Coşar, A. K., & Demir, B. (2016). Domestic road infrastructure and international trade: Evidence from Turkey. Journal of Development Economics118, 232-244.

Mountjoy, A. B. (2017). Industrialization and underdeveloped countries. Routledge.

Park, J. S., & Seo, Y. J. (2016). The impact of seaports on the regional economies in South Korea: Panel evidence from the augmented Solow model. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review85, 107-119.

Tabassam, A. H., Hashmi, S. H., & Rehman, F. U. (2016). Nexus between political instability and economic growth in Pakistan. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences230, 325-334.

Wang, Y., & Wu, B. (2015). Railways and the local economy: evidence from Qingzang railway. Economic Development and Cultural Change63(3), 551-588.

 

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Global Warming

 

Global Warming

Abstract

Global warming has a negative impact on all of us in spite of which country one comes from. Thus, it is important to have a deep understanding of this issue. This research paper explores scholarly research articles on global warming to determine the causes, effects, as well as sustainable solutions to this global threat.

Introduction

Among the biggest global issues in our world, today is global warming. It is a phenomenon that jeopardizes our future especially given its adverse effects on climate change.

There are constant reports of the ice caps at the poles melting, rising sea levels, extreme weather conditions, and the loss of coral reef ecosystems from the media and other stakeholders. The political discourse has not been left behind in this discussion with the United Nations (UN) spearheading the campaign. This is proof of the urgency of this issue. It is, therefore, of great importance for everyone to understand this threat. This fact necessitates close scrutiny of this occurrence to understand the causes, effects, and the possible solutions to global warming.

Causes of Global Warming

Global warming, as the name suggests is a long-term rise in earth’s climate average temperature. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has noted that the surface temperature on average has risen by approximately 1.62° F in the last century. But what is causing this change? Global warming has been attributed to the greenhouse effect (Anderson, Hawkins, & Jones 178). The greenhouse effect is the process whereby our atmosphere warms the earth’s surface to a higher temperature than it would be if the atmosphere was absent. To explain this further, the earth receives heat from the sun to its surface upon which it is radiated back into space. However, some of the radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere hence keeping our planet warm.

Not all the gases in the atmosphere are involved in the greenhouse effect. Those that play this role include methane, Carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor, nitrous oxide, and ozone (Chen et al., 1432). In his article, Anderson et al., however, notes that the greenhouse effect is necessary for maintaining the earth’s temperature. Without it, the planet would be at a temperature of below freezing point. An increase in the greenhouse gases, however, leads to an increase in the greenhouse effect. Thus, the root cause of global warming is the rise in the levels of greenhouse gases.

CO2 has been found to be the greenhouse gas that is mainly contributing to the increased greenhouse effect. CO2 emissions have continually increased since the era of industrialization began. The economic development that we value so much comes at a great cost by being closely associated with a rise in carbon dioxide levels. All these industries require a source of energy for their machines. The same case applies even to residential areas as urbanization is on the rise. Unfortunately, the major source of energy around the world is fossil fuel. For instance, coal is a leading source of electricity whose combustion releases copious amounts of carbon dioxide (Cronshaw 572). Additionally, the increased use of vehicles which also use fossil fuels cannot be ignored. In fact, the transportation sector has been identified as the largest carbon dioxide emitter (Berntsen & Fuglestvedt 19155). This encompasses all transportation means including planes, ships, trucks, cars, and trains. Having obtained an understanding of global warming and identifying its causes, it is also significant to understand the effects that arise from this menace and why we need to act now.

 

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Effects of Global Warming

One of the most adverse effects of global warming is the rise in sea levels. Studies have found that a rise of 2° C in global temperature can result in a 20cm rise in the ocean levels (Jevrejeva et al. 13342). Given that many cities are urban areas are situated in coastal areas, the threat is imminent not to mention the danger posed to wildlife in such areas. Flooding of such areas would lead to a lot of displacement from such area. The rise in these levels is as a result of the melting of ice caps that are situated at the poles due to the increased temperature. Besides flooding coastal areas, this occurrence is also a threat to the wildlife at the poles such as the polar bears (Prop et al. 33).

Other than a rise in the level, the oceans are also impacted negatively in another way. This is through ocean acidification. The increased amount of carbon dioxide is absorbed by the ocean surface leading to a reduction of the water’s PH. The ocean water’s PH is notably basic normally, and this ensures that marine ecosystems have the required environment and materials to build their structures. For instance, in areas such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, it has been observed that the greatest coral site is slowly diminishing due to changes in PH as well as temperature levels. In addition to affecting the ecosystems, the increased levels of CO2 in the water allow invasive weeds to thrive which may end up covering great areas of water bodies.

In recent times, cases of severe weather conditions have been on the rise, a factor which scientists have attributed to global warming. Examples include heat waves, flooding, drought, and even frequent hurricanes. Increased temperatures lead to more warming of the earth’s surface leading to increased evaporation of soil moisture content as well as the loss of moisture from plant leaves. The high levels of moisture in the air lead to high precipitation which results in flooding. Additionally, the increased warming of the surface results in heat waves which are constantly being experienced in many parts of the world. The loss of soil moisture due to excessive heating creates drought conditions as rivers dry up. Scientific evidence is also continually showing that the increased rate of hurricanes has a lot to do with global warming. The rise in sea levels and hot air create conditions that are suitable for the formation of hurricanes that can be very destructive to life and property.

The severe weather conditions also cause several other complications such as food insecurity. Drought conditions lead to drying of crops especially in areas where irrigation is not properly set up. Research has found out that in the US, the maize and soybean yields have been negatively affected by constant drought conditions (Zipper, Qiu, & Kucharik). The trees have not been spared by this menace. There has been a rise of wildfires which are even more intense and vast as compared to the past such as those which have been witnessed in the state of California. These adverse effects call for effective solutions to evade such a crisis to make our world more habitable.

Solutions to Global Warming

 It is not enough to simply understand the impacts of global warming but rather steps must be taken to curb this threat. At the international level, the UN established the Paris Agreement. This is an agreement with most of the states to keep the average global rise in temperature to below 2° C.  Under this accord, the states that are a party to it are expected to implement sustainable solutions to deal with global warming (Rogelj et al. 631). Several sustainable solutions which are effective in reducing the greenhouse effect have already been proposed including the use of renewable energies, increasing energy efficiency, implementing sustainable transportation, and forest management.

One of the biggest contributors to the greenhouse gases is non-renewable energy which mostly includes the use of fossil fuels (Cronshaw 573). The combustion of fuels such as coal produces abundant amounts of carbon dioxide. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, on the other hand, do not emit such gases. For this reason, a move into renewable energy is highly encouraged as a measure to control global warming. Even in cases where renewable energy has not been fully adopted due to perhaps, financial constraints, increasing energy efficiency and conservation can make a great difference. Energy saving appliances such as LED bulbs are continually being advanced. These appliances consume less energy compared to traditional ones such as the incandescent bulb. Simple practices such as switching off lights and appliances which are not in use also make a huge difference by conserving energy. This ensures that less non-renewable sources are used hence reducing carbon emissions.

Global warming cannot be sufficiently dealt with without addressing the greatest emitter of carbon dioxide, the transportation sector. Great strides have been made in the advancement of electric cars, quickly outdating the internal combustion engine. Hybrid cars which are battery or hydrogen powered are already being embraced (Wilberforce et al. 25696). If we are to control global warming, then more and more people must discard their fossil fuel powered cars and adopt the new generation of clean energy vehicles

Forest management is a great way to reduce global warming as forests act as carbon sinks. Carbon sinks absorb more carbon dioxide than they emit. Trees absorb this gas during photosynthesis to release oxygen. For this reason, it is very important to conserve our forests to reduce the amount of CO2 and hence stop any further global warming (Farrior et al. 7215).

Conclusion

Global warming is a growing threat to our very existence. It is, therefore, important to understand it from all perspectives. It is not a complicated issue as it can be understood by the masses. The causes and effects are clear. It is not too late. We can still act before the situation becomes very dangerous. Once we embrace renewable sources, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and manage our forests, the world will be a better and more habitable place. Although the government plays a huge role by formulating and implementing effective policies, every individual has a role to play by reducing their carbon footprint to make this world a better place.

Works Cited

Anderson, Thomas R., Ed Hawkins, and Philip D. Jones. “CO2, the greenhouse effect and global warming: from the pioneering work of Arrhenius and Callendar to today’s Earth System Models.” Endeavour 40.3 (2016): 178-187.

Berntsen, Terje, and Jan Fuglestvedt. “Global temperature responses to current emissions from the transport sectors.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 105.49 (2008): 19154-19159.

Chen, Chih-Chun, et al. “Hydrogen production and carbon dioxide enrichment from ethanol steam reforming followed by water gas shift reaction.” Journal of Cleaner Production 162 (2017): 1430-1441.

Cronshaw, Ian. “World Energy Outlook 2014 projections to 2040: natural gas and coal trade, and the role of China.” Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics59.4 (2015): 571-585.

Farrior, Caroline E., et al. “Decreased water limitation under elevated CO2 amplifies potential for forest carbon sinks.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 112.23 (2015): 7213-7218.

Jevrejeva, Svetlana, et al. “Coastal sea level rise with warming above 2 C.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 113.47 (2016): 13342-13347.

Prop, Jouke, et al. “Climate change and the increasing impact of polar bears on bird populations.” Frontiers in ecology and evolution 3 (2015): 33.

Rogelj, Joeri, et al. “Paris Agreement climate proposals need a boost to keep warming well below 2 C.” Nature 534.7609 (2016): 631.

Wilberforce, Tabbi, et al. “Developments of electric cars and fuel cell hydrogen electric cars.” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 42.40 (2017): 25695-25734.

Zipper, Samuel C., Jiangxiao Qiu, and Christopher J. Kucharik. “Drought effects on US maize and soybean production: spatiotemporal patterns and historical changes.” Environmental Research Letters 11.9 (2016): 094021.

 

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emphysema

 

Description of Emphysema

Emphysema is classified as a type of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that makes it hard for a person to breathe.[1]Emphysema, therefore, is a lung condition that is characterized by shortness in breath. The breathing system’s function is compromised in two main points: the air sacs and the breathing tubes. These are crucial in breathing given that the breathing tubes allow the movement of air while the air sacs facilitate absorption of oxygen and the release of Carbon dioxide.[2]For good breathing, the breathing tubes such as the trachea and bronchi are required to remain open. However, under this condition, these tubes collapse due to the destruction of the tissues that keep them open hindering air from flowing freely. The air sacs’ walls, on the other hand, are destroyed with the result being enlarged sacs which lowers the surface area of oxygen absorption. Ultimately, one experiences shortness of breath. The major cause of Emphysema is the habitual smoking of cigarettes. Other airborne irritants have also been found to lead to this condition. These include chemical fumes and other forms of air pollution.[3]

History of Emphysema

The history of Emphysema has only dated as far the available records. It is documented that in the earlier days, physicians were often erroneous in classifying emphysema as asthma.[4]It was only later on in the 17th century when doctors realized that several characteristics set it apart from asthma. Theophile Bonet, Swiss physician described emphysema as a different condition after having performed many autopsies. He observed that cadavers who had suffered from this disease suffered from unusually large lungs.[5]The 19th century brought further enlightening into the condition after a different physician Rene Laennec accurately described this condition as a breakdown of tissue in the air sacs and tubes.[6]This clearly set Emphysema apart from asthma, eliminating the confusion. Given that smoking was not very rampant at the time, Rene concluded that emphysema was mainly caused by genetic factors and air pollution.[7]Further research in the 20th Century led to the invention of devices that are essential in the diagnosis of the condition such as the FEV1 that was used to measure expiratory flow.[8]Today, Emphysema is well understood as lung disease, together with its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and risk factors.

 

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Anatomy of the Breathing System

Emphysema affects the respiratory system.[9]This is the system responsible for gaseous exchange i.e. the absorption of oxygen for respiration and the release of CO2 which is a byproduct of respiration.[10]It consists of various organs including the nose, pharynx, and larynx which form the upper part of the respiratory tract while the lower tract is composed of the trachea, bronchi, and alveoli. The nose enables the intake of air from the atmosphere which then moves down through the pharynx and the breathing tubes including the trachea and the bronchi. Eventually, the air gets into small sacs found in the lungs, referred to as air sacs. These sacs have a rich supply of blood vessels. It is important that the blood vessels are in close contact with the alveoli for air to diffuse across. The gaseous exchange then occurs at this point whereby, the oxygen diffuses across into the blood while CO2 in the blood gets into the lungs and is breathed out. This process is repeated continuously to sustain respiration in the body.[11]

Effects on the Circulatory System

Emphysema can extend its effect to the circulatory system which consists of the heart, blood, and the blood vessels. Both the respiratory and the circulatory system are closely related. The heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs through the pulmonary artery where the gaseous exchange occurs, returning oxygenated blood to the heart via the pulmonary vein. Severe emphysema can create high pressure in this artery due to expanded alveoli. The result is high pressure in the heart causing it to expand and ultimately weaken.[12]

Cause of Emphysema

Emphysema has been found to be caused by the inhalation of airborne substances that irritate the respiratory system. These substances include the leading cause which is cigarette smoking, dust, and other forms of fumes. Second-hand smokers are not exempted from the risk. Besides air pollution, a hereditary factor has also been found to be a cause of Emphysema. This factor is the deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin, a protein that is essential in the protection of the lungs from damage. Besides these causes, there are several risk factors that expose one to this disease such as smoking, exposure to smoking, and age.[13]

Signs and Symptoms

The major symptom of this condition is the shortness of breath. It should, however, be noted that this develops gradually. At first, this symptom is only experienced during demanding physical activities and might be dismissed as a normal occurrence. With time, the shortness of breath occurs even during resting periods.[14]

Diagnosis of Emphysema

Primarily, the diagnosis of Emphysema is done using breathing tests, although it should be noted that such a diagnosis can also be done with the help of a chest CT scan. When it comes to a breathing test, a patient exhales into a machine that has the capacity to measure airflow obstruction. Additionally, damage to the air sacs can be determined using the breathing test whereby, fluctuations in the value of air exhaled suggests damage. Using the breathing test accompanied by several questions such as whether the patient is a smoker, the physician can determine whether the patient is suffering from emphysema.[15]

Complications, Treatment, and Side Effects

Unfortunately, currently, the damage done to the lungs cannot be treated. However, there are treatments available for managing the condition. These treatments are known as bronchodilators.[16]They are inhaled to keep the breathing tubes open. Most importantly, it is strongly recommended that affected persons stop smoking immediately and avoid exposure to polluted air. In extreme cases, oxygen may be prescribed. In situations where the damage to the lung is excessive, an operation can be done to remove the badly affected parts.

Failure to adhere to such treatment can result in severe complications including heart problems, collapsing of the lungs, and bullae. Heart problems result from increased pressure in the pulmonary artery leading to the expansion and consequent weakening of the heart. Collapsing of the lungs is due to severe emphysema while bullae refer to large empty spaces within the lungs which limit the volume of lung expansion.[17]

Conclusion

Currently, research is ongoing in attempts to find a cure for Emphysema. So far, the outcome of such research has been promising with recent reports of a possibility of blocking a molecular pathway to prevent further damaging inflammation associated with emphysema.[18]If this effort is successful, then we will obtain a cure for this condition. For now, however, the condition can only be managed. People can prevent themselves from this condition by ensuring that they avoid smoking and other harmful air pollutants that irritate the lungs.

 

References

[1] Lareau, S. C., Fahy, B., Meek, P., & Wang, A. (2019). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine199(1), P1-P2.

 

[2] Lareau, S. C., Fahy, B., Meek, P., & Wang, A. (2019). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine199(1), P1-P2.

 

[3] Lareau, S. C., Fahy, B., Meek, P., & Wang, A. (2019). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine199(1), P1-P2.

 

[4] Porpodis, K., Zarogoulidis, P., Spyratos, D., Domvri, K., Kioumis, I., Angelis, N., … & Tsakiridis, K. (2014). Pneumothorax and asthma. Journal of thoracic disease6(Suppl 1), S152.

 

[5] Guimarães, M., Bugalho, A., Oliveira, A. S., Moita, J., & Marques, A. (2016). COPD control: Can a consensus be found?. Revista Portuguesa de Pneumologia (English Edition)22(3), 167-176.

 

[6] Medeiros, B. J. D. C. (2018). Subcutaneous emphysema, a different way to diagnose. Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira64(2), 159-163.

 

[7] Medeiros, B. J. D. C. (2018). Subcutaneous emphysema, a different way to diagnose. Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira64(2), 159-163.

 

[8] Pirozzi, C. S., Gu, T., Quibrera, P., Carretta, E., Han, M. K., Murray, S., … & Martinez, C. (2018, January). Heterogeneous Burden of Emphysema and Functional Small Airway Abnormalities in Smokers with FEV1/FVC Ratio Above Lower Limit of Normal but Below 0.7. In American Thoracic Society International Conference Abstracts. Am J Respir Crit Care Med (Vol. 197, p. A6397).

[9] Lareau, S. C., Fahy, B., Meek, P., & Wang, A. (2019). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine199(1), P1-P2.

 

[10] Jaeger, J. M., Titus, B. J., & Blank, R. S. (2019). Essential anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and the pulmonary circulation. In Principles and practice of anesthesia for thoracic surgery (pp. 65-92). Springer, Cham.

 

[11] Jaeger, J. M., Titus, B. J., & Blank, R. S. (2019). Essential anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and the pulmonary circulation. In Principles and practice of anesthesia for thoracic surgery (pp. 65-92). Springer, Cham.

[12] Mirabelli, M. C., Boehmer, T. K., Damon, S. A., Sircar, K. D., Wall, H. K., Yip, F. Y., … & Garbe, P. L. (2018). Air quality awareness among US adults with respiratory and heart disease. American journal of preventive medicine54(5), 679-687

 

[13] Lareau, S. C., Fahy, B., Meek, P., & Wang, A. (2019). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine199(1), P1-P2.

 

[14] Lareau, S. C., Fahy, B., Meek, P., & Wang, A. (2019). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine199(1), P1-P2.

 

[15] Medeiros, B. J. D. C. (2018). Subcutaneous emphysema, a different way to diagnose. Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira64(2), 159-163.

[16] van Geffen, W. H., Kerstjens, H. A., & Slebos, D. J. (2017). Emerging bronchoscopic treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pharmacology & therapeutics179, 96-101.

 

[17] Kontogianni, K., Gerovasili, V., Gompelmann, D., Schuhmann, M., Hoffmann, H., Heussel, C. P., … & Eberhardt, R. (2017). Coil therapy for patients with severe emphysema and bilateral incomplete fissures–effectiveness and complications after 1-year follow-up: a single-center experience. International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease12, 383.

 

[18] Tsantikos, E., Lau, M., Castelino, C. M., Maxwell, M. J., Passey, S. L., Hansen, M. J., … & Anderson, G. P. (2018). Granulocyte-CSF links destructive inflammation and comorbidities in obstructive lung disease. The Journal of clinical investigation128(6).

 

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